Filipino International Master Rolando Nolte (2412) earned a 9-round GM norm after beating ninth and penultimate round opponent GM Abdulla Al-Rakib (2506) of Bangladesh late Tuesday in the 3rd Kolkata Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament at the Alekhine Chess Club, Gorky Sadan in Kolkata, India.

The Quezon City-based Nolte prevailed with the white pieces after 37 moves of a Ruy Lopez Opening to claim his first GM norm. He needs two more to become a full-fledged grandmaster.

With the win, the undefeated enlisted personnel of the Philippine Airforce raised his total to 6.5 points on 4 wins and 5 draws to share 4th to 10th spots along with GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, GM Shukrat Safin of Uzbekistan, GM Humpy Koneru, GM Tejas Bakre and GM Chanda Sandipan of India, Nolte's 10th and final round opponent.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. expressed elation over Nolte's impressive showing in Kolkota.

“This is really a good start for Philippine chess this year,” said Pichay. “After Jayson (Gonzales) earned his third and final GM norm in the Asean Masters Chess in Tarakan, Indonesia and after Mark (Paragua) dominated group B in a GM tournament, now it’s Nolte who fulfilled his dream of obtaining his first of three GM requirements,” added Pichay.

Quezon City Majority Floor leader councilor Ariel Inton also lauded Nolte's feat in Kolkota and added that he will pass a resolution to the city council to commend Nolte.

Meanwhile, tournament favorites GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2677/India) and GM Victor Laznicka (2595/Czech Republic) beat their respective rivals to share the lead with 7.5 points each.

GM Sasikiran trounced GM Sandipan after 31 moves of a Sicilian-Rosolimo while GM Laznicka crushed GM Koneru after 40 moves of a Catalan Opening.
IM Prasad S Arun (2423/India), meanwhile, upset GM Vladimir Dobrov (2501/Russia) after 53 moves of a Queens Gambit Accepted to move into solo third with 7.0 points.

Filipino IM Oliver Barbosa (2410) also grabbed a share of the spotlight when he held GM Smbat Lputian (2616/Armenia) into a draw after 59 moves of a Slav Defense for 5.5 points, tied at 20th to 34th spots with final round foe GM Das Neelotpal (2486/India).

Not as fortunate were IM Chito Garma (2383) who bowed to Aditya Udeshi (2331/India) to remain at at 4.5 points.