NOLTE BEATS BANGLADESH GM, EARNS A 9-ROUND GM NORM

Individual Standings after ninth and penultimate round:

7.5 points---GM Krishnan Sasikiran (India), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic)

7.0 points---IM Prasad S Arun (India)

6.5 points---IM ROLANDO NOLTE (PHILIPPINES), GM Humpy Koneru (India), GM Chanda Sandipan (India), GM Tejas Bakre (India), GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt), GM Shukrat Safin (Uzbekistan)

FILIPINO International Master Rolando Nolte (2412) earned a 9-round GM norm after beating ninth and penultimate round opponent GM Abdulla Al-Rakib (2506) of Bangladesh late Tuesday in the 3rd Kolkata Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament at the Alekhine Chess Club, Gorky Sadan in Kolkata, India

This is his first norm, and just two more will earn for him the full International Grandmaster Title.

The Quezon City based Nolte prevails with the white pieces after 37 moves of a Ruy Lopez Opening.

With the win, the undefeated enlisted personnel of the Philippine Airforce raise his total 6.5 points on account of 4 wins, 5 draws and share 4th to 10th placers in the company of GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, GM Shukrat Safin of Uzbekistan, GM Humpy Koneru, GM Tejas Bakre and GM Chanda Sandipan of India, Nolte's tenth and final round opponent.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very happy about Nolte's impressive showing in Kolkota Chess.

"This is really a good start for the Philippine Chess this year." said Pichay. "After Jayson (Gonzales) earned his third and final GM norm in Asean Master Chess in Tarakan, Indonesia as well Mark (Paragua) dominated the group B GM tournament and now is (Rolando) Nolte fulfilled his dream to obtain his first of the three GM norm, hope maraming magagandang balita pa sa ating RP woodpushers. Actually si Joey (Antonio) ay tie for 5th sa Sydney kung saan nakakuha naman ang WIM norm ni Sherily (Cua) sa Sydney Chess." He added.

Quezon City Majority Floor leader councilor Ariel Inton lauded Nolte's triumph in Kolkota Chess.

"Maganda siyang halimbawang atleta sa bansa partikular na sa lungsod Quezon kaya imumungkahi ko sa (QC) council na bigyan siya ng parangal sa pangunguna ng ating butihing mayor (Sonny Belmonte)." Said Inton, a well known sports advocate.

Tournament favorite GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2677/India) and GM Victor Laznicka (2595/Czech Republic) toppled their respective rivals toe share the lead going to the last round with 7.5 points each.

GM Sasikiran trounced GM Sandipan after 31 moves of a Sicilian-Rosolimo while GM Laznicka crushed GM Koneru after 40 moves of a Catalan Opening.

IM Prasad S Arun (2423/India), meanwhile, upset GM Vladimir Dobrov (2501/Russia) after 53 moves of a Queens Gambit Accepted to move solo third with 7.0 points.

Sharing the limelight is IM Oliver Barbosa (2410) who held into a draw with GM Smbat Lputian (2616/Armenia) after 59 moves of a Slav Defense for his 5.5 points. He was tied at 20th to 34th placers together with last round assignment GM Das Neelotpal (2486/India).

Not is fortunate were another Filipino entry IM Chito Garma (2383) who bowed to Aditya Udeshi (2331/India) to remains at 4.5 points.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO