Filipino IM Garma prevails over Lithuanian Grandmaster

Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma defeated Lithuanian Grandmaster Maxin Novik to win his third consecutive win after the fourth period of the 32nd World Senior Chess Championship at Hotel Baleira in Porto Santo Island, Portugal.

The 60-year-old Garma used his extensive knowledge of the white pieces to defeat the Lithuanian GM in 34 moves of the Sicilian Defense. 

"It was a tough match playing against the famous Sicilian Defense. I defended it well," said Garma, whose rank climbed from 6th to 14th place.

Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., who’s also the Philippine delegation head and coach, is very optimistic that Garma can achieve his third and final GM norms in the 32nd World Senior Chess Championship 50 and above category. 

Fide Master Mario Mangubat beat Canadian Undriadi Benggawan in the 65-over division, while Russian Alexander Yakimenko conquered International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad. Mangubat scored 1.5 points, while Bagamasbad is still at 1.0 points after four games.

Mangubat will face Tom Braathen of Sweden in Round 5, while Bagamasbad will go against CM Carlos Araya Umana of Costa Rica.