Chess Olympiad: Gap to Russia Widens, China Catching up

Bled, 1 November - Garry Kasparov and Alexander Khalifman came back on the Russian team with a vengeance on Friday, as Russia crushed Poland 3:1. The highest-ranking team in the world have thus opened up a 2.5-point gap after the first half of the 14-round tournament that seems almost beyond reach. In the women's competition, Georgia remains in the lead after round 7 despite a draw with Russia, while reigning champions China revived their hope of a top spot by wiping out France with a clear 3:0.