The Asian Nations Cup 2016

by Priyadarshan Banjan - 29/03/2016

The Asian Nations Cup Chess Championship began yesterday at the Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan hotel with 20 countries competing for the right to represent Asia in the World Chess Team Championship. Team India, led by top coaches R.B. Ramesh and Vishal Sareen, are obvious contenders for the title in both the men's and women's section, but we are facing the great wall of China, the country that remains the overwhelming favourite. A quick report introducing the tournament.

The Asian Nations Cup 2016

The Asian Nations Cup Chess Championship began yesterday at the Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan hotel with 20 countries competing for the right to represent Asia in the World Chess Team Championship.The tournament is organized by the UAE Chess Federation under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs , Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Asian Chess Federation.

The standard competition will be played as a Swiss System of 9 rounds for the men. The Women's section meanwhile is a ten-team round-robin affair. The rapid and blitz championships will be conducted in a five-round Swiss as a qualification to choose four teams to play in knockout Semi Final and Final.

The tournament is being held in the men’s and women’s divisions in three categories of standard, rapid and blitz chess. The race, once again, is expected to be between the two Asian superpowers -- India and China.

Team India, led by top coaches R.B. Ramesh and Vishal Sareen, are obvious contenders for the title in both the men's and women's section, but we are facing the great wall of China, the country that remains the overwhelming favourite.

Top seed China, with an average rating of 2694, is the defending champion in both men’s and women’s divisions, having scored double victories in the previous two editions in China in 2012 and in Iran in 2014. Strong challenge is expected from second seed India, with an average rating of 2652, the previous Olympiad bronze medalist.

In the first round, India Men's team shut out Jordan 3.5-0.5

Already into the first round, the top seeds had smooth sailing, with both India and China putting it across their less fancied rivals.

Indian women's team blanked UAE-1 4-0, but the real test comes now, as they face the Chinese in the second round.

Women's Round 02 Pairings:

Men's Round 02 Pairings:

Let us wish Team India all the best to bring the cup home!