RP chessers boost stock, trip Portugal

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines-backed team bounced back from a fourth round loss to Spain as it thrashed Portugal, 2.5-1.5, Wednesday to gain a share of 29th place with five others after five rounds of the Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. underscored the team’s big rebound by outclassing IM Antonio Fernandez in 32 moves of a Sicilian encounter while the three other Filipinos drew their respective matches to preserve the win.

GM Bong Villamayor agreed to halve the point with IM Luis Galego in an opposite color-bishop endgame of a French defense; while IMs Idelfonso Datu and Ronald Bancod drew with IM Antonio Frois (Reti) and Diogo Fernando (Sicilian-Dragon), respectively.

With 12 points, the Filipinos moved up to 29th after dropping to 39th following that setback to Spain Tuesday. They are expected to keep their momentum against Singapore Thursday.

In women’s play, Christine Espallardo delivered the point on board 3 as she downed J. Wilson in 40 moves of a King’s Indian Defense to key the RP team’s 2-1 victory over Portugal.

Arianne Caoili and Beverly Mendoza split the points with A. Cast and A. Powell, respectively.