CEBU – GM Darwin Laylo provided the spark that ignited the Philippines to a 2.5-1.5 victory over Algeria for the country’s first win in the 38th Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany.
Laylo won his second round Board 4 assignment against IM Mohamed Haddouche as Bong Villamayor, Wesley So and John Paul Gomez could only draw their matches in the top three boards. The win somehow erased the stigma of the drubbing the Pinoys suffered from China in the first round.
Topseed Russia continues to display its talent after squeezing a difficult 2.5-1.5 victory over 21st ranked Poland. Alexander Grischuk provided the marginal point after he prevailed over Martuesz Bartel, in a queen and pawn endgame in 114 moves.
China, the third seed, defeated Belarus 3-1 and fourth seed Azerbaijan beat Slovakia by the same score. (RBO) (THE FREEMAN)