PH on top of World Chess Olympiad standings

Gomez fought a different battle, as opponent Tomas Petrik offered a Ruy Lopez. Gomez eventually got the victory after Petrik committed an endgame error after 65 moves. (Pexels photo)

Team Philippines is currently number one on the standings of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia as Julio Catallino Sadorra and John Paul Gomez reigned victorious during their games. Jan Emmanuel Garcia’s match ended with a draw, which lifted the Philippines to an overall 2.5-1.5 win over Slovakia.

Sadorra’s match was particularly remarkable as he outplayed Slovak’s Christopher Repka to draw a mating net and a checkmate after 37 moves. This was his second straight victory. Filipino captain GM Eugene Torre said in Filipino, “The opponent of Sadorra came prepared in the opening. But after, Sadorra received quality advantage.”

Gomez fought a different battle, as opponent Tomas Petrik offered a Ruy Lopez. Gomez eventually got the victory after Petrik committed an endgame error after 65 moves.

Sadorra, Gomez, and Garcia’s teammate, Mari Joseph Turqueza lost in board four.

There were a total of 184 participating teams from all over the globe who were present at the tournament’s officially opening ceremony at the Black Sea Arena in Shekvetili. The official games began at the Batumi Sport Palace, which is a recently opened venue. GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili is a former European Chess Champion and is now the Director of the Organizing Committee for the event.

On the other hand, the female counterparts of the chess team are suffering from a 1.5-2.5 after losing to Slovenia. Janelle Mae Frayna provided the only win, while Catherina Secopito received a draw. Shania Mae Mendoza and Marie Antoinette San Diego lost their matches. They’re hoping to redeem themselves and go back to their winning ways as they did in the first round against Mozambique. Currently, they are waiting to play Team Valenzuela for the third round.

Both teams from the Philippines are sponsored and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.