After beating powerhouse Uzbekistan in the opening round, the Philippines’ para woodpushers made it two wins in a row by beating yet another chess giant in Czech Republic, 2.5-1.5 in Round 2 on Wednesday in the first FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Belgrade, Serbia.
Top board player and Asean Para Games gold medalist FIDE Master Sander Severino downed Milan Orsag while Dabawenyo Arena Grandmaster NM Henry Lopez, NM Darry Bernardo and Asean Para Games gold medalist Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza all settled a draw.
Lopez tied with Milan Babula while Bernardo and Mendoza had a draw with Vit Vaclav and Anna Ryvova, respectively.
The Filipinos will next be gping up against host country Serbia.
Earlier in the first round, the Philippines opened their campaign with a shocking win over Uzbekistan, 3.5-0.5.
Severino beat Sirojiddin Zaynidinov in Board 1 while Lopez crushed Sandorbek Mamarajabov in Board 2.
Bernardo shaded Marsel Shayusupov in Board 3 while Mendoza settled a draw with Axadxon Kimsanboyev in Board 4.
Uzbekistan is the reigning World Chess Olympiad champion just last year in Chennai, India.
“Beating their PWD National Team gave us huge confidence going to our 2nd round against powerhouse Czech Republic’s all Masters line-up,” said Dabawenyo head coach NM James Infiesto.
Host country Serbia downed Croatia, 2.5-1.5 while top-favorites Poland and Israel defeated Germany and Venezuela respectively in similar, 3-1 victories.
Infiesto thanked the support from Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioner Walter Torres, Philippine Paralympic Committees president Michael Barredo, Executive Director Tricia Biglete Rana and National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay, Jr.
