Paragua shocks Duda in Chennai Chess Olympiad
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Aug 2022
Grandmaster Mark Paragua dismantled reigning World Cup titlist and World No. 18 Jan-Krzysztof Duda on top board to seal the stunning 2-2 deadlock with the Philippines against the 5th seed Poland in the seventh round Friday night to remain in the race in the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.
GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. drew with super GM Kacper Piorun on second board that helped catapult the Filipinos, who are backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, in an 18-nation tie at No. 14 with 10 match points apiece.
The country trailed 0.5-1.5 after GM John Paul Gomez drew with GM Wojciech Moranda on third board while GM Darwin Laylo imploded in deep time pressure and blundered away his drawing chances and lost to GM Mateusz Bartel on fourth board.
Good thing Paragua saved the day in pulling off the magnificent result against a team that owns an impressive average rating of 2654 against the country’s 2451 norm.
It was the third time the country caught a big fish with the first two coming at the expense of Sweden, 2.5-1.5, in the fifth round Tuesday and Israel, 2-2, the next round.
Now the Filipinos hope to add another one to their growing list of victims as they were tackling the fancied Greeks in the eighth round at press time.
In the women’s section, the Filipinas stormed back into significance after drubbing the listless Bolivians, 3.5-.5, on wins by WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, and WIMs Marie Antoinette San Diego and Kylen Joy Mordido on boards one, two and four and a draw by WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda on board two.
They were clashing with the favored Slovenians at press time.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WBC lifts the suspension imposed on Ryan Garcia
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Siargao pug bags silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title
Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29
Wed, 05 Nov 2025OLYMPIC MEDALIST YUBERJEN MARTINEZ INKS WITH ALL STAR BOXING
Wed, 05 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit, Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision
Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025