JEDDAH, 15 August 2003 — After an all-decisive two-game final against the top seed Benjie Roxas of Sabya Plaza, Dr. Motaz El-Fadil of Bahlas Medical Center became the first player from Sudan and the ninth to be crowned the Series Al Faf Round Robin to Stepladder Knockout Final at the end of the 14-Friday event in Al Faf Hotel, Jeddah.
El-Fadil earned the distinction as the only non-Filipino to win one of the series events of Community Chess Club. El-Fadil will try to duplicate his feat in Series Ten to upgrade his chess status from CCC Blue Amateur Club Master.
In game one of the championship, Roxas had clear advantage but instead of playing for a breakthrough against white’s weakened kingside he took the wrong step. As he continued his Sicilian Aegis strategy, Roxas was able to even the play toward a closing, but El-Fadil wrapped up the opening match by outmaneuvering Roxas in an equal endgame.
In the second game, El Fadil planted his elbow on the table and eased his cheeks into his palms, the very picture of a man bearing up under the weight of this final game of the championship and the Ruy Lopez opening forming on the board before him. His Filipino opponent, 35-year-old Roxas preferred to hold his hand in his lap or place his right hand to his forehead.
Roxas took the initiative with marked vigor and ability countering the Marshall attack of El Fadil with a good fight throughout the middle game. For some time the game was conducted on fairly even terms, but once more the end game went to the Sudanese.
Meanwhile, while Series Ten is in the process of registration, the weekly one-day amateur tournament of Semi-Active Chess will start on Aug. 15 at Al-Faf Hotel. This tournament is free of charge except for a token fee of SR20 to cover dinner and other expenses. The registration starts by 3 p.m. and games begin at 4 p.m. every Friday.
For inquiries and other tournament details, contact Willy Lumboy (056368814), Glenn Orlina (6350535 ext. 272), Bong Marquez (2750306), Ezedine Agili/Jess Galang at Al-Faf Hotel.
