Russia the best at World Mind Games 2014

Hello chess blog friends, Russia emerge as the big winners in 4th edition of the SportAccord World Mind Games; China come a close second. The celebrations of the Russians marked the close of the 4th edition of the World Mind Games 2014, organised in Beijing, China from December 11-17, 2014. The final competition of this year’s event ended with Ian Nepomnianchtchi (Russia) and Hou Yifan (China) being crowned the winners in the men’s and women’s chess basque competitions. With the final medals being awarded, the Russians emerged as the big winners in the whole competition as their players took home a total of 6 gold and 5 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal.

Apart from Hou Yifan, Alexander Grishchuk from Russia (chess), Ilan and Ophir Herbst from Israel, Nicola Smith from England, Geir Helgemo from Monaco (all bridge), Mi Yuting and Yu Zhiying from China (both Go) emerged as the big winners in the 4th edition, taking home 2 gold medals each.

Announcing the closing of the World Mind Games 2014, SportAccord Director General Vlad Marinescu said, “In terms of scale, competition, organisation and broadcasting, this edition of the World Mind Games has set the benchmark for all future editions of the same, and even other SportAccord multi-sports games. We congratulate the athletes for their success, the international federations for their contributions and the local organising committee for their untiring efforts in ensuring the event’s conduct. We also thank the sponsors for providing their valuable support for the World Mind Games 2014. The venue became a big melting pot for all elements that contribute towards a successful event. The cultural programme touched over 2000 children, through the activities of our sporting ambassadors. Finally, we give a big vote of thanks to the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, the Board and Card Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the people of Beijing people for welcoming us with open arms and making this the home of the World Mind Games for the last 4 years.”

In total, there were 150 players from 37 countries, who took part in the World Mind Games 2014. There were 14 disciplines across 5 sports on offer, with 24 medal rounds being contested.

Full results and schedule
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