One GM Down?

Melbourne chess personality David Beaumont claims of rumours that grandmaster Daryl Johansen will not be travelling to Torino, Italy for the upcoming Olympiad due to commence in May. If true, this is surely going to be a major dent in Australia's campaign this year. But such a turn of events could also be a blessing in disguise for Nick Speck (a 3-IM norm holder) and who was actually my choice over Johansen.

After some initial signs of uncertainty, the Australian women's side now appears set. Leading the team will be Irina Berezina-Feldman - followed, in board order, by Anastasia Sorokina, Laura Moylan and Arianne Caoili.