The Week in Chess

China took a two point lead after the second day and fourth round of the FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup. In Round 3 China drew 2-2 against Russia needing Ding Liren to beat Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final game to finish after an earlier rather drastic win by Vladislav Artemiev against Wei Yi who seemed to be experiencing some issues with the Internet, at least at the start of the game. China then beat India 2.5-1.5 with Vidit losing his third game out of three in the event, this time to Wang Hao.

The USA started the day with a 2.5-1.5 victory against the Rest of the World with the win by Irina Krush over Dinara Saduakassova being decisive. The remaining games were drawn but Leinier Dominguez was surely lost before fighting back to be even a bit better in the end against Alireza Firouzja. In their second match of the day the USA lost 3-1 to Europe with Nana Dzagnidze beating Anna Zatonskih and Levon Aronian beating Leinier Dominguez. This result moved Europe level with the USA, in no small part this was due to Aronian's wins in rounds 3 and 4, the only 2/2 score of the day. Russia moved into fourth place with a 3-1 win against the Rest of the World in round 4.

Results Round 3 China 2-2 Russia, India 1.5-2.6 Europe, USA 2.5-1.5 RoW

Results Round 4 Russia 3-1 RoW, Europe 3-1 USA, China 2.5-1.5 India.

Round 4 Standings: 1 China 7Mpts (10.5Bpts), 2 USA 5 (8.5), 2 Europe 5 (8.5), 4 Russia 4 (8), 5 Rest of the World 2 (6), 6 India 1 (6.5).

Round 5 Thursday 7th May 2pm BST: India-Russia, USA-China and RoW-Europe

Round 6 Thursday 7th May 3:45pm BST: Russia 3-1 RoW, Europe 3-1 USA, China 2.5-1.5 India.