THE Philippines downed Panama, 3-1, in the 11th and final round to settle for a Category B bronze medal in the men’s division of the 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre on Sunday night in Uzbekistan.
International Master Pau Bersamina and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo secured crucial victories on boards two and four, respectively. Meanwhile, IMs Michael Concio Jr. and Jem Garcia played to draws on boards one and three to lock in the podium finish.
Financed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Filipino squad finished 32nd overall with 14 match points, placing third in Category B behind gold medalist Vietnam and silver medalist Mongolia.
The result marks the second consecutive medal for the Philippines in the biennial tournament, following the women’s team’s Category B gold victory in Budapest, Hungary two years ago.
The Filipinas, however, were unable to replicate their Budapest triumph after falling 1.5-2.5 to 20th-seeded Great Britain in the final round. They placed 43rd overall with 13 match points.
WIM Shania Mae Mendoza delivered the sole victory for the women’s team on board four, while WIM Ruelle Canino managed a draw on board two. WGM Janelle Mae Frayna and WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda dropped their matches on boards one and three.
