Barranquilla Gears Up for the FIDE World Youth Chess Olympiad U16: Successful Official Press Conference
On March 14, the first official press conference for the FIDE World Youth Chess Olympiad U16 was held in Barranquilla. This prestigious event will take place from August 16 to 23, 2025, bringing together ♟️ 600+ young chess players from around the world. With an estimated attendance of 👥 2,000 people, including players and accompanying guests, this competition is set to be a landmark event for both the city and the country.
The press conference took place at the 🏨 Dann Carlton Hotel in Barranquilla, the same venue where the Olympiad will be hosted in August. The event gathered representatives from 📰 national and local media, who received key details about the Olympiad, which promises to be one of the most important sporting events of the year.
The main panel featured distinguished figures, including:
✅ Edison Acosta – President of the Atlántico Chess League
✅ Helmut Bellingrodt – Representative of the Colombian Olympic Committee
✅ Weymar Muñoz – President of the Colombian Chess Federation
✅ Daniel Trujillo – Secretary of Recreation and Sports
✅ Yamila Juan – Head of the Tourism Office
The event was a huge success 🚀 thanks to the collaboration and enthusiasm of all attendees, who showed their commitment to promoting chess and tourism in Barranquilla.
🙏 We extend our gratitude to all media representatives, the 🏛️ Barranquilla Mayor's Office, the 🏅 Ministry of Sports, the 🤝 Colombian Olympic Committee, the 🎭 Secretariat of Recreation and Sports, the 🌍 Tourism Office, and everyone who contributed to this event. Your support is essential to making this Olympiad an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting mark on the history of world chess.
🔹 Colombian Olympic Committee – Ministry of Sports – FIDE America – Atlántico Chess League 🔹
📲 @alcaldiadebarranquilla @secretariadedeportebarranquilla 🎯♟️
WITH VICTORY ON ALL 4 BOARDS, 16 TEAMS KICKED OFF THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD ON THE RIGHT FOOT
By Sandra R. Gómez M.
After securing victories on all four boards, 16 teams are leading the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad, following the conclusion of the first round of the tournament held at the Dann Carlton Hotel in Barranquilla.
FIDE 1 (composed of Russian players), Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan 1 and 2, China, Italy, India, Georgia, Canada, Ireland, Bolivia, Ecuador 3, Venezuela 2, and Colombia teams 17, 3, and 8 scored 4-0 victories in the opening of the championship and now top the standings with 4 points.
Colombia’s main teams, 1 and 2, achieved 3 wins in the round and drew with Guyana and Chile, respectively, for a total of 3.5 points at the start of the competition, the same as FIDE 2, Cuba 1, Colombia 13, Paraguay, Ecuador 1, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa.
With 3 wins and 1 loss are: Peru 1, Brazil, Colombia 7, Cuba 2, Peru 3, Venezuela 1, Chile 1, Peru 4, Panama, and Colombia 12.
Monday’s Round
In the second round of the Olympiad, Sunday’s winners will face each other, promising electrifying duels. The losing teams will also face off in the competition hall.
Some of the matchups of the day, which begins at 10:00 a.m., include: FIDE 1 vs. Peru 3, Ecuador 1 vs. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan 1 vs. Venezuela 1, Guatemala vs. Colombia 1, China vs. Mexico, Chile 1 vs. Kazakhstan 2, Italy vs. New Zealand, El Salvador 1 vs. India, FIDE 2 vs. Peru 4, and Colombia 17 vs. Cuba.
On the academic side, training conducted by Indian International Master Swayangsu Satyapragyan will continue starting at 8:00 a.m. In the afternoon, from 4:00 p.m., the third round of competition will take place.
PERUVIAN CENET MANDUJANO CHALLENGED WORLD CHAMPION ANNA SHUKHMAM IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra R. Gómez M.
Peruvian player Ghaydaa Cenet Mandujano became a thorn in the side of U-20 World Champion, Russia’s Anna Shukhmam, during the second round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad taking place in Barranquilla.
After a prolonged game, Mandujano and Shukhmam agreed to a draw, sealing team FIDE 1’s victory over the Peruvian squad by 3.5 to 0.5.
“I was very nervous, but I told myself: today I’m going to win. It didn’t happen, but I did a good job,” said the young South American. “Games are won or lost. I came to win, and with that, I got the draw,” she added, satisfied with her performance in the competition.
