“Philippine Gambit: Filipinas Make Bold Moves in 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad”

The Philippine chess team is taking a bold and strategic approach in the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. The team, led by top players Janellle Mae Frayna and Jan Jodilyn Fronda, has decided to shake up their lineup in hopes of securing a victory.

Instead of their usual board placements, the Filipinas have opted to field Shania Mae Mendoza at the top board, with Ruelle Canino and Bernadette Galas taking on the lower boards. This move is seen as a calculated risk to increase their chances of success in the tournament.

With the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and NCFP head Butch Pichay, the team is gearing up to face off against Malawi in their opening match. Ranked 47th out of 181 participating nations, the Filipinas are determined to make their mark in the competition.

On the men’s side, the team, led by non-playing captain GM Eugene Torre, is sticking to their usual lineup against Aruba. However, top seed Wesley So will be representing the United States of America on the second board against Panama.

The tournament kicked off with a memorable ceremony attended by FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich and Hungarian chess legends, the Polgar sisters. With 11 rounds ahead, the Philippine team is ready to showcase their skills and determination on the international stage.