Sadorra makes name in coaching

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino chess Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra has started to make a name for himself as a coach in the United States collegiate scene, steering the University of Texas-Dallas to the blitz gold medal and rapid bronze in the 2021 US Online Collegiate Championship a week ago.

The Comets won over 22 collegiate rivals including powerhouse Wesbter University, which is mentored by renowned coach GM Susan Polgar.

Sadorra, a many-time World Olympiad top board player for the Philippines, had long been coaching before he handled the Comets. One of his known former students is 20-year-old Jeffery Xiong, who is ranked 39th in the world and one of the best American chessers today.

“I like mentoring and motivating people,” said Sadorra, who almost toppled reigning world classical champion Magnus Carlsen in the 2016 Baku Olympiad before ending up with a draw.

Sadorra had helped Filipino woordpushers as well as he had done online classes for the national women’s and juniors teams.

Sadorra stressed he is not discounting the possibility of playing for flag and country if called upon.