MANILA – Filipino top board player Shania Mae Mendoza clinched a decisive victory over Jordanian Natalie Fuad Kamel Jamaliah in 41 moves, leading the Philippines to a 4-0 win against Jordan in the third round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at BOK Sports Hall, Budapest, Hungary, on Friday (13 Sept 2024).
In other matches, Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna triumphed over Arafat Serina, Woman International Master (WIM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda defeated Alshaeby Boshra, and Bernadette Galas secured a win against Al-Qudah Ruba. This dominant performance has propelled the Philippines into the top three with a total of four points.
National women’s coach GM Jayson Gonzales strategically placed Mendoza on board one to enhance the chances of scoring on the lower boards for Frayna and Fronda. Mendoza, a FIDE Master, has accumulated 2.5 points so far, including a draw against American IM Gulrukhbegim Tohirjonova in the previous round.
“She’s been doing great,” said Gonzales of the 26-year-old Mendoza, a standout from Santa Rosa, Laguna.
In the men’s division, the Philippines rebounded from a loss to Germany with a 3.5-0.5 victory over Madagascar. IM Paulo Bersamina defeated Toavina Razanadrakotoarisoa, GM John Paul Gomez overcame Heritiana Andrianiaina, and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia won against Miora Andriamasoandro. GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, celebrating his 37th birthday, drew with Fy Antenaina Rakotomaharo after 30 moves of the Catalan via repetition.
“I didn’t want to force it; a draw was sufficient for the team,” said Sadorra.
IM Daniel Quizon is anticipated to play on board two for the next match against Monaco. The 20-year-old Quizon, who needs only two Elo points to achieve the Grandmaster title, did not compete in the third round.
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