SUMMARY
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The Philippines swept its first 3 opponents to surge ahead in the Open division even as its women’s team stayed in contention in the Asian Nations Online Chess Cup 2020.
Powered by perfect scorers Grandmaster Rogelio Barcenilla and International Master Paulo Bersamina, the 4th-seeded Filipinos blanked the Palestinians, 4-0, and the Syrians, 4-0, before settling for a 3-1 victory over the Thais in the 39-team division of the Swiss system event.
The Filipinas duplicated the men’s 4-0 romp against the teams from United Arab Emirates and Iraq, but yielded to 2nd seed India, 2.5-1.5, in the third round to tumble to joint 5th in the distaff side on Sunday, October 11.
Woman International Master Bernadette Galas beat her 3 opponents, including Indonesian WIM Dita Karenza, on board 4 to prop up the Filipinas’ bid to advance to the knockout rounds.
Ahead with a perfect 6 points each are Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Iran, and Indonesia.
Bunched at 4 points with the Philippines are Australia, Mongolia, top seed India, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Singapore, Jordan and Myanmar.
The Philippines’ first Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna bowed to Indonesian IM Irine Kharisma Sukandar on board 1 and so did Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza against WIM Chelsea Monica Ignesias Shehite. WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda drew with IM Medina Warda Aulia.
Manning the top board, GM Mark Paragua trounced Baha Miswadah and Talal Hilwara in succession only to be held to a draw by Thai Fide Master Thanadon Kulpruethanon.
Playing board 4, GM John Paul Gomez beat Hemaid Khaled and FM Malek Koniahli, but was forced to split the point with Thai FM Pompong Wiwatanadate.
The Arizona-based Barcenilla bested Nidal Ahmed, Arm Chekh Adm Khedi, and Tinnakrit Arunnuntapanich on board 2 to keep pace with Bersamina, who prevailed over Khaleel Sharaf, IM Bashir Eiti, and Tupfah Khumnorkaew.
The Philippines tallied 6 points, the same total posted by Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Iran, which also notched 3 straight wins.
The Filipinos have 11.0 game points as against the Mongolians’ and the Kazakhs’ 10.5, and the Iranian’s 10.
Indonesia, India, and Bangladesh were tied at 5 points on 2 wins and 1 draw each.
GM Eugene Torre, the Philippine men’s non-playing team captain, and GM Jayson Gonzales of the Philippine women’s team both believe the Filipinos will advance to the quarterfinals.
The top-seeded Indians routed the Kiwis, 4-0, in the first round but were held to a 2-2 standoff by Kyrgystan in the second. The Indians rebounded with another 4-0 shutout of the Iraqis in the Open division.
Action in the Open division resumes with rounds 4, 5, 6 on October 16, with the Women’s play continuing on October 17.
The top 8 teams after 9 rounds from each division will advance to the knockout rounds. – Rappler.com
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