Uzbekistan Wins All Seven Matches at the 2026 Chess Olympiad; China and Kazakhstan Share t

5 min read

Reported by Chess.com News.

Uzbekistan has won all seven of its matches at the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026. In round seven they beat China 3-1. GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated GM Ding Liren, and GM Nodirbek Yakubboev also won his game. In the women's event, China and Kazakhstan share the lead.

What happened, in plain language

Uzbekistan played seven matches and won every single one. That is the headline. In round seven they faced China, one of the strongest teams in the world, and won 3-1. Two players named Nodirbek did the damage: Nodirbek Abdusattorov beat Ding Liren, and Nodirbek Yakubboev also won his game. The other two games must have been a draw and a loss, or two draws, but the team result was never in doubt.

On the women's side, China and Kazakhstan are tied at the top after seven rounds. That means the race for the women's gold is wide open. With several rounds still to play, both teams will need to keep winning to stay ahead. The Olympiad is a marathon, and one bad round can drop you out of medal contention.

Why this matters for the chess world

A perfect score after seven rounds is rare at the Olympiad. It means Uzbekistan is not just winning, they are winning consistently against strong opposition. Beating China 3-1 sends a message: Uzbekistan is a real contender for the gold medal. For fans, this makes the final rounds must-watch chess.

The women's section is just as interesting. China and Kazakhstan sharing the lead means neither team has blinked yet. Every match from here is a pressure test. One slip and the other team takes the lead. That kind of tension is what makes the Olympiad special.

The one idea a beginner can steal

Look at how Uzbekistan wins matches: they do not need all four boards to win. They need enough boards to win. In round seven, two wins and two draws or losses were enough for a 3-1 victory. That is a team mindset. As a beginner, you can steal that mindset for your own tournament or club matches. You do not need to win every game. You need to win your game and trust your teammates.

But even in individual games, the idea applies. You do not need to win every piece or every exchange. You need to win the game. Stop trying to crush your opponent in every line. Play solid moves, take your chances, and let the result come. That is how strong teams and strong players operate.

What this does NOT mean for your games

Uzbekistan winning seven matches does not mean you should copy their opening repertoire. It does not mean you should play like Nodirbek Abdusattorov. You are not a grandmaster. Their moves work because they calculate deeply and understand positions at a level that takes years to build. If you try to imitate their sharpest lines, you will likely blunder.

Also, their team success does not mean you will suddenly start winning all your games. Chess improvement is slow. One tournament result, no matter how impressive, does not change your rating overnight. Keep working on your tactics, your endgames, and your opening principles. That is what moves the needle.

The Guru section

You watch Uzbekistan win seven matches and you think, why can't I win one? You can. But you need someone to show you what you are missing. That is what the Guru does. He watches your actual position, explains in plain English while you play, and helps you find the moves you keep overlooking. No jargon. No judgment. Just clear guidance.

The Guru is free to start. So sign up, play a game, and let him point out the moment you went wrong. You will learn more from one game with the Guru than from ten games alone. Stop guessing. Start improving.

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