KATHMANDU, Sept 7: Nepal has registered a victory over Malta on Wednesday in the ongoing 42th Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nepal overcame Malta 3-1 in the fifth round of men's event though the women's team faced 3-1 defeat against Ireland on the same day. Nepal has now collected five and three points in the men's and women's sections respectively after completion of the fifth round.
In the men's event, Bilam Lal Shrestha produced another victory giving continue to his unbeaten streak as he overcame 2017-rated Duncan Vella in the 56th move and earned personal four match points. In the same event, 2034-rated Sajin Shrestha also registered his third win in the Olympiad defeating 2151-rated Joseph Gauci in the 48th move. Sajin has now added personal three points in his account. He could earn the title of Candidate Master if he earns half point in the remaining four round matches.
Similarly, 2013-rated Kshitiz Bhandari earned his first win of the tournament beating 2057-rated Clarence Psaila. However, another Nepali player Keshav Shrestha lost to Colin Pace in the 70th move.
Likewise in the women's event, Monalisa Khamboo and Sindira Joshi settled for draws. Monalisa and Sindira were held by Alice O`Gorman and Diana Mirza respectively. However, other Nepali participants Sujana Lohani and Shanta Thapa lost their respective matches. Sujana gave up against Gearoidin Ui Laighleis in the 82nd move while Shanta was beaten by Karina Kurk in the 49th move.
Nepal will now face Colombia and Guam in the men's and women's events respectively in the sixth round.
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