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China crowned world chess champion

By Cruz Fang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-05-29 11:39

Beijing - China smashed Botswana 4-0 on May 28 to clinch the trophy at the first World Women's Team Chess Championship even though there is one more round to go.

China now leads the tournament of 10 teams with 15 points; Russian trails behind with 13 points, while Ukraine is in third place at 12 points.

"We came to fight for the championship," said China's coach Ye Jiangchuan in an interview with Sina.com. "During the competition we have seen our team mature immensely. It's not an unexpected victory. This is an excellent team."

On the way to the championship, China beat seven of its eight opponents during the tournament, including an impressive 4-0 win over powerhouse Russia. China only had a 2-2 draw with Georgia.

China will play Germany on May 28 in the final round.

The event is scheduled from May 19 to 30 in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The winning team will receive a trophy weighing 15 kilograms and made up of precious Urals stone, according to the official website.