Garma draws 1st blood, rips Olay

International Master Chito Garma bucked the loss of his queen to beat National Master Reggie Olay yesterday to emerge the lone winner in the first round of the round-robin final of the National Open Chess championships at the SSS building in Quezon City.

Handling the white pieces, Garma, who earned his IM title only last year, sacrificed his queen on the 16th move for three pieces — a rook, a bishop and a knight — on his way to victory in 46 moves of a Sicilian Defense (Alapin Variation).

Garma emerged the first winner in the men’s division after two other matches earlier wound up in draws.

GM Bong Villamayor drew with FIDE Master Idelfonso Datu in 16 moves of a Reti Opening while FIDE Master Jesse Noel Sales and National Master Jayson Gonzales likewise halved the point after 16 moves of an English Opening.

Still being played at presstime were the matches between GM Eugene Torre and NM Darwin Laylo and GM Joey Antonio and NM Richard Bitoon.

NM Sherrie Joy Lomibao likewise earned her first point in the final of the women’s division by beating Jennifer Cruz in 39 moves of a Sicilian (Rossolimo Variation). — J. Villar