Filipino chessers fall
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines succumbed to fancied Poland, 2.5-1.5, Thursday, in a big blow to its title bid in the 1st FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Belgrade, Serbia.
Henry Lopez blew his drawing chances and fell to Marcin Molenda on board two while playing coach James Infiesto found himself in a cramped position and never recovered in falling to Pawel Piekielny on board three.
The pair of defeats led to the Filipinos’ sad, painful fate even as FIDE Master Sander Severino settled for a quick 14-move draw with fellow world titlist Marcin Tazbir on board one and Darry Bernardo stunned International Master Piotr Dukaczewski on board four. – Joey Villar
The stinging result sent the Filipinos sprawling down to No. 3 alongside Israel, IPCA, Cuba and Uzbekistan with six match points apiece after sharing No. 1 with Poland and India entering the fourth round.
The Poles zoomed to the top with eight points while the Indians, who drew with the Hungarians, 2-2, took No. 2 with seven points.
The Philippine team, bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, needs to win its last two games including one against second pick Israel at press time to have a chance at the crown.
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