NOLTE TIE FOR FOURTH IN KOLKOTA CHESS

Final Standings (10 round-Swiss System tournament)
8.5 points---GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Krishnan Sasikiran (India)
7.5 points--- GM Shukrat Safin (Uzbekistan)
7.0 points--- GM Chanda Sandipan (India), GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh), GM Humpy Koneru (India), IM ROLANDO NOLTE (PHILIPPINES), GM Alberto David (Luxembourg), IM Prasad S Arun (India), IM Jayaram Ashwin (India)

A day after securing his first grandmaster norm, Filipino International Master Rolando Nolte (2412) drew his last round matches against Indian GM Chanda Sandipan (2593) using the white pieces after 42 moves of a Sicilian Najdorf on Wednesday and settled for an seventh-way tie for fourth pace in the 3rd Kolkata Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament at the Alekhine Chess Club, Gorky Sadan in Kolkata, India.

The undefeated Quezon City based Nolte, playing under the leadership of Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), finished with 4 wins, 6 draws in ten games of play to raise his total to 7.0 points, the same output of GM Sandipan, GM Humpy Koneru, IM Prasad S Arun and IM Jayaram Ashwin of India, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh and GM Alberto David of Luxembourg. However No.5 seed GM Sandipan took the 4th spot, while the No.27 seed Nolte was 7th after the tie break was applied.

"I try my very best to achieve a better performance here in Kolkota Chess this time and to make my country proud. I would like to thank NCFP president (Prospero) Pichay for his undying support to the Philippine Chess." said Nolte, who dedicated his impressive showing to NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

"Nolte's impressive performance in Kolkota Chess make the country proud," commented Pichay, who earlier produced three grandmasters under his term---Wesley So, Darwin Laylo and Jayson Gonzales.

Nolte, enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air force also posted an impressive 2592 total performance rating plus obtaining 26 Elo rating points and went home Rs 24,000 (about US$600) prize money for his effort.
Before the final round, 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.
No.4 GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic and top seed GM Krishnan Sasikiran of India tallied identical 8.5 points piece to finish in a tie for first and second place, full point ahead of No.13 GM Shukrat Safin of Uzbekistan who settled solo third with 7.5 points.

GM Laznicka pocketed the top purse Rs 200,000 (about US$5,000) plus the championships trophy after edging GM Sasikiran in a tie break points enroute runner-up prize of Rs 160,000 (about US$4,000). GM Safin didn't go home empty-handed after receiving third prize of Rs 120,000 (about US$3,000).

Meanwhile IM Oliver Barbosa (2410) bowed to GM Das Neelotpal (2486) of India after marathon 62 moves of a Sicilian-Alapin handling the white pieces to remains at 5.5 points, the same score of compatriot IM Chito Garma (2383), who brought downed Arjun Tiwari (2322) of India also employing the white pieces.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO