Team Philippines successfully finished the recent FIDE Chess Olympiad, winning a bronze medal.

Led by National Master Darry Bernardo, the Philippine team composed of Sander Severino, Henry Lopez, James Infiesto, and Cheyzer Mendoza got eight points during the chess competition in Belgrade, Serbia.

Bernardo won over India’s Kumar Naveen in 79 moves of a Caro-Kann defense on Board 4, which further helped the Philippine team salvage a 2-2 tie in the sixth and final round of the competition.

This vital win led the Filipinos to finish the tournament in a tie for third place with India, alongside Serbia team 1 and Uzbekistan with identical 8 points each.

After the tiebreaker, the Philippines was able to clinch the bronze medal behind gold-winning Poland with 12 match points and silver-winning the International Physically Disabled Chess Association with 10 match points.

In the final round, FIDE Master Severino forged a draw with Kutwal Shashikant after 37 moves of a Caro-Kann defense on Board 1.

Bernardo’s golden effort prevailed as he topped Board 4, while Severino also emerged victorious, placing second in Board 1.

The Philippine Team’s victory is truly a source of pride for every Filipino, as they outscored the reputed “tournament giants,” India, host Serbia, and Uzbekistan.

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