It’s Russia vs Team USA

At the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad, Russia continued to impress, progressing to the semifinals.

The top-ranked Russians breezed through Hungary, 8.0-4.0, and advanced to the next round, where they will next play Team USA.

The third-seeded Americans blasted Ukraine, 9.5-3.5, posting the most one-sided victory in the quarterfinals.

Poland also advanced, beating Azerbaijan in Armageddon tie-break play-off, 7.5--6.5. Team Poland will next meet India, which pulled off another stunner by defeating No. 4 seed Armenia, 3.5-2.5. The Armenians forfeited their second quarterfinal match after their protest, over a drawn game lost through internet disconnection, was denied.

Best-of-three semifinal matches are underway at presstime, with each match played over six boards, composed of two men and two women players, plus one under-20  male and one under-20 female players.

Games can be followed live with commentaries at various chess websites.