THE Philippine women’s team stunned fourth seeded Georgia, jolting the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijian Saturday night.
Catherine Secopito delivered the final blow with a 58-move victory over fellow International Master Salome Melia in a Nimzo-Indian as the Philippines prevailed a tense battle, 2.5-1.5.
Catherine Secopito (right) exchanges high fives with Jan Jodilyn Fronda (middle) and Cristy Lamiel Bernales (left) as coach Jayson Gonzales smiles. Image from chess.com
Janelle Mae Frayna forced a draw on top board with Nana Dzagnidze, ranked third in the world as of the latest Elo rating, after Cristy Lamiel Bernales lost. Then Fronda came up with an endgame gem against Bela Khotenashvili, where a king move gave her the needed tempo to block three connected pawns so her queen could prevail.
The men’s team fell to Paraguay, 2.5-1.5, with the ageless Eugene Torre delivering the only win and Ino Sadorra drawing. John Paul Gomez and Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. lost their games.
The women’s team is in 29th place with four match points from two wins. India will be the Filipinas’ third round foe on Sunday evening.
The men’s team skidded to 50th place and will play Nigeria in the third round.
“The women’s team (members) are fearless,” said grandmaster Joey Antonio, in a Facebook thread on the game.
Secopito, who was initially not selected for the team, fought an even battle with Melia, who offered draws. Secopito said their captain, Jayson Gonzales told her to play on.
Gonzales said that their Zumba routine helped boost their fitness as being fit is essential if one wanted to succeed in top level chess
