US-Russia paradox: One eyes historic Olympiad gold, the other banned from playing

The Chess Olympiad’s historic US-Russia rivalry takes a striking turn in Samarkand. The United States arrives with a star-studded team, with Levon Aronian seeking a record fourth gold medal. Russia, meanwhile, remains barred from competing following its federation’s suspension amid the Ukraine dispute. Ian Nepomniachtchi reflects on Russia’s absence, highlighting how politics has reshaped one of chess’s biggest rivalries.