Chess-Chesslers learn a lot at Olympiad |16 October 2010

The country’s men’s team comprising Kurt Meier, Benjamin Hoareau, Kasthuri Pillay, Ragul Pillay, Eli Louise and Arnold Mein took part in the open section, finishing 148th out of 149 teams in the open tournament. Senegal finished last.

Ukraine won the open tournament ahead of runners-up Russia ‘1’ and third-placed Israel.

The women’s team of Bernadette Mein, Rachelle Hoareau, Marianna Eulentin, Cindy Henriette, Ronelle Sirame and Flora Meier were placed 115th out of as many countries.

Russia ‘1’ dominated the women’s tournament to finish in front of China (runners-up) and Georgia (third).

Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine – a veteran of many Olympiads – won the gold medal for finishing as the top performer among the best players on each team. Emil Sutovsky of Israel narrowly beat Ivanchuk for the best overall performance, earning a gold as the top board 2 player.

On the Seychelles team, Ragul Pillay, 16, scored the most points – 4 in 11 rounds – and the Seychelles Chess Federation (SCF) would like to congratulate all team members for doing their best.

The SCF would also like to thank all sponsors, the Seychelles government, the championship’s organising committee, the International Chess Federation (Fide) and families of the team members for making the trip a success.

Speaking to Sports Nation, SCF chairman Hoareau said he was satisfied with the teams’ performances at the championship.

“The Seychelles teams came out winners as all team members learned many new things and got the chance to correct their mistakes. Now, we should build on what we have learned,” he said.

The men’s team’s two youngest members at 11 years old – Louise and Mein – also give interviews while in Khanty-Mansiysk.

Louise said: “I’ve been playing chess since 2008. I started taking part in chess tournaments at the beginning of 2010. It is my first Chess Olympiad and it has been an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to my sister, who introduced me to chess.

“I have not won any title so far, but I want to win some in the near future. I know that I have everything ahead of me because I am only 11 years old. I had never been to the northern part of Russia before and I am very interested in the way people live here (in Khanty-Mansiysk).”

Mein had this to say: “I was taught how to play chess in our school. My mother brought me to the chess club when I was six. I like chess because it is an intellectual game. On the other hand, if you perform well, you have a chance to visit different cities and countries.

“If not for chess, I would have never visited the very beautiful city of Khanty-Mansiysk. I also like the traditional food.”

Mein’s mother is Bernadette Mein, who played on the country’s women’s team.