Philippine Chess Team Beats Paraguay - 39th World Chess Olympiad

Cebuano International Master (IM) Richard Bitoon lifted the Philippine team over Paraguay in the 39th World Chess Olympiad at the Complex Arena Ugra of Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia late Friday.

Bitoon’s victory over Paraguayan Eduardo Peralta broke the series of draws by his team mates for a 2.5-1.5 victory over Team Paraguay.

The Cebuano prevailed with the white pieces after 23 moves of a Sicilian defense on board four.

Grandmasters Wesley So, John Paul Gomez and Eugene Torre settled a truce with their respective Paraguayan opponents.

So split the point with Jose Fernando Cubas after 46 moves of French defense on board one; Gomez drew with Manuel Latorre after 33 moves of double fianchetto on board two; while Torre halved the point with Guillermo Vazquez after 67 moves of Reti Opening on board three.

The Philippine Men's Team will face Team Uruguay in Round 5.

So (ELO 2668) goes up against GM Rodriguez Vila Andres (2537); Gomez (2527) faces FM Larrea Manuel (2323); Torre (2489) plays against IM Roselli Mailhe Bernardo (2399) while Bitoon (2447) will contend versus Guerrero Alvaro (2270).

In the women's play, Cheradee Chardine Camacho, Rulp Ylem Jose, and Jedara Docena powered the Filipinas to a 2-2 standoff against Israel.

Camacho and Jose provided the twin draws against Masha Klinova and Ella Pitam on board one and three while Docena defeated Marsel Efroimski on board four. However, Catherine Perena bowed to Bella Igla on board two.

The Pinays will play against the Argentinians in Round 5