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-
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