Team FIDE 2 also secured a win in the second round, defeating Peru 4 by 4-0.
Another Victory for Colombia
Colombia’s Team 1 achieved its second victory in the Olympiad, defeating Guyana by 3.5 to 0.5. Ghisell Morales, Santiago López, and Juan José Cano won their respective games, while Santiago Garzón drew against Héctor Linares.
Other results of the day included: Uzbekistan defeating Ecuador 1 by 3-1, Kazakhstan 1 and 2 both winning by 4-0 against Venezuela 1 and Chile 1, respectively; Colombia 11 beating El Salvador 3-1; and Peru 5 defeating Aruba 1 by 3.5 to 0.5.
First Move by the FIDE President
In the third round of the Olympiad, to be played this Monday starting at 4:00 p.m., FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich of Russia will be in charge of making the ceremonial first move before the official start of the games.
The Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League.
The sponsors are: Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
PERUVIAN CENET MANDUJANO CHALLENGED WORLD CHAMPION ANNA SHUKHMAM IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra R. Gómez M.
Peruvian player Ghaydaa Cenet Mandujano became a thorn in the side of U-20 World Champion, Russia’s Anna Shukhmam, during the second round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad taking place in Barranquilla.
After a prolonged game, Mandujano and Shukhmam agreed to a draw, sealing team FIDE 1’s victory over the Peruvian squad by 3.5 to 0.5.
“I was very nervous, but I told myself: today I’m going to win. It didn’t happen, but I did a good job,” said the young South American. “Games are won or lost. I came to win, and with that, I got the draw,” she added, satisfied with her performance in the competition.
Team FIDE 2 also secured a win in the second round, defeating Peru 4 by 4-0.
Another Victory for Colombia
Colombia’s Team 1 achieved its second victory in the Olympiad, defeating Guyana by 3.5 to 0.5. Ghisell Morales, Santiago López, and Juan José Cano won their respective games, while Santiago Garzón drew against Héctor Linares.
Other results of the day included: Uzbekistan defeating Ecuador 1 by 3-1, Kazakhstan 1 and 2 both winning by 4-0 against Venezuela 1 and Chile 1, respectively; Colombia 11 beating El Salvador 3-1; and Peru 5 defeating Aruba 1 by 3.5 to 0.5.
First Move by the FIDE President
In the third round of the Olympiad, to be played this Monday starting at 4:00 p.m., FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich of Russia will be in charge of making the ceremonial first move before the official start of the games.
The Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League.
The sponsors are: Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
KAZAKHSTAN LEADS STANDINGS AT U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD; COLOMBIA 1 IN FOURTH PLACE. KARPOV TO GIVE MASTER LECTURE
By Sandra R. Gómez M.
Teams 1 and 2 from Kazakhstan are leading the standings of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad, after the first three rounds of the tournament, which is being held at the Dann Carlton Hotel in Barranquilla.
The Asian squads have won every game they’ve played so far, propelling them to the top of the table with 12 points each.
In their third-round matches, they defeated Brazil and Cuba 2 by identical 4-0 scores, showcasing their strength, technique, and strategy in every move.
Kazakhstan 1 is composed of International Masters Sauat Nurgaliyev and the young Elnaz Kaliakhmet, along with FIDE Masters Mark Smirnov and Alan Petukhov. Team 2 is made up of FIDE Masters Artyom Bogdanov and Aldiyar Zhauynbay, Candidate Master Danis Kuandykuly, and International Master Zarina Nurgaliyeva.
Colombia 1 Among the Top Four
India holds third place in the Olympiad standings with 11.5 points, while Colombia’s first team sits in fourth place with 11 points, tied with FIDE 1 (team of Russian players) and Uzbekistan.
FIDE 2, Cuba 1, and China occupy positions 7, 8, and 9, respectively, with 10 points. Colombia 5 is tenth, with 9.5 points, the same as Italy, which is in eleventh place.
Fourth-Round Pairings
The fourth round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad begins at 10:00 a.m. this Tuesday. Some of the matchups include: FIDE 1 vs. China, Kazakhstan 1 vs. India, Kazakhstan 2 vs. Uzbekistan, FIDE 2 vs. Colombia 1, Italy vs. Cuba 1, Peru 2 vs. Colombia 5, El Salvador 1 vs. Georgia, Peru 1 vs. Peru 4, Colombia 17 vs. Brazil, Colombia 7 vs. Panama, South Africa vs. Canada, Cuba 2 vs. Colombia 3, and Colombia 13 vs. Ireland, among others.
