China moved to the very top of the World Team Championship table as we reached the halfway point of the competition. They scored another impressive victory yesterday as they overwhelmed Georgia by 3.5-0.5 and lead now with 13.5 points still having one match in pocket. Russia are lying in second half of a point behind the Chinese as they beat USA yesterday by only 2.5-1.5 with the winner coming from Bareev who beat Goldin at board #4. Israel defeated Cuba 2.5-1.5 (another result that might not be what they were hoping for) and Ukraine recovered from last days' nightmare hammering Chinese girls by 3.5-0.5. Still they have long way to go as far as podium positions are concerned.

Sunday is the rest day and the remaining rounds will be tough run for Russia and China. Although China have already had a rest they will face considerably tougher opposition than the Russians so everything still may happen.

Standings after four rounds: China 13.5; Russia 13; Israel 10; Armenia 9.5.

Read Alon Greenfeld's extensive reports from WTCh official site: round 1; round 2; round 3; round 4; round 5.

Read ChessBase's illustrated report.

Find complete results, games and statistics of rounds 1-5 at OlimpBase's page