Chessers score shutout wins in Olympic opener

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s and women’s teams posted a pair of 4-0 routs over San Marino and Mozambique, respectively, to kick off their campaign in the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia Monday night.

US-based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, International Masters Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Haridas Pascua and FIDE Master Joseph Mari Turqueza trampled Paul Rossini, Giancarlo Berardi, Enrico Grassi and Danilo Volpinari to gain an early share of the lead in the biennial event featuring the world’s best players.

WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, Catherine Secopito, Shania Mae Mendoza and rookie Marie Antoinette San Diego matched their counterparts’ romp as they dominated Vania Fausto Da Vilhete, Katina Efentakis, Suzete Vicente Jefo and Andre Sitoe Cheila, respectively.

But the Filipinos, seeded 54th in the 11-round tournament, face a tough challenge early as they tangle with the 48th ranked Slovaks, who blasted Mali, 3.5-0.5, while the Filipinas face off with the 35th ranked Slovenians, who dumped Zambia, 3.5-0.5.

With second board player GM John Paul Gomez taking an early break, the rookies – Garcia, Pascua and Turqueza – delivered. Turqueza bucked time trouble to score a 39-move win over Volpinari in an English duel and highlight their romp.

Gomez, meanwhile, will see action in the second round with Sadorra, Garcia and Pascua.

The women’s squad will parade the same roster.

“We’re facing a tougher team but we’re hoping for the best,” said GM Jayson Gonzales, the women’s non-playing coach.

The Phl, whose campaign is sponsored by the Phl Sports Commission, is seeking to improve its 58th place finish in Baku, Azerbaijan two years ago in the men’s and 34th place effort in women’s.