Philippines off to great start in Hungary

BUDAPEST—The celebration over the smashing start by the Philippines men’s and women’s team was tempered by the testy challenges that now stand in front of both squads in the 45th Fide (International Chess Federation) Chess Olympiad.

Powerhouse squad Germany, which is fielding an all-Grandmaster (GM) squad, is set to battle the Filipino men while heavyweight United States awaits the women.

The Philippines got off to a rousing start in the Olympiad after extracting 4-0 scores from both its squads at BOK Sports Hall here.

The men blanked Aruba while the women crushed Malawi in their opening games.

International Master (IM) Daniel Quizon stopped Fide Master Juan Pablo De Mey in 35 moves of a Sicilian Dragon on Board 1 while IM Ruelle Canino fashioned out a 35-move win over Anne Simwabe on Board 4.

Woman International Master (WIM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda delivered the first victory for the country here by smashing Tupokiwe Msukwa in 35 moves of an English on Board 3.

GM John Paul Gomez, Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna, WIM Shania Mae Mendoza and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia also secured victories.

“Great start,” said national women’s coach GM Jayson Gonzales.

IM Paulo Bersamina turned back stubborn Ilya Stetsenko on his knees on Board 2.

The Philippines teams are both hoping to crack the top 20 here.