From 8:00 a.m., Karpov’s Lecture
The academic program of the Olympiad will feature its most remarkable day this Tuesday, highlighted by a master lecture delivered to coaches by one of the greatest exponents of world chess, Russian Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov.
The lecture, which will be held virtually from his home country, begins at 8:00 a.m.
Afterwards, participants will enjoy an inspiring session with the only World Champion born in India—the birthplace of chess—Viswanathan Anand.
Other lectures include: Keys to a Chess Player’s Success by Dr. Guillermo Isidrón; Technological Tools for Monitoring and Controlling Chess Training with Faiber Lotero; another talk with Dr. Isidrón on What to Do in Defeat?; and finally, Dr. Olga Lucía Velásquez will present on Colombia’s Mental Health Law.
The fifth round of the competition will begin at 4:00 p.m.
The Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League.
The sponsors are: Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
COLOMBIA HOLDS ITS OWN IN THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
Colombia 1 drew 2-2 against one of the teams considered contenders for the championship, FIDE 2 (composed of players from Belarus), in the fourth round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad, which is successfully taking place in Barranquilla.
Santiago López defeated Anton Timoshenko, and Ghisell Morales overcame Veranika Abramkina, while Santiago Garzón and Juan José Cano fell to Candidate Master Damir Bulgak and Matvei Savelev, respectively.
The second Colombian team defeated Ecuador 2 by 2.5 to 1.5. Samuel Toro and Sofía Luna Monsalve led Colombia to another victory. Toro defeated Matías Montano, and Monsalve triumphed over Josué Mendoza. Briggith Posada drew her match against Jaziel Bermeo. The only loss for this group in the fourth round came from Alejandro Rueda, who was defeated by Daniel García.
Kazakh Teams Defeated
The two Kazakh teams, which had been leading the standings, both suffered losses. Team 2 fell to Uzbekistan 3 by 3-1, while Kazakhstan 1 was narrowly defeated by another tournament powerhouse, India, in a close duel that ended 2.5 to 1.5.
Meanwhile, FIDE 1, composed of Russian players, once again secured a commanding victory, defeating China 4-0.
In another highlight of Tuesday morning’s round, Italy beat Cuba 1 by 3.5 to 0.5, while nearby, Georgia claimed the same score in their victory over El Salvador 1.
The fifth round of the tournament will take place this afternoon at 4:00 p.m., in the competition hall located on the first floor of the Dann Carlton Hotel.
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Colombian Ministry of Sport, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is also sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
FIDE 1 AND INDIA LEAD THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
FIDE 1 (with Russian players) and India share the lead at the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad, after scoring important victories in the fifth round of the tournament, now three days into official competition in Barranquilla.
On Tuesday afternoon, FIDE 1 defeated Uzbekistan 3.5–0.5, while India beat Colombia 1 by 3–1, giving both teams five wins in five rounds.
FIDE 2 (with Belarusian players), which had drawn with Colombia 1 in the morning, returned to winning ways against Italy, securing a 2.5–1.5 victory, and now sits third in the standings with four wins and one draw.
Kazakhstan’s teams 1 and 2, which had lost earlier in the day, bounced back with victories over Peru and Colombia 2, respectively, keeping their title hopes alive.
Showdown for the Lead
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad has reached its halfway point, and each move on the boards makes the tournament even more thrilling.
Wednesday’s sixth—and only—round brings what could be described as the clash of the tournament, when FIDE 1 and India face each other starting at 10:00 a.m. at the main table of the competition hall.
This match will largely determine the fate of both teams in their quest for the title.
The final four rounds promise even more excitement, particularly as top-level teams clash in decisive encounters. The goal is clear: give no advantage and stay in contention for the podium. To remain in the race, victory is the only option.
