JEDDAH, 17 May — After an intense game of chess that started at 2 p.m. and lasted for almost two-and-a-half hour Afghani Jan Muhammad of Jeddah Municipality advanced to the next ladder of the Community Chess Club Amateur Stepladder final by defeating his Filipino contender Marvin Franco of Al Bashawri Optical in a match that saw both players come under the pressure of time.
In fact, both players were involved in a very fast paced tie-breaker where each player was engaged in a flurry of speedy moves, a minute from one another to ensure that they make the most out of the time of the tie-breaker.
However, it was Jan composure and ability to handle the stress of the game that helped him win as Franco felt that he needed more time to consider his moves. And by the end of the tie-break one could have easily noticed a visibly uncomfortable Franco who missed a chance to move in the next ladder. In another development, the Community Chess Club rated Glenn Tolo of El Khereji Corporation as a dark horse who came from the grave.
Tolo scored low in Phase One of the CCC amateur single round-robin but in the final phase of the Stepladder he surprised season player Alex Dampil of King Faisal Naval Base with a redeeming score of 2-0.
Tolo chess work out paid off and the will power that opened the door for him to come close to the championship. Tolo next opponent is Jan Muhammad who also elminated Emad Al Habeeb of Saudi Arabian Airline.
Chess players waiting in the ladder: No. 4 Ramon Andrada of ABV Rock, No. 3 Fahad Al Hilal of Al Hilal Establishment, No. 2 Michael Sangalang of King Faisal Naval Base and pole leader Anselmo Seidel of Al Obiri Rent-A-Car. Amateur chess players can register for series four. For details contact Willy Lumboy (6842189 from 4:00 p.m.. to 9:00 p.m.), Glenn Orlina 6361271 and Bong Marquez 054369725.
