The Philippines' chess team earned smooth victories in the opening round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, defeating Aruba 4-0 in the men’s division and Malawi 4-0 in the women’s division at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary Wednesday, September 11.
Despite these easy wins, the real challenge lies ahead.
The men’s team will face a formidable German side, while the women’s team will go up against the strong US squad.
The Philippine team, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, gained crucial momentum from their initial victories.
Debutants Daniel Quizon and Ruelle Canino led the charge with decisive wins. Quizon defeated Juan Pablo de Mey, while Canino overcame Anne Simwabe.
John Paul Gomez, Janelle Mae Frayna, Shania Mae Mendoza, Jan Emmanuel Garcia, and Quizon all secured victories, with Paulo Bersamina clinching the final win despite time trouble.
The team, coached by GMs Eugene Torre and Jayson Gonzales, with Atty. Roel Canobas as delegation head, is preparing for tougher matches ahead.
The German team, seeded seventh, won 3.5-0.5 against Madagascar, and the US team, also seeded seventh, defeated Jordan 4-0.
Photo courtesy: PhilStar Global
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