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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Shark attack in Florida Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Making waves on Feb. 19
Tue, 10 Feb 202619-1 Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga returns on February 21 to Atlantic City
Tue, 10 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Women's Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Tue, 10 Feb 2026Filipino child prodigy Asher Judd Sy tops the 3rd King’s College Bangkok Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026