Monday, August 4, 2014

Philippine chess team off to a good start


by Marlon Bernardino

The Philippine men's and women's chess teams won their respective matches at the start of 41st World Chess Olympiad late Saturday in Tromso, Norway.

The 52nd seed Philippine men's team blasted No. 138 Afghanistan,3.5-0.5, while the No. 43 Philippines women's team subdued No.110 Palau, 4-0.

GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (ELO 2590) defeated FM Mahbuboollah Kooshani (ELO 2036) after 32 moves of Neo-Catalan on Board 1, GM John Paul Gomez crushed FM Zaheeruddeen Asefi (ELO 1996) after 49 moves of Old Benoni defense on Board 2 while Asia's First GM Eugene Torre (ELO 2438) won by default over Hamidullah Sarwary (ELO 1920) on Board 3 after the latter's failed to made his appearance in the opening round. The 62-year-old Torre, dubbed as  the ‘Living Legend’ of Philippine  chess, made a  record 22nd  appearance in the  world’s biggest chess stage.

Little-known Zabiullah Ahmadi (ELO 2031) prevent his team in a possible shut-out loss after forcing FM Paulo Bersamina (ELO 2363) into a fighting draw after 82 moves of Caro-Kann defense on Board 4.

In the distaff side, Woman International Master (WIM) Chardine Cheradee Camacho (ELO 2214) crushed Angelica Parrado (ELO 1628) after 36 moves of french defense, Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Janelle Mae Frayna (ELO 2205) outclassed Baby Edna Mission (ELO 1546) after 13 moves of pirc defense, Woman National Master (WNM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda (ELO 2098) won by default against Gladys Anne Paloma (ELO 1472) and WIM Catherine Perena (ELO 2165 ) routed  Destiny Sisor (ELO 1536) after 28 moves of Queens Gambit Declined, in order.

In late Sunday's second round, Philippine men's team goes up against No.42 Bosnia & Herzegovina while the women's team will meet No.55  International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD).

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