Philippines chess team off to a good start
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 Aug 2012
AS expected Philippines men's and women's chess team scored shutout victories at the start of 40th FIDE World Chess Olympiad late Tuesday at the WOW Convention Center in Istanbul, Turkey.
The No. 35 seed Philippine men's team blasted No. 112 Libya, 4-0, while the No. 57 Philippine women's team subdued No. 121 Pakistan, 4-0.
GM Wesley So (ELO 2652) beat Elarbi Abobker (2259) after 48 moves of Caro kann defense on board 1, GM Oliver Barbosa (2554) nipped FM Al-Zayat Ahmed (1977) after 42 moves of Queens Pawn Game on board 2, GM Mark Paragua (2508) waylaid FM Asabri Hussien (2211) after 30 moves of King's Indian defense on board 3 and GM candidate Oliver Dimakiling (2428) nipped Asabri Hussan (2179) after 30 moves of English Opening on board 4 to complete a shut-out victory in the first round.
In the distaff side, WIM Catherine Perena (2091) crushed Wasif Zenubia (unrated) on board 1, WFM Rulp Ylem Jose (2061) outclassed Siddiqui Nida Mishraz (1670) on board 2, WNM Jannelle Mae Frayna (1991) whacked Khuaja Ghazala Shabbir (unrated) on board 3 andWNM Jedara Docena (2061) routed Khuaja Fatima Shabbir (unrated) on board 4.
In the Wednesday's second round, men's team will face No.23 Moldova who white-washed No. 100 Pakistan, 4-0, while the women's team opposite No.16 Slovenia who brought downed No.78 Uruguay, 4-0.
"So far, so good. Y'ung mga manlalaro natin naglaro sa 1st round ang isasalang din natin sa 2nd round. Nandun y'ung momentum," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. who will join NCFP Secretary-General Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. to go to Istanbul on September 2 to give moral support for the Philippines chess team backed up by PSC and POC.
"Inaasahan natin na magiging madugo ang laban sa 2nd round, both sa men's at women's team natin," added Tolentino.
Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre who is in a grieving mood after his mother passed away in the eve of his departure is rested in the first two round.
So, Barbosa, Paragua and Dimakiling will play GM Viktor Bologan (2734), GM Dmitry Svetushkin (2569), IM Serghei Vedmediuc (2468) and IM Iulian Baltag (2396), respectively.
In the women's play, Perena, Jose, Frayna and Docena will meet GM Anna Muzychuk (2606), WGM Vesna Rozic (2260), WIM Jana Krivec (2240) and WGM Ana Srebrnic (2211), in order.
Team Philippines men's team is bidding to rebound from its worst-ever 50th place finish while the women's team is aiming to improve on its 44th place windup in the 2010 Olympiad held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.
NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales is the head coach of the nationals.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga exchange final words at Press Conference ahead of 'The Comeback'
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026SYDNEY SHOWDOWN: Spence and Tszyu Exchange Final Verbal Barbs; Undercard Weight Drama Unfolds at Press Conference
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026Spence vs Tszyu Fight Analysis and Prediction
By Ralph Rimpell, Fri, 24 Jul 2026“BUTTERFLY BRAWL” MARKS RETURN TO ICONIC SANTA MONICA PIER
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026AIM Jerick Faeldonia vying for Bangkok chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 24 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM THURSDAY ROUNDUP: Scale Shock in Pattaya, Red Sea Staredowns, and Final Countdown to Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026USA Boxing Sends Eight Boxers to Italy for International Duel
Thu, 23 Jul 2026P248k prize on the line in Moon Cake Festival Pro Amateur 10-ball tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Jul 2026Super Lightweight Contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin Inks Promotional Pact with Top Rank
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026DUELING TUNE-UPS: Joshua and Fury Play High-Stakes Chicken Across Asia with November Mega-Fight Hanging in the Balance
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Chavon Stillwell and Izaiah Dent Put Their Perfect Records on the Line in a Can't-Miss Main Event at BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights"
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Unbeaten Bizhamov faces Mironchikov in IBA Pro 20 main event in Naberezhnye Chelny
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Cuarto ready to fight Paradero
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Jul 2026CHAVES DEFENDS WBO LATINO TITLE AGAINST GARCIA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Undefeated Middleweight Prospect Sebastian Juarez Returns August 8 Against Rance Ward
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026