SERZH SARGSYAN: ARMENIA’S SUCCESS AT THE CHESS OLYMPIAD WAS THE VICTORY OF TEAMWORK

armradio.am
26.11.2008 11:23

The President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, called the success of the
Armenian chess players in Dresden the victory of teamwork.

Armenia won its second straight gold medal at the Chess Olympiad
Tuesday by defeating China 2.5-1.5 in the 11th and final round.

Armenia’s only win came on board four where Tigran L. Petrosian beat
Li Chao. Armenia finished the tournament alone in first place with
19 points.

Two points are awarded for each match win and one for a tie.

The President had left for Dresden on Monday to support the chess
players in the last round.

"We are a small nation, and it’s extremely important for us to become
better known in the world. Today we made a very important step in
that direction," the President of Armenia told Deutsche Velle.

Serzh Sargsyan said chess became very popular in Armenia after the
victory of the ninth Olympic Champion Tigran Petrosyan. "Everyone
in Armenia started playing chess after Tigran Petrosyan’s victory,"
the President said.

"Winning the gold already feels like something we’re getting used to,"
Levon Aronian, first board for Armenia told the Associated Press.

Aronian also paid tribute to Karen Asrian, a member of the 2008 team
who died suddenly in June at age 28.

"He was our good friend and we wer e trying to play well for his
memory," Aronian said.

The "golden" team will return to Armenia today at 6 p.m. today.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress