Garma bounces back in World Seniors Chess
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 19 Nov 2024
Porto Santo Island, Portugal---International Master Chito Danilo Garma of the Philippines bested Michael Hoffman of Germany Monday night, November 18, to bounce back into contention in the 32nd World Senior Chess Championships at Hotel Villa Baleira, Porto Santo Island, Portugal.
His first win against one loss gave the 34th seeded Garma 1.0 point, a full point behind the pacesetter top seed Grandmaster Kiril Georgiev of Bulgaria (2553), who beat 21st seed International Master Sergio Rocha of Portugal (2314).
The 60-year-old Garma, handling the white pieces prevailed after 23 moves of Sicilian Defense.
Joining Georgiev on the top of the leaderboard with 2.0 points apiece are GM Eduardas Rozentalis of Lithuania, GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel, GM Boris Chatalbashev of Denmark, GM Mikheil Kekelidze of Georgia, IM Georg Seul of Germany, GM Michael Krasenkov of Poland and IM Uffe Vinter-Schou of Denmark.
" I hope to sustain my momentum in the next round," said Garma, a two-time Asian Senior champion in the 50 and above category. The Sampaloc, Manila resident Garma (2217) who already got 2 grandmaster norms under his belt will be playing Tomasz Sielicki of Poland (1976) in the third round on Tuesday (Portugal time).
Meanwhile, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat settled a draw against Michael Strokes of England after 57 moves of Modern defense.
"I got lucky to salvage a draw despite my position in a losing position. It's an awesome gift for my birthday on Tuesday," said the pride of Minglanilla, Cebu Mangubat who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on Tuesday, November 19 here. Mangubat who is gunning for a possible International Master title had 0.5 points in 2 outings in the 65 over category. Mangubat goes up against Bart Stam of the Netherlands in the third round. However, International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, the reigning back to back Asian Senior champion in the 65 over category was beaten by FIDE Master Lester Van Meter of the United States after 81 moves of English Opening. The 68 year old campaigner from Quezon City is setting his eye for a possible win against Hans Joller of Switzerland in the third round." I will do my very best to win my next game," said Bagamasbad, a native of Camarines Norte who is setting eyeing for his third and final grandmaster norms.
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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