It marked a first title for Israel at the event and was fiercely celebrated afterwards at the Beijing International Convention Centre, even if it did come in slightly underwhelming fashion after the US produced an error-strewn final performance.

"We had very tough opponents but they made a lot of mistakes," said Ophir Herbst, a member of the victorious Israeli team, now world as well as European champions. 

"We have a very good team and that showed as we won the gold medal."

There was a far closer battle in the women's event, meanwhile, as England overcame Dutch opposition is a thrilling contest which came down to the 48th and last board. 

The Netherlands proved unable to match the final English bid, although it took some time before the result was realised, before wild celebrations began. 

"It was really close," said English team member Heather Dondy afterwards.

"Last year we lost the gold in the final by a really close margin and it is a big relief winning this year."

Monaco proved far too strong for China to win bronze in the open team event, while the host nation made amends in the women's event by overcoming an early deficit to defeat US opposition and secure the final place on the podium. 

Hou Yifan of China enjoyed success in chess elsewhere on day three at the World Mind Games ©SportAccord



Away from the medals, there was plenty of host nation success as Hou Yifan tightened her grip on the three minute chess competition after 10 of the 20 rounds of matches. 

She has now won seven of her encounters, with Valentina Gunina of Russia her closest rival in the overall stakes.

There was also success for Malaysia today as Yeoh Thean Jern secured a third straight win in the men's xiangqi competition.