Some of Wednesday’s matchups include: Kazakhstan 1 vs. Cuba 1, Georgia vs. China, Kazakhstan 2 vs. Peru 1, Colombia 1 vs. Canada, Italy vs. Colombia 13, New Zealand vs. Brazil, Cuba 2 vs. Mexico, Panama vs. Peru 2, Colombia 7 vs. Colombia 17, Paraguay vs. Colombia 3, Bolivia vs. Colombia 2, Peru 3 vs. Ecuador 2, Colombia 8 vs. Ecuador 1, Colombia 23 vs. Ireland, Peru 5 vs. South Africa, Venezuela 3 vs. Dominican Republic, Grenada vs. Cayman Islands, Curacao vs. Zimbabwe, among others.
The tournament is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is also sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
NARROW VICTORY OF FIDE 1 OVER INDIA PUTS IT AT THE TOP OF THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
The highly anticipated sixth-round clash of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad between India and FIDE 1 (with Russian players) delivered everything expected—and more.
The duel, described as a true final, ended with the FIDE squad edging out the Indians by 2.5–1.5.
The spotlight of cameras and the attention of spectators in the tournament hall at the Dann Carlton Hotel captured four matches where the rivals’ strategy and technique were at their highest level. In fact, U-20 World Champion Anna Shukhmam suffered her second defeat of the Olympiad, this time against Prathamesh Sherla. The winning points for FIDE came from Ivan Zemlyaskii and Artem Uskov, while Savva Vetokhin drew against Ethan Vaz.
Thanks to this victory, FIDE 1 now leads the Olympiad with 6 points from 6 straight wins. India remains with 5 victories and 1 loss, the same record as Kazakhstan 1, Kazakhstan 2, Uzbekistan, and China.
Colombia’s main teams, meanwhile, earned two draws and suffered one defeat. Colombia 1 tied with Canada, while Colombia 2 drew against Bolivia. Colombia 3 lost 3–1 to Paraguay.
Thursday’s Schedule
With six rounds completed, the favorites for the Olympiad title are beginning to emerge, and the decisive battles among the contenders continue.
On Thursday, starting at 10:00 a.m., the seventh round will see FIDE 1 face Kazakhstan 1, while India looks to return to winning form against Uzbekistan. China will take on Kazakhstan 2, Cuba 2 will meet Italy, FIDE 2 will clash with New Zealand, and Colombia 1 will face Paraguay, among other encounters on the penultimate day of competition.
The tournament is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is also sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
ANNA SHUKHMAN AND HER TEAM, FIDE 1, CLOSER TO THE TITLE AT THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad has entered its decisive stage, with FIDE 1 emerging as the clear favorite to win the title in this category. The team, composed of Russian players, secured yet another victory—their seventh—remaining undefeated at the top of the standings with just two rounds left to play.
On Thursday morning, they faced another tough challenge against Kazakhstan 1. As in previous days, the Kazakhs proved to be highly strategic and difficult opponents to read. The clash ended 2.5–1.5, a result that reflected the balance between the two teams. FIDE 1’s triumph was sealed thanks to the efforts of Grandmasters Anna Shukhman and Ivan Zemlyanskii, who defeated Sauat Nurgaliyev and Elnaz Kaliakhmet, respectively, ensuring not only the round victory but also securing a strong step toward the champion’s podium. FIDE 1 now has 7 match points.
Kazakhstan 2 and India in Second Place
With six wins and one loss—both against FIDE 1—Kazakhstan 2 and India currently hold second and third place in the standings.
Like the tournament leader, both teams clinched narrow 2.5–1.5 victories, Kazakhstan 2 over China and India over Uzbekistan.
The eighth and penultimate round is now set, with FIDE 1 taking on Kazakhstan 2. India, meanwhile, will face FIDE 2 (with Belarusian players).
Canada, currently in fourth place, will go up against Uzbekistan. Colombia 1, which earlier in the morning defeated Paraguay 2.5–1.5, will face Ecuador 1.
Final Round, Press Conference, and Closing Ceremony
This Friday, the final round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad will take place at the Dann Carlton Hotel, starting at 10:00 a.m. The celebration of chess, which has taken over Barranquilla for a week, will come to a close with the satisfaction of having gathered the very best in this category.
Once the final games conclude, and after a short break, the champions and other podium finishers will hold a press conference to share their impressions of the tournament. This will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the tournament’s press room.
The Colombian Chess Federation invites journalists from all media outlets to attend the conclusion of the championship.
