'We're nowhere near favourites': MVL names India among Olympiad contenders
French chess grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, known as MVL, discussed the French team's prospects at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. He identified the USA, India, China, and Uzbekistan as the primary favorites for the tournament.
Why it matters
The Chess Olympiad is the premier international team event in chess, and insights from a top-tier player provide context on the current competitive landscape of the sport.
NEW DELHI: The 46th edition of the Chess Olympiad kicked off in style for the French men's team on Wednesday as they secured a clean 4-0 sweep over lower-ranked Tunisia. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, popularly known as MVL, was absent from action as the Board 1 player was rested, perhaps much needed after a gruelling week of matches in India's Global Chess League (GCL).This time, France's team enters the fray with a solid side featuring MVL, Étienne Bacrot, Maxime Lagarde, Jules Moussard and youngester Marc'Andria Maurizzi. Sébastien Mazé serves as captain.But ask MVL whether France can win the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, and he does not reach for a diplomatic hedge, a motivational cliché or the line about how anything can happen in a Swiss system."We're nowhere near favourites," he told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive interaction. "But we have a good solid team, and I think everyone's really motivated.
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