Equatorial Guinea is achieving victories at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.5 to 0.5 in the ninth round. With this victory, the men’s team now has three wins and one draw, matching their performance at the previous Olympiad in India 2022.
The match took place in the BOK hall of the sports center, where the players demonstrated great mental strength and a consistent offensive strategy. International Master Xavier Mompel Ferruz paved the way by defeating FIDE Master Kabamwanishis Mashala, while Oscar Naranjo and Pedro Manuel Envo also secured victories on their boards. Ángel Estanislao, for his part, drew against Kasongo Kazadi, further solidifying Equatorial Guinea’s position in the tournament. With this win, the team climbs seven spots in the overall standings.
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In addition to their performance on the board, Equatorial Guinea has been working on developing chess at the national level. The Equatorial Guinea Chess Federation has implemented initiatives to promote the sport in schools, aiming to nurture new generations of talented players and increase participation in local tournaments.
The women’s team has also performed notably, despite losing to Pakistan 1-3 on the same day, currently holding two wins and one draw in the tournament. The players have shown competitiveness and skills, reflecting the growing interest in chess in the country.
The final round will take place on September 22, with the closing ceremony scheduled for Monday. The 2024 edition has brought together over 190 countries, highlighting chess as a vehicle for peace and international understanding, while Equatorial Guinea continues to shine on the global stage.
