President Serge Sargisian, who also heads Armenia’s Chess Federation, has been in Dresden since Monday to encourage the team before the crucial match against China.
According to Zakarian, Sargisian had made the symbolic first move for Aronian, who played with black pieces. Before that, World Chess Federation (FIDE) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov did the same on behalf of Aronian’s Chinese opponent.
“Our team had been seeded as ninth at this Olympiad. But there is no other team among the Olympiad participants that would have the same solidarity and level of organization. The victory comes very natural,” Zakarian added.
Armenians have traditionally excelled in chess, which is one of the most popular sports in the country.
The FIDE general assembly announced Monday that the 2012 Olympiad would be held in Istanbul, Turkey. The 2010 Olympiad is scheduled to take place in Khanty-Maniysk, Russia.
