Samarkand: The Philippines kicked off its campaign in the 46th World Chess Olympiad on a high note Wednesday at the Silk Road International Exhibition Center in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Michael Concio Jr., Pau Bersamina, Daniel Quizon, and Jem Garcia prevailed over their Togolese rivals, 4-0, in the men's division, while Mhage Sebastian, Ruelle Canino, Jan Jodilyn Fronda, and Shania Mae Mendoza won over their opponents from Malawi with the same score.
According to Philippines News Agency, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna are expected to lead their respective teams in the second round. The Philippines, ranked No. 57 among 208 nations, will face seventh seed Azerbaijan in the men's division, while the Filipinas, seeded No. 42 among 190 countries, will battle the Syrians. The Philippines placed 59th in the men's division, while the women's team bagged the Category B gold medal to finish 24th two years ago in Budapest, Hungary.
Meanwhile, National Chess Federation of the Philippines deputy president for Mindanao and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. has offered PHP1 million if the Philippines finishes in the Top 10 or PHP500,000 for a Top 20 finish. He also promised PHP500,000 (gold), PHP300,000 (silver), and PHP200,000 (bronze) for the team category and PHP100,000 (gold), PHP75,000 (silver), and PHP50,000 (bronze) for individual achievements. Oaminal gave USD500 to each team member. "It will come from his own pocket," NCFP secretary-general and national women's coach GM Jayson Gonzales said.
