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 8 MARCH 2026: Opetaia Outpoints Glanton to Win Inaugural Zuffa Belt; Ricardo Salas, Vlad Panin Register Wins
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Brijhana Epperson and Christian Paez Highlight Day Two of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Tue, 10 Mar 2026Beltran, Prado rule Samal Half Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Tue, 10 Mar 2026Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
Tue, 10 Mar 2026153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
Mon, 09 Mar 2026Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 08 Mar 2026In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
Sun, 08 Mar 2026Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 07 Mar 2026Fight Results from Montreal: Steven Butler Obliterates Ramadan Hiseni; Wins by Lenar Perez, Jhon Orobio and Steve Claggett
By Eric Armit, Sat, 07 Mar 2026Former Champ Junior Makabu visits WBC offices in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 07 Mar 2026