Bad Start for Pinoy Chessers in Portugal World Seniors
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 18 Nov 2024
Porto Santo Island, Portugal---The Philippine chess team suffered an opening defeat in their respective rivals at the start of 32nd World Senior Chess Championships on Sunday, November 17 here.
International Master Chito Danilo Garma (2217) yielded to Paul Obiahiwe of Nigeria (1848), FM Mario Mangubat (2052) bowed to top seed GM Zurab Sturua of Georgia (2502) while IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad was not paired.
Garma failed to sustain his one piece up advantage then proceeded a possible draw but ended up in a loss in their 180-move pushes of Reti Opening employing the black pieces.
"Lamang na ako ng isang piyesa then hindi ko napansin Yung rook to see nya mababawi nya ang Isang piyesa na kalamangan ko. Then draw pa sana kaso pinipilit Kong manalo," said the 60 year old Garma from Sampaloc, Manila, a 2-time Asian Senior champion in the 50 and above category.
Mangubat, on the other hand, failed to hold the no.1 pick opponent and resigned after 67 moves of Modern defense using the white pieces.
"Pinilit kong manalo kasi maganda sanang pa birthday ito para sa akin. Draw pa sana kaso gustu kong manalo," said Mangubat, who will celebrate his 66th birthday here on November 19.
Mangubat, the pride of Minglanilla, Cebu is the reining Asian Senior bronze medallist in the 65 over category.
The 68-year-old Quezon City resident Bagamasbad, the reigning back to back Asian Senior Champion in the 65 over category failed to catch the first round. "Babawi ako sa 2nd round. Hindi tayo naka abot sa round 1 na delay flight ko kasi eh ng na Bangkok, Thailand ako," said Bagamasbad.
PH delegation head and coach Filipino and United States chess master is very confident that the Filipino chessers will bounce back in the second round on Monday, November 18.
Garma will be playing with Michael Hoffman of Germany (1979), Mangubat opposite Michael Strokes of England (1900) while Bagamasbad goes up against FIDE Master Lester Van Meter of the United States (1858).
The Filipino chessers campaign is being supported by the Philippines Sports Commission headed by chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/ President Cong. Prospero Pichay Jr., CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chairman Alejandro "Al" Tengco.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A Masterpiece of Boxing: Terence Crawford Dethrones Canelo Alvarez in Historic Showdown
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025LEWIS CROCKER IS CROWNED THE NEW IBF WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Sep 2025Battle of Undefeated: Callum Walsh Vanquishes Fernando Vargas Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Undercard Inferno: Mbilli and Martinez Deliver a Super Middleweight War Ending in a Thrilling Draw
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Crawford to defy odds?
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Clash of Titans: The Final Predictions for Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Weigh-In Results: Naoya Inoue vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Sun, 14 Sep 2025Inoue and Akhmadaliev Make Weight for Sunday's Battle, Watch it LIVE on Facebook!
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 14 Sep 2025IIEE North Cotabato and Metro Central are the Golden Champion on 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Sep 2025Sydney Sy Tancontian is Female Awardee of Sports Hero of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Sep 2025Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Size Matters
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Sep 2025BOOTS TALKS SPARRING WITH CANELO IN ‘DAY IN THE LIFE’
Sat, 13 Sep 2025WEIGHTS FROM LAS VEGAS: CANELO - 167.5 LBS., CRAWFORD - 167.5 LBS.
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Sep 2025BELFAST: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 13 Sep 2025Canoy cancels title fight due to child’s death
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Sep 2025