Nodirbek Abdusattarov secures crucial win for Uzbekistan

The 45th World Chess Olympiad continues in Budapest, Hungary, with intense matches across the board. In the 8th round, Uzbekistan's women's team faced off against the United States but was defeated with a score of 0.5:3.5.

In contrast, the men's national team of Uzbekistan clinched a hard-fought victory over Serbia, winning 2.5:1.5. While three team members managed draws, it was Nodirbek Abdusattarov who secured the decisive win, propelling his team to victory.

With this result, the reigning champions, Uzbekistan's men's team, moved up to 2nd place. On September 20, they are set to face India, which has won all eight rounds so far. In the previous Olympiad, a win against India helped Uzbekistan claim their first title. Meanwhile, the women's team, following their 8th-round defeat, has dropped to 25th place.

It is also noteworthy that Gulruhbegim Tohirjonova, a key player for the U.S. team and originally from Uzbekistan, opted not to play against her former compatriots. She was set to compete against Afruza Hamdamova but was replaced by her teammate Karissa Shiven Yip.