Pakistan ended the 40th edition of World Chess Olympiad on a mixed note with their women team thrashing Namibia 4-0 but open team suffered a 3.5 to .5 loss to Puerto Rico at Expo Centre Hall.
Pakistan women quartet of Zenobia Wasif, Nida Mishraz Siddiqui, Ghazala Shabbir and Fatima Shabbir produced their best in the event by ending in a blaze of glory with resounding 4-0 win against Namibia in the 11th and last round.
After losing the 10th round and drawing the 9th round, playing at the top board, Zenobia scored a commanding victory over Nicola Tjaronda.
Reigning National Women Champion Zenobia played to her best and forced his opponent to resign after 35 moves.
Pakistan’s highest rated women player – Nida Mishraz defeated Jolly Nepando to earn her 7th point in a row.
She made smart tactical moves which forced Jolly to make a couple of blunders and eventually forced her to resign after over two and half hours contest lasting 42 moves.
It was also a good day for mother/daughter duo of Ghazala Shabbir and Fatima as they both won their matches playing to together.
16-year-old Fatima notched-up her first win on the last day after losing her six matches in succession. She defeated Aluteni Shaadai. Ghazala defeated Rauha Shipindo.
From twos, wins, two draws and six defeats, Pakistan team secured 112th spot in the competition.
In the open event Pakistan team made a disappointing ending against a talented Puerto Rico team which had three FIDE Masters in their line-up.
At the top board International Mahmood Lodhi was surprised by Rivera Machin, who is placed was 35 points behind him in international rating.
Lodhi enjoyed a slight edge in the first part of the game. But a couple of blunders under stress in the middle game cost him the match after a tough five hours match involving 63 moves. “I am disappointed with our showing. We could have easily finished much better. But too many mistakes make us slip to 100,” dejected Pakistan Captain Mahmood Lodhi, said.
Anwar Qureshi, who was awarded a Candidate Master title a day ago, held FIDE Master Reyes Vazques to a draw. Anwar played with a defensive tactics and never allowed his opponent to make any advancement.
Due to a cautious approach of both the players they mutually agreed to share a point after over four hours contest.
Waqar Ahmed Madni went down to FIDE Master Edgardo Ortiz Almedina and Haseeb Ahmed lost to Roberto Nazario Montanez.
After four wins, two draws and five defeats, Pakistan finished 103rd in 160-nation contest.
Bangladesh finished 33rd and lndia finished 35th. Pakistan needs to train the younger generation, put more money towards chess. Need's to send its players to international tournaments. Otherwise Pakistan's chess future is bleak.
shame on the Chess federation of Pakistan for their favouring attitude and not allowing top stars of Pakistan, Tunvir, Amer, Wasim, Muhammad Waqar, Dr. Murtaza, Asad Rampuri, Khalil Butt, and many others to participate in the National. Last time Pakistan team were on 62nd Position in Khanty and was 2nd in the Category.
worst team to represent Pakistan…. so are the results.
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