Chess Olympiad: Velarde and Carvajal Mendoza earn WFM titles

At the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Bolivian chess player Jhoana Velarde achieved the title of Woman FIDE Master (WFM). Velarde secured six points out of nine matches, meeting the 65% performance requirement set by FIDE regulations. The title remains conditional upon her reaching a 1900 Elo rating, as she currently holds 1856.

In the final round, the Bolivian women's team drew 2-2 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, finishing the tournament in 68th place. The men's team also drew 2-2 against Malaysia, ending in 75th place. China emerged as the overall champion, while the host nation, Uzbekistan, also secured a top position.

Separately, Chilean player María Belén Carvajal Mendoza also earned the WFM title during the competition. Representing the Turi Haymaiter Chess Club from Calama, Carvajal Mendoza becomes the first player from her city to reach this international distinction.