MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines resumes its campaign as it takes on reigning world champion GM Magnus Carlsen and his Norway team in the sixth round of the 42nd World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Filipinos dumped the South Africans, 3.5-.5, in the fifth round Monday night to jump into a big group of teams at seventh place with eight points that included the Norwegians, who are led by Carlsen, the best player in the world today.
United States-based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra will have the unenviable task of facing off with Carlsen on top board.
GMs John Paul Gomez, Eugene Torre and Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. will play on the last three boards against GMs Jon Ludvig Hammer, Aryan Tari and Frode Urkedal, respectively.
“It will be tough but we’re hoping for the best,” said GM Jayson Gonzales, the NCFP executive director and women’s captain.
The women’s team, for its part, is currently in the top 20 with seven points after blanking Algeria, 4-0, and will tackle Mexico with an eye on barging into the top 10.
WIM Janelle Mae Frayna, WIM Jan Jodilyun Fronda, WIM Catherine Secopito and WFM Shania Mae Mendoza will see action against WIM Alejandra Guerrero Rodriguez, WIM Lilia Ivonne Fuentes Godoy, WFM Miriam Parkhurst Casas and WIM Ivette Ale Garcia Morales.
The Phl’s trip was made possible by the Phl Sports Commission.
