MANILA — The Philippines faced a tough loss against former world champion Armenia, with a score of 2.5-1.5 in the sixth round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad held at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary on Monday night.
Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra, a coach at the University of Texas in Dallas, secured a key victory on board one, defeating Armenia’s super GM Haik Martirosyan. However, Daniel Quizon, fresh off earning his GM title, fell to super GM Shant Sargsyan on board two.
International Master Paulo Bersamina fought to a draw against Gabriel Sargissian on board three, while IM John Paul Gomez was bested by Robert Hovhannisyan on board four.
This loss drops the Philippines from 7th to 28th in the standings, holding eight points. India currently leads with 12 points, followed closely by Vietnam, China, and Iran.
In the women’s division, the Philippines defeated Bolivia 3-1, securing 34th place in the team standings, also with eight points. Top board player Shania Mae Mendoza triumphed over Daniela Cordero, GM Janelle Mae Frayna bested Nataly Monroy, and Jan Jodilyn Fronda overcame Gloria Luz Yepez Montenegro. However, Bernadette Galas was defeated by Jessica Molina on board four.
The competition continues as the Philippines prepares to face Croatia in the men’s division and Argentina in the women’s division.
“We recharge and fight another day,” said Jayson Gonzales, CEO of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and coach of the women’s team. GM Eugene Torre supervises the men’s team, with lawyer Ruel Canobas heading the delegation.
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