It could not have been closer. Going into the final with a 2.5 point lead the Chinese men needed just one point to win the championship. They got half of that after 21 moves on board one. But on boards 2-4 the Russians cleaned up, and the 3-0 there put them half a point ahead in the final score. Triumph and despair.

[url=http://www.chesbase.com]http://www.chesbase.com[/url]

Caught! Russians win the World Team Championship

11.11.2005

The championship took place in the Yad Lebanim House, Reger Ave, Menahem Begin Square, Beer Sheva City, Israel. The world’s strongest teams are

participating, headed by Ukraine, Russia, Armenia and the USA. Israel, the host, is ranked fifth worldwide.

Final Standings

Team       wins   losses   draws points
1 Russia     8     0     0   22
2 China Men   6     2     0   21.5
3 Armenia     4     1     3   18.5
4 Ukraine     4     3     1   17.5
5 USA       3     3     2   16.5
6 Israel     2     5     1   14.5
7 Georgia     2     5     1   13.5
8 Cuba       1     4     3   13
9 China Women 0     7     1   7

The Cuba Team           ELO

Lazaro Bruzon           2677
Lenier Dominguez         2635
Neuris Delgado           2551
Jesus Nogueiras           2547
Walter Arencibia         2510
Yuniesky Quezada         2505
Captain: Jose Luis Altuna