By Lynde Salgados
Correspondent
PARALYMPIC woodpushers, led by reigning International Physically Disabled Chess Association world chess champion Fide Master Sander Severino, are optimistic to raise the Philippine flag in the 4th World Championship for People with Disabilities to be held online starting tonight, November 5.
Joining FM Severino from Silay City, Negros Occidental in the prestigious tourney are National Masters Jasper Rom from Danao City, Cebu, Henry Roger Lopez from Panabo, Davao del Norte, and Darry Bernardo from Angeles City, Pampanga.
This is just the first time that the core of the bemedalled Philippine Paralympic team will compete in the Fide-sanctioned world championship organized by Dresdner Schachfestival e.V. until November 14.
According to the international chess federation, the nine-round Swiss tournament with 45 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move, starting from move one, is an individual competition with a different team ranking.
Its winners will earn the titles of “World Chess Champion among Disabled 2021” in the individual ranking and “World Chess Team Champion among Disabled 2021” in the team competition.
“Try namin ulit mag-perform ng maganda, samahan natin ng prayers,” said Severino, seeded fifth in the individual event but still among the favorites after he nailed the 2020 IPCA crown to become the first-ever Filipino world champion in the sport.
Close to 200 chessers from over 40 countries are participating in the 10-day event which saw Rom, Bernardo and Lopez seeded 13th, 26th, and 27th, respectively.
“I believe we can pull this one, we are as experienced as them (rival teams),” Lopez said.
Para chess coach and trainer NM James Infiesto said the online world tourney is very timely as the Philippine bets will come as well-prepared, owing to the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) that they participated in, even taking the solo leadership in the Southern division after the first round.
The PCAP second round’s doubleheader on Wednesday served as their last warm-up, wherein Severino was undefeated in both the blitz and rapid plays as the Para team bested Toledo City, 12-nine.
Severino was also unbeaten in the nightcap as Para held Camarines to a 10.5-10.5 standoff in a thrilling duel where Lopez both drew his blitz and rapid matches on board five.
“I have this profound love for basketball but since di ko kakayanin, I’d settle instead dreaming to be the Steph Curry in chess,” jested Severino, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy or degeneration when he was a child.
Also on a wheelchair, Lopez said he was also a fan of basketball as a kid and want to play it since his father was a commercial hoop player in the 70s. But fate interferes when he contracted poliomyelitis.
The 4th edition of the world championship for the differently-abled persons also intends to satisfy their needs for communication, self-esteem, and recognition at this most difficult time of the pandemic.
For most participants, chess is not just a hobby but a source of inspiration, their lifework, and a way to find new friends.
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