NCFP appeals FIDE decision

MANILA, Philippines — The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) will appeal the International Chess Federation’s decision disqualifying the entire Philippine team from the 2021 FIDE Online Olympiad after one of its players allegedly violated rules on fair play.

The 12-member Philippine team finished second in Division 2 behind Indonesia with both ending up with 16 match points in nine rounds.

It would have still finished with 16 points, made it to the top three and qualified to the Top Division even if the 3.5-point score of the player in question was deducted.

But FIDE decided to punish the whole team, allowing Shenzen, China to move from third to second with 13 and Australia claiming the final spot despite winding up with just 10 points.

“We will appeal it. Dapat hindi nilahat dahil hindi gusto ng team ito,” said delegation head Jayson Gonzales.

The NCFP did not identify the player or the specific violation although it may have involved relying on the chess engine or piloting (coaching) during an online match.