Filipino International Master Garma beats Lithuanian Grandmaster
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 21 Nov 2024
Porto Santo Island, Portugal ----Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma beat Lithuanian Grandmaster Maxin Novik in a hard-fought match to claim his third consecutive win after the fourth round of the 32nd World Senior Chess Championship at Hotel Baleira in Porto Santo Island, Portugal on Wednesday.
The 60-year-old Garma, whose stint here is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, use his vast knowledge with the white pieces to beat the Lithuanian GM after 34 moves of the Sicilian Defense.
Thus, Garma who is seeking his third and final GM norm, climbs in a tie at 6th to 14th places along with his fifth round opponent GM Yuri Piskov of Russia.
"It was a tough match playing against the famous Sicilian Defense. I'll defend well," said Garma, who helped Manila Indios Bravos to the championship of the recently concluded Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Super GM Wesley So Cup.
PH delegation head and coach Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. is very confident that Garma can get his third and final GM norm in the 32nd World Senior Chess Championship 50 and above category.
Meanwhile, GM Alexander Shabalov of the United States defeated GM Mikheil Kekelidze of Georgia to create a five-way tie for first place with 3.5 points each that includes GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel, GM Boris Chatalbashev of Denmark, GM Michal Kradenkov of Poland and GM Andrei Maksimenko of Ukraine.
In the 65 over category, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat toppled Undriadi Benggawan of Canada while International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad yielded to Alexander Yakimenko of Russia.
Mangubat tallied 1.5 points in four outings while Bagamasbad remains at 1.0 point.
Mangubat will meet Tom Braathen of Sweden in Round 5 while Bagamasbad goes up against CM Carlos Araya Umana of Costa Rica.
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:
Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 27 Jan 2026David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 27 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
By Eric Armit, Mon, 26 Jan 2026MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 26 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 26 Jan 2026Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
Mon, 26 Jan 2026Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026