A significant achievement for the U.S. Chess program

Here's the latest from Baku, Azerbaijan (home of the greatest chess player of all time): USA and China take gold in Baku Chess Olympiad

The United States of America have won their first Olympic gold medals since 1976 after a grueling and exciting last round. Despite clearly outrating opponents and neighbors Canada, they could only manage a 2.5-1.5 win, APA reports .

This gave rivals Ukraine a chance to overtake them on tie-breaks; they did put in a spirited performance, culminating in a 3.5-0.5 win against Slovenia, but it turned out not to be enough.

As Dana MacKenzie observes:

This is the first time that the United States has ever won an Olympiad in which Russia (or the Soviet Union) has participated. Caruana, Nakamura, So, Shankland, and Robson have etched their names in immortality. And coach John Donaldson, too!

Congratulations to all!