RP stuns Estonia, climbs to 12th

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines-backed RP squad moved from a share of 16th spot to joint 12th following a 2.5-1.5 downing of highly-touted Estonia yesterday in the 10th round of the World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio, Jr. delivered the marginal point for RP following a victory over GM Mikhail Rytshagov on Board 2, hiking the country’s total to 24 points to jump at 12th along with eight others.

GM Eugene Torre, International Master Barlo Nadera and National Master Idelfonso Datu drew their respective matches with super-GM Jaan Ehlvest, Kaido Kulaots and formerly unbeaten Sergei Zyukin, respectively, for the win that set up a 10th round collision with powerhouse United States, currently with 24.5 points.

Like their countrymen, the RP lady chessers also prevailed against their Estonian foes, 2-1, with teen sensation Arianne Caoili delivering the win on top board with Beverly Mendoza and Christine Espallardo forcing draws. — Joey Villar