Russia, Host China Lead Way at World Mind Games

(ATR) The fourth annual edition of the SportAccord World Mind Games is underway in the capitol of China.

The 2014 World Mind Games opened in Beijing on Dec. 10. This year, 150 competitors from 37 countries congregated to compete in bridge, chess, draughts, go, and xiangqi with 24 medal rounds and a prize pool of $1.4 million.

After five days of competition, 14 medals have been awarded. Russia holds the top spot with nine medals in chess and draughts.

After 30 rounds of blitz chess, Alexander Grischuk won the gold medal in the men’s blitz chess event, as well as men’s rapid chess. His female counterpart, Valentina Gunina, took the gold medal for Russia in women’s blitz chess and a silver medal for women’s rapid chess.

Meanwhile, Alexander Shvartsman and Tamara Tansykkuzhina took home gold medals in the men’s 100 draughts blitz and the women’s 100 draughts rapid events, respectfully.

China follows in a close second with eight medals in bridge, chess, and go. The host country won two gold medals in go as the men’s national team dominated men’s team go and Zhiying Yu won women’s individual go.

Yifan Hou also won a gold medal for China after her victory in women’s blitz chess as well as a silver medal in women’s rapid chess. Netherlands trails in third place with three medals: a gold medal in the men’s 100 draughts rapid and women’s pair bridge, as well as a silver medal in women’s team bridge.

The tournament will continue through Dec. 17 with nine of the remaining ten medals being awarded on the final day of competition.

Written by Andrew Murrell

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