Mendoza, Galas deliver in near shocker

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine women’s team missed its chance to bring down 25th seed England and settled for a stunning 2-2 draw that kept it in the thick of things after five rounds of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia Friday night.

Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza and Woman International Master Bernadette Galas provided the wins early by beating WFM Louise Head in 35 moves of a Slav Defense and WIM Sue Maroroa in 43 moves of an English duel on boards three and four, respectively.

Needing just a draw to complete a king-sized win, Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and WIM Catherine Secopito couldn’t deliver. Frayna fell to IM Jovanka Houska in 56 moves of a King’s Indian attack on top board while Secopito succumbed to FM Akshaya Kalaiyalahan in 68 moves of yet another King’s Indian on fourth board.

The draw pushed the Phl from a share of 12th place to a 10-country logjam at 23rd spot with seven match points, three behind solo leader United States of America, which drubbed Mongolia, 3.5-.5, to stay undefeated with 10 points.

It was an impressive result for the Pinay chessers nonetheless, being ranked just 43rd in this biennial 11-round tournament.

“Almost but not quite. But we’re happy with the result because it came against a higher-seeded team,” said GM Jayson Gonzales, the women’s non-playing coach.

The Filipinas took a much-needed breather yesterday before they plunge back to action tonight against 15th seed Spain, which demolished Brazil, 4-0, in the sixth-round.

The Phl men’s team continued its free fall as it sputtered against No. 102 Lebanon, 1.5-2.5, with IM Haridas Pascua coming through with the lone win over Maroun Tomb on board three.

GM Julio Catalino Sadorra had a chance to salvage a tie with a win but he threw away his winning chances and drew with IM Fadi Eid on top board.

GM John Paul Gomez blundered a knight early and couldn’t recover and lost to FM Amro El Jawich while Turqueza gave up a knight for nothing and succumbed to Mahdi Al Kaoury on fourth board.