Taiwan vs. Canada:

We were highly favoured today, as usual in the opening round. Oksana sat, and our top four boards took care of business for a 4-0 sweep. None of the games ever looked dangerous for our side, but they weren’t all rollovers either. It’s not always easy to face players whom you outrate by 400 points or so, because the pressure’s entirely on you, and in chess, one error can sometimes cost you the game! Two highlights from today’s games show the importance of precise play, in very different situations. By the way, the open section team also posted a 4-0 score today, over another island nation (Guernsey).

1. Maili-Jade capitalizes on her opponent’s oversight to win a pawn in the opening.

2. Yunshan finds the key move to forestall a potentially deadly attack and keep her winning initiative.