FM Sander Severino takes 2nd place in online PWD chess tourney

FIDE Master Sander Severino placed second in the inaugural PWD online chess event by FIDE. CNN Philippines (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--A local chess player gave the Philippines a good news in spite of the trying times.

FIDE Master Sander Severino made the country proud after finishing second in the 1st Online FIDE Cup for Players with Disabilities that took place this week.

At the conclusion of the event on Friday, FIDE trainer James Infiesto, Severino's coach, announced through his Facebook account that Severino made the podium after the five-round event.

"This is a dream come true barging in the world championships of disabled!" Infiesto said.

Severino actually ended up tied for first with Grandmaster Marcin Tazbir of Poland at 4.5 points each, but Tazbir got the better of Severino through the second Median Buchholz tiebreaker, in which Tazbir was just ahead by a half