Zimbabwe Chess men won round 9 game at the Chess Olympiad

After a resounding victory against ICCD, Zimbabwe defeated Jordan 3.5-0.5. International Master Rodwell Makoto had defeated Grand Master Gruenfeld Yehuda in a pulsating game in round nine another shocking defeat which he paused to one of the Grand Masters he shocked.

The team never looked back and kept other teams on their toes as they defeated Jordan and Dominican Republic respectively. Makoto defeated Mansour Sameer on board for Jordan while, Zhemba Jemusse won against International Master Ahmad Alkhatib on board two. Spencer Masango drew against Fide Master Issa Rafat who saved the Jordanian team from a whitewash and held for a draw. Elisha Thabo won a pulsating game on board four against their highly rated International Master who had a rating advantage on paper but could not perform to expectations.

Elisha Thabo unleashed a novelty in the game which left many spectators wondering what really he was thinking about. Yet it was victory for the young-man. The team eventually won 3.5-0.5. In the 11th round Zimbabwe was paired against Dominican Republic and the team won 2.5-1.5. IM Makoto won against Fide Master Abreu Carlos Paul, while Zhemba lost to Dominguez Jose Manuel on board two.

Spencer Masango drew against FM Guzman Christopher while Thabo ensured that the earned a crucial point which led the team to the podium after defeating them 2.5-1.5. Zimbabwe team won a bronze medal in the category B section after they were pushed by tie-break by Japan who also had 13 points.The team also finished second in Africa after Egypt who scored 15 points. This was a historic win by team Zimbabwe who performed much better than what the ranking showed. Congratulations team Zimbabwe, well done.

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