THE Philippine men’s team regained its form and defeated Nigeria, 3-1, while the women’s team fell to India, 3.5-1.5, in round three of the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Grandmasters Eugene Torre, John Paul Gomez, and Rogelio Barcenilla hurdled their rivals to lift the Philippines to 50th spot in the field of 150 with 14 points.
The Filipinas, meanwhile, couldn’t score a follow-up to their stunning win over world team champion and fourth-seed Georgia, bowing to India and dropping to 40th spot.
Torre beat Fide Master Daniel Anwuli, while Gomez outplayed FM Bomo Kigigha, even as Barcenilla overcame International Master Oladapo Adu. Adeyinka Adesina beat Paulo Bersamina, preventing a sweep by the Filipino woodpushers.
Women’s International Master (WIM) Janelle Mae Frayna was the lone bright spot for the Filipinas after a draw against GM Dronavalli Harika.
WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda lost to Rout Padmini, while WIM Catherine Secopito bowed to Women’s GM Swaminathan Soumya. IM Sachdev Tania also handed Christy Lamiel Bernales a defeat.
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