By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine men’s and women’s teams overpowered Monaco and Angola, posting similar 3.5-0.5 wins in the fourth round of the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India Monday night.
Grandmasters John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo, and International Master Paulo Bersamina delivered the victories while GM Banjo Barcenilla settled for a draw as the PH team leapfrogged to a share of 18th place with six points.
Gomez bested Jarl Johan Ribbegren, Laylo thumped FIDE Master Patrice Verdier and Bersamina defeated FM Patrick Van Hoolandt, while Barcenilla split the point with Woman Grandmaster Tatiana Dornbusch.
In the women’s side, WGM Janelle Frayna and Woman International Masters Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Marie Antoinette San Diego edged their rivals while WIM Kylen Joy Mordido agreed to a draw with Renelsa Marie Antonio on board four.
Frayna trounced WIM Esperanca Caxita, Fronda whipped Woman FIDE Master Ednasia Junior and San Diego walloped WFM Luzia Pires.
The victory improved the team to six points for a share of 12th place.
Up next for the women’s team is Netherlands, which is coming off a 3.5-0.5 loss to Poland, while the men’s team clashes with higher-ranked Sweden, a 3.5-0.5 winner over South Africa.
