Philippines chessers slow down with loss to Georgia

BUDAPEST – The Philippines saw its hope for a best finish nipped in the bid after falling to Georgia, 2.5-1.5, in the 10th and penultimate round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall here Saturday.

The Filipinos had all the chances at a win or at a draw with Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia appearing to have gained the superior positions.

In the end, Sadorra settled for a 22-move draw with GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili in a Center Counter duel via repetition at board one as Garcia also halved the point with GM Levan Pantsulaia in 39 moves of an English encounter at board four.

GM-elect Daniel Quizon also drew his game with Nikolozi Kacharava in 35 moves of a Ruy Lopez, making it a 1.5-1.5 tie before IM Pau Bersamina missed out on his drawing chances and succumbed to GM Luka Paichadze in 43 moves of a Sicilian scrimmage at board three.

That sent the Filipinos, sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by NCFP chief Butch Pichay, falling from a share of No. 15 to a group at No. 36 with 12 match points.

It also dealt a big blow on Sadorra’s chances to snare an individual medal at board one.