ETCC open section
After two consecutive victories at the start of the European Team Championship, the hosting country Greece was paired to take on the defending champion Azerbaijan.
Hristos Banikas was the first to conclude the game, by making a draw with Teimour Radjabov, although he felt that he could have achieved advantage. But then, just like in the first round, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov brings an early lead for his team.
Vugar Gashimov was also on the road to victory, but Dimitrios Mastrovasilis defended tenaciously and earned a draw. Eltaj Safarli finally dispelled all hopes for Greece as he beat Ioannis Nikolaidis for the final 3-1 in the match.
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Meanwhile, Spain maintained the perfect score by walking past Romania 3-1 and scheduled a meeting with Azerbaijan in the tomorrow’s 4th round.
Russia was held by the Netherlands in the match that produced four draws. Bulgaria squeezes a 2.5-1.5 victory against Poland thanks to GM Alexander Delchev’s effort on the 3rd board and announces the clash with Russia in the next round.
Germany and France win against Hungary and Israel, respectively, and in similar manner – three draws and full point on the 4th board. The executioners were Jan Gustafsson and Christian Bauer.
Armenia was on the verge of defeat against England when Gabriel Sargissian saved the day. Serbia signed a 4-0 against Turkey.
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ETCC 2011 women section
Russia seems determined to take the third consecutive gold in the European Women Team Championships as today they demolished the solid team of Romania by clear 4-0.
Ukraine made a short work of Netherlands and took home a 3.5-0.5 victory. The only draw was salvaged by WIM Lisa Schut. Georgia also maintains the perfect score after muscling Serbia to 2.5-1.5 with Nana Dzagnidze bringing the key point on the first board.
In the 4th round Ukraine takes on Russia while Georgia will play Armenia, who edged Germany by 2.5-1.5.
Czech Republic was held to a tie by the constantly improving Turkish team. Greece also splits points with Hungary, while the brave Switzerland loses to Poland.
Interviews with Levon Aronian, Kateryna Lahno, Csaba Balogh, Marina and Sabino Brunello
Interviews with IM Elisabeth Paehtz, GM Elina Danielian and GM Anish Giri
Azerbaijan is dangerous.