JEDDAH, 24 January 2003 — Guiao wins in ladder 3 while Franco falls in ladder 4 of CCC Series 8; Khatooa 4th Champion Marvin Franco of Bashawri Optical failed to defend his post at ladder 4 against Bernie Tabelisma of Zawag Foods in Series 8 of Comunity Chess Club Stepladder final at Al-Faf Hotel. Tabelisma winner of the lower and upper bracket knocked out Franco in two colors.
In the open Ruy Lopez where Franco was white. Tabelisma got easy equality out of the opening but missed a tactical shot that could have proved costly. Franco however missed it too and lost the game after a tense struggle. The closing game was Tabelisma Queen Pawn opening, Franco responded with the old Indian classical defense. The game followed the theory till 14th move and a blunder on move 21 nf8 by Franco developed weaknesses. Queens were later traded and the 27th move f4 by white provided two passers and Franco resigned on 37th move.
In the ladder 3 match saw Henry Guiao of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency defeating Tabelisma who offered little resistance to the Pampango fast paced tactics and strong strategy. In fact, the second straight win of the best of two matches went very fast as the foodmaker failed to face the flurry of moves and the intense attack that was thrown at him by Guiao. Guiao next opponent is Vice Consul Jose Jacob of Philippine Consulate at ladder two.
In another development, Saudi Ahmed Khatooaof Arifco was the player of the day of the 4th Community Chess Club Weekly Semi-Active Chess One Day Affair Amateur Chess Tournament. To win the one day event it was a must win situation for Khatooa. But he handled the pressure well and won all matches. Russel Sayat of Arabian Food Supply a regular top 10 players of this weekly event was below par at this time. Meanwhile Series 8 is open for registration.
The timing of this weekly occasion begin at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 for the series game of Active Chess while Semi-Active One Day Tournament start at 6:00 p.m. followed by the awarding at 9:00 p.m. This semi-Active Chess Tournament is free of charge except for a minimal fee of of SR20.00 to cover the dinner and other expenses. For further details, contact Willy Lumboy at Community Chess Club, Glenn Orlina office at 6361271 ext. 272, Bong Marquez residence 2568408 and Jess Galang at Al-Faf Hotel. (Willy Lumboy)
