Top players Julio Catalino Sadorra and John Paul Gomez led the Philippines to a 3-1 victory against South Africa in the eighth round on Thursday, resuming play in the 45th Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall here.
Sadorra defeated International Master (IM) Jan Karsten in 36 moves of a Queen’s Pawn clash on board one, whereas Gomez thwarted FIDE Master Banele Mhango through 34 moves of the Jaenisch Variation of the Ruy Lopez on board three, as being the Filipinos moved into a large group in the top 30 coupled with 10 match points each.
The victory was an outcome that alleviated the agony of a pair of losses by the Filipinos, who’s involvement in this tournament is funded by the Philippine Sports Commission and the NCFP, over the Armenians, 2.5-1.5, and the Croats, 3.5-.5, which knocked them down to their share of seventh place.
Through this, Sadorra stated they would appreciate all of the prayers and support they could get as they prepare for their final fight for a medal, which begins in the ninth round against the United Arab Emirates.
“We will need all the prayers and encouragement to keep going,” Sadorra said.
Photo courtesy: UTD Mercury