Chess Olympiad: PH men’s team bows out to Armenia

The Philippines’ stunning momentum came to an abrupt stop as it fell to former world champion Armenia, 2.5-1.5, crashing out of the Top 10 after six rounds of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest, Hungary.

Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra essayed yet another victory when he sent his second super Grandmaster in Haik Martirosyan to his knees, defeating his Armenian rival with a 63-move win of a Nimzo-Indian on top board. 

The Philippines’ quest to add another crown in their growing collections was barred when newly minted GM Daniel Quizon, International Master Paulo Bersamina, and GM John Paul Gomez succumbed to their rivals, concluding their games in draws.

The stinging result relegated their ranking out of the Top 10. From a share of No. 7, the national men’s team stumbled to a share of No. 21 with eight match points. 

On the other hand, the Filipinas bounced back after knocking Bolivia, 3-1, with Shania Mae Mendoza, Janelle Mae Frayna, and Jan Jodilyn Fronda posting victories on the top board to take the No. 34 spot with eight points in the team standings. 

The win pushed the women’s team to a share of 22nd spot with a big group of eight pointers.

The Filipino woodpushers will battle 27th-seeded Croatia, while the Filipina team will clash with 26th-seeded Argentina eyeing a win that would keep their hopes contending alive.