IM Garma secures first win in World Senior chess tourney
2024-Nov-20 09:00
1ST WIN. Filipino International Master Chito Garma registers his first victory in the 32nd World Senior Chess Championships at the Hotel Villa Baleira on Porto Santo Island, Portugal on Monday (Nov. 18, 2024). He beat German Michael Hoffman in 23 moves of the Sicilian Defense in the second round. (PNA)
MANILA – Filipino International Master Chito Garma defeated German Michael Hoffman in the second round of the 32nd World Senior Chess Championships on Monday at the Hotel Villa Baleira on Porto Santo Island, Portugal.
The 60-year-old Garma, handling the white pieces, prevailed after 23 moves of the Sicilian Defense.
"I hope to sustain my momentum in the next round," said the 34th-seeded Garma, a two-time Asian Senior champion in the 50 and above category.
Garma, with an Elo rating of 2217, will face Poland's Tomasz Sielicki (Elo 1976) on Tuesday. He lost to Paul Obiahiwe of Nigeria (1848) last Sunday.
Grandmaster Kiril Georgiev of Bulgaria (2553), the No. 1 seed, downed IM Sergio Rocha of Portugal (2314) for his second straight win.
Also with 2.0 points are GM Eduardas Rozentalis of Lithuania, GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel, GM Boris Chatalbashev of Denmark, GM Mikheil Kekelidze of Georgia, IM Georg Seul of Germany, GM Michael Krasenkov of Poland and IM Uffe Vinter-Schou of Denmark.
Meanwhile, Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat settled for a draw with Michael Strokes of England after 57 moves of the Modern Defense in the 65 and over category.
"I got lucky to salvage a draw despite my losing position. It's an awesome gift for my birthday on Tuesday," said the Cebuano who is turning 66.
Mangubat (2052), who lost to top seed GM Zurab Sturua of Georgia (2502) in the first round, will be up against Bart Stam of the Netherlands.
Filipino IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad bowed to American FIDE Master Lester Van Meter after 81 moves of the English Opening.
Bagamasbad, back-to-back Asian Senior champion in the 65 over category, will take on Hans Joller of Switzerland in the third round.
"I will do my very best to win my next game," said the 68-year-old Bagamasbad, a native of Camarines Norte. He is seeking a third and final Grandmaster norm. (PNA)