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:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024