The US Olympic teams for Batumi were announced last month, and with Sam Shankland's recent rating run-up, the team looks like it will be the clear favourites in the Open section. Two years ago, the identical squad captured gold medals in Baku, for the first time in over 30 years. International Master John Donaldson, the team's captain, told US Chess:
I like the U.S. team’s chances of being only the second country besides Armenia to repeat as champions in the post-Kasparov era. It won’t be easy as Russia and China will also field teams with similar average ratings to the U.S. and India (with Anand), Azerbaijan and Ukraine will be over 2700 average rating per board. It’s really great Fabiano is back again heading the team. The Olympiad should be the perfect final tune-up before the World Championship.
It also helps our chances that we have the entire team back from 2016 and Sam Shankland has recently made a huge leap forward.
Here's a short documentary recounting the feat two years ago:
Published in November 2017, this video has somehow has garnered just 1128 views to-date!
GM Irina Krush, IM Anna Zatonskih (pictured), WGM Tatev Abrahamyan and WGM Sabina Foisor all return to the U.S. Women's team, but Nazi Paikidze declined her invitation and is being replaced by FM Jennifer Yu.
GM Melikset Khachiyan will captain the team, and told US Chess:
Anna and Irina have tremendous experience. The most difficult job will be on their shoulders, to hold the top boards. Tatev is an important striker- she needs to be in good form and Sabina is a natural born leader and fighter. As for youngster Jennifer Yu, Melik called her “an amazing talent with no fear.”
