Garma won’t testify in chess game-fix

The investigation conducted by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines concerning allegations of game-fixing and networking hit a snag after International Master Chito Garma recently said he would not testify against the accused.

Sources said players who participated in the Sinulog Chess Cup in Cebu City last week overheard Garma as saying that he never implicated Grandmaster Mark Paragua and IMs Ronald Dableo and Darwin Laylo in game-fixing allegations in a tournament in Tanauan, Batangas last year.

"Garma said in Cebu he never implicated Laylo, Dableo and Paragua in the alleged Tanauan game-fix," a source told The STAR.

"That means (Sammy) Estimo’s probe stunk," he added. Lawyer Estimo was tasked by the NCFP to probe the Tanauan tournament. Arbiter Willie Abalos probed the Pres. Arroyo Cup and Pichay Cup in November and December last year.

Abalos was asked to distance himself from the inquiry since he is prejudiced against Dableo, one of the accused.

Estimo was one of those who brought up the charges.

The STAR tried to reach Estimo but did not receive a reply. Garma topped the Tanauan tournament — a feat that surprised Estimo and some critics.

However, he delivered a point when he finished second behind eventual champion Emmanuel Senador in the Sinulog event. — Joey Villar