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Colombian Ministry of Sport, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
ANNA SHUKHMAN AND HER TEAM, FIDE 1, CLOSER TO THE TITLE AT THE U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad has entered its decisive stage, with FIDE 1 emerging as the clear favorite to win the title in this category. The team, composed of Russian players, secured yet another victory—their seventh—remaining undefeated at the top of the standings with just two rounds left to play.
On Thursday morning, they faced another tough challenge against Kazakhstan 1. As in previous days, the Kazakhs proved to be highly strategic and difficult opponents to read. The clash ended 2.5–1.5, a result that reflected the balance between the two teams. FIDE 1’s triumph was sealed thanks to the efforts of Grandmasters Anna Shukhman and Ivan Zemlyanskii, who defeated Sauat Nurgaliyev and Elnaz Kaliakhmet, respectively, ensuring not only the round victory but also securing a strong step toward the champion’s podium. FIDE 1 now has 7 match points.
Kazakhstan 2 and India in Second Place
With six wins and one loss—both against FIDE 1—Kazakhstan 2 and India currently hold second and third place in the standings.
Like the tournament leader, both teams clinched narrow 2.5–1.5 victories, Kazakhstan 2 over China and India over Uzbekistan.
The eighth and penultimate round is now set, with FIDE 1 taking on Kazakhstan 2. India, meanwhile, will face FIDE 2 (with Belarusian players).
Canada, currently in fourth place, will go up against Uzbekistan. Colombia 1, which earlier in the morning defeated Paraguay 2.5–1.5, will face Ecuador 1.
Final Round, Press Conference, and Closing Ceremony
This Friday, the final round of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad will take place at the Dann Carlton Hotel, starting at 10:00 a.m. The celebration of chess, which has taken over Barranquilla for a week, will come to a close with the satisfaction of having gathered the very best in this category.
Once the final games conclude, and after a short break, the champions and other podium finishers will hold a press conference to share their impressions of the tournament. This will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the tournament’s press room.
The Colombian Chess Federation invites journalists from all media outlets to attend the conclusion of the championship.
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Colombian Ministry of Sport, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
U-16 WORLD YOUTH CHESS OLYMPIAD CONCLUDES THIS FRIDAY. FIDE 1 REMAINS UNDEFEATED
By Sandra Rocío Gómez Manrique
The curtain is about to fall on the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad, which has been held in Barranquilla since August 16. On Friday, players from 42 participating countries will move the pieces one last time, closing an unforgettable week for the sport of chess in Colombia and worldwide.
The decisive final round of the Olympiad will begin at 10:00 a.m. The tournament has been dominated by FIDE 1, which in the penultimate round defeated Kazakhstan 2 by 3.5–0.5, once again displaying the superiority it has shown throughout the championship.
In the closing round, FIDE 1 (composed of Russian players) will face FIDE 2 (with players from Belarus) in a duel between two of the tournament’s top teams. FIDE 2 comes into the clash after defeating India 3–1.
Other teams at the top of the standings—Kazakhstan 1, Uzbekistan, and Colombia—also collected victories in the eighth round. Kazakhstan 1 beat Peru 1 by 3.5–0.5, Uzbekistan defeated Canada by the same score, and Colombia 1 overcame Ecuador 1, also 3.5–0.5.
In addition to the highly anticipated match between the two FIDE teams, the final round will feature encounters such as Italy vs. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan 1 vs. China, Kazakhstan 2 vs. Colombia 1, Canada vs. India, Panama vs. Mexico, Cuba 2 vs. Cuba 1, Georgia vs. Ecuador 1, Chile 1 vs. Peru 1, Peru 4 vs. Brazil, among others.
Press Conference and Closing Ceremony in the Afternoon
Once the full podium of the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad is determined, the organizers will hold a press conference at the Dann Carlton Hotel starting at 3:00 p.m., with the top three teams of the championship.
One hour later, the closing and awards ceremony will officially conclude the event.
The U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad is organized by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office, FIDE International, FIDE America, the Colombian Ministry of Sport, the Colombian Olympic Committee, the Colombian Chess Federation, and the Atlántico Chess League. It is sponsored by Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla, Tigo Colombia, Activos por Colombia, Cajacopi, Hotel Sky Collection COCED, Alemar Transporte Esencial, P&G, AAA, Cosesam, Universidad del Norte, Ascun, FundaSuperior, Miche, Freddy Hernández Abogado, Coffee Zarza, and Lozano Ramírez Abogados Asociados.
