Gomez yields to Antonio in chess qualifier

MANILA, Philippines — John Paul Gomez yesterday gave up his spot to fellow Grandmaster Joey Antonio in the six-player qualifier for the Philippine team to the first FIDE Online Olympiad.

“In an unprecedented gesture of sportsmanship, humility and unselfishness, GM John Paul Gomez has requested to allow him to give way to GM Joey Antonio to compete in the playoff this weekend,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines executive director Clibun Orbe.

Gomez, a member of the Philippine team in the last five editions of the World Chess Olympiad, felt Antonio is best suited for the faster rapid time control that will be implemented in the online version of the biennial meet.

Also seeing action in the Olympiad qualifier, which stakes four slots, are GMs Mark Paragua, Banjo Barcenilla and Darwin Laylo and International Masters Haridas Pascua and Paolo Bersamina.

Meanwhile, the NCFP has lifted the three-month ban on Nelson Mariano III, allowing the FIDE Master to resume his campaign in NCFP-organized tournaments.

Acting on chess portal Lichess’ charge that he had used computer assistance during the recent Battle of the Grandmasters qualifier, which he topped, the NCFP slapped Mariano with the ban.

But Mariano appealed his case, debunking claims of him using a computer engine to boost his stock and maintaining his superb performance was a product of solid preparation.

The NCFP reviewed his record and past games and found the appeal creditable.

“I’m so happy and relieved for the lifting of the ban,” said Mariano. Report from Dante Navarro