JEDDAH, 1 August 2003 — The successful run of Pakistani Irshad Hussain of Trans Desert came to a halt last Friday as he lost in the playoff of his first semifinal match against Filipino CPA Gerry Calixto of Hilti at Series 9 of Alfaf Hotel Stepladder Knockout final.
Sudanese Doctor Motaz El-Fadil of Bahlas Medical Clinic buried the hopes of Calixto with a convincing 2-0 victory of English Catalan System and Queen’s Indian Defense during the second semifinal match.
Marvin Franco of Bashawri Optical won in decisive fashion against Raul Ilagan of United Motors in the quarterfinal match. Jimmy De Leon of Alma Glass knocked out Franco and Willy Sabungan of Shamrock in the first and second semifinal match respectively.
Dr. El-Fadil and De Leon have topped their respective brackets and are well on their way to the next stage of the third and last semifinal contest.
The winner of this match will face Benjie Roxas of Barnie’s Cafe on Aug. 8 for the championship.
CCC Series newcomer Dr. El-Fadil managed to put Calixto under pressure with his fast move, a factor that did not help the slow playing chess veteran who was always on the defensive side of the game. Calixto eventually cracked under the constant pressure of his opponent giving the Sudanese doctor a shot at the final.
The vigorous De Leon has understood the nuances of playing in knockout competitions.
De Leon played the English Opening; Sabungan lost the thread of the middle game and was summarily outplayed. In game 2, De Leon made a solid draw with black against Sabungan from the main variation of Nimzowitsch Defense.
This event is a round robin and stepladder knockout tournament with 25 players of different nationalities started on May 16, 2003.
De Leon, El-Fadil and Roxas are in contention for the title of Series 9 Alfaf Hotel Round Robin to Stepladder Knockout final chess tournament.
Meanwhile the Community Chess Club has declared the next Series Ten as open. Those interested may register at Alfaf Hotel during Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details contact Willy Lumboy at (056368814), Glenn Orlina (6350535 ext. 272), Bong Marquez (2750306), Ezedine Agili/Jess Galang at Alfaf Hotel.
