Israeli star Gelfand
Photo: Tomeriko
Israeli team has chance for medal in Chess Olympiad
Following surprising victory over strong Armenian team, defeat by Ukraine, Israeli players one successful match away from first Olympic medal
The Israeli chess team, which has already won impressive achievements in the Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany, is now closer than ever to securing a medal in the prestigious competition.
Despite a disappointing loss to the Ukrainian team on Sunday, which cost the team its first place ranking, bringing it down to the third place, the Israelis are still very likely to win their first Olympic medal.
Chess Olympiad in Dresden (Photo: AFP)
In order to do so, Israel would have to win (or possibly draw) against the Russian team in the final match on Tuesday.
The Chess Olympiad, which this year hosts 146 teams from around the world, is held once every two years and is considered by international players to be the "Wimbledon of the game."
During the games the Israeli team registered a surprising victory against the strong Armenian team, which is favored to win the gold, and enjoyed a no-losing streak that lasted until the match versus Ukraine.
The leading Israeli player is Boris Gelfand, 40, from Rishon Letzion. Gelfand is ranked 19 in the world, but is expected to receive a higher ranking following the triumph over the Armenians.
Zvi Alush and Nir Gontarz contributed to the report
