SAMARKAND, September 26. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan’s men’s team secured a key 2.5-1.5 victory over the United States in the ninth round of the Chess Olympiad, while the Uzbekistan Chess Federation was named the Best Federation at the “FIDE Excellence Awards 2026,” reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The decisive match saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeat Fabiano Caruana with the white pieces, while Nodirbek Yakubboev beat Hans Moke Niemann. Javokhir Sindarov lost to Wesley So, and Mukhiddin Madaminov drew with Levon Aronian.

Uzbekistan-2 also recorded an important win, defeating the Netherlands with a team led by Jakhongir Vakhidov. Uzbekistan-3 completed the round with a victory over Kyrgyzstan.

The results were mixed for Uzbekistan’s women’s teams. Uzbekistan-1 lost to India, the top-ranked women’s team in the world, while Uzbekistan-3 was defeated by Italy.

Uzbekistan-2, meanwhile, beat Iceland 2.5-1.5 to continue its campaign with a positive result.

In the decisive 10th round, Uzbekistan-1 will face Armenia, Uzbekistan-2 will play India, and Uzbekistan-3 will meet Israel.

Uzbekistan-1 could secure the title before the final round if it defeats Armenia and the other two key matches end in draws.

In the women’s competition, Uzbekistan-1 will play Peru, Uzbekistan-2 will face Sweden, and Uzbekistan-3 will meet Kenya.

The “FIDE Excellence Awards 2026” also recognized the Uzbekistan Chess Federation as the Best Federation. The awards for the best male and female chess players of the year will be announced at the Olympiad’s closing ceremony.