RP chessers eye podium finish in Asian Games

With five grandmasters in the lineup, the National Chess Federation Philippines (NCFP) is confident the men’s team will bag a medal in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China this November. GM Wesley So has been designated to play board one and he will be joined by fellow GMs Joey Antonio at board 2, John Paul Gomez at board 3 and Darwin Layo at board 4. Named alternate is Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre. The country will also be fielding a women’s team comprise of Chardine Cheradee Camacho, Shercila Cua, Catherine Perena and Ellen Jose with Jedara Docena being designated as the team’s alternate. Chess in Guangzhou will have four gold medals at stake in the men’s and women’s standard team events and rapid chess individual. NCFP president Prospero Pichay believes the men’s team is capable of thwarting the other Asian powerhouse nations like China, India and Vietnam. “We have the strongest team for our Asian Games campaign. That is why, I’m very much confident we have strong chances of winning a medal in Guangzhou," said Pichay. The Philippines competed in the 2006 Doha Asian Games and finished at eighth place in the men’s team event represented by GM Ronald Dableo and Laylo. “The difference in Doha is that countries are allowed to enter only two players each. This time, we have a full team that is capable of upstaging the best of Asia," added NCFP executive director Willie Abalos. - RCJ, GMANews.TV