by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---THE Philippine chess team secured its second win in the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities after edging Czech Republic Tuesday at the Belgrade's Crown Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia.
"We won vs Czech Republic 2.5-1.5. Another blessing for Philippines." said PH chess team coach National Master James Infiesto.
Fide Master Sander Severino continued his stellar play as he powered the Philippines to a 2.5-1.5 bashing of Czech Republic.
Severino, a native of Silay City, Negros Occidental, toppled International Master Milan Orsag in 38 moves of Queen's Pawn Game on board one to seal the Philippine victory.
"Important win today against a fantastic team. Nothing comes the easy way." said Severino, the 2018 International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) World Online Chess Rapid Champion.
National Master Henry Roger Lopez, National Master Darry Bernardo and Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza holds the Czechs to draw.
Lopez drew with International Master Milan Babula in 33 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening on board two, and so did Bernardo with Fide Master Vit Vaclav Valenta in 45 moves of King's Pawn Opening on board three, as well Mendoza with Woman Fide Master Anna Ryvova in 43 moves of Sicilian Defense on board four.
Up next for the Philippines is Serbia 2, composed of Mile Bjelanovic, Stefa Mitrovic, Luka Bulatovic and Vladan Petrovic.
PH team subdued Uzbekistan, 3.5-0.5, in the opening round Monday.
Serbia 2, meantime defeated tournament favorite Croatia, 2.5-1.5, and Zimbabwe, 3.5-0.5, respectively.
Also in the winning column are India, FIDE, Israel and Poland.
India smashed Panama, 4-0, and Cuba, 3-1, FIDE crushed Zambia, 4-0, and Hungary, 3-1, Israel routed Venezuela, 3-1, and Serbia 1, 3.5-0.5, and Poland toppled Germany, 3-1, and IPCA, 2.5-1.5.
The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, a six-round Swiss tournament. The time control is 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an addition of 30 seconds per move starting from move one. The default time is 15 minutes.
Photo shows
Fide Master Sander Severino (Photo credit to FIDE)