Pakistan beat Ecuador in close finish in Chess Olympiad

Pakistan defeated Ecuador by 2.5-1.5 in a close contest in the 11th round of 39th Chess Olympiad being played in Russia,  according to informations received here on Sunday.Pakistan’s top rated chess player International Master Mahmood Lodhi was held to draw by Carlos Matamoros Franco and former  National Champion Tanvir Gilani lost to Alberto Santos Flores. But this year’s national championship runner-up Aamir Karim beat Daniel Mieles Palau and Wasim Akram defeated Bryan Macias Murillo to assure Pakistan’s victory.Earlier in the 10th round Pakistan lost to Modova and are now placed 62nd in 149-nation competition.Ukraine maintained  its  top position and  is emerging as the firm favourites to take the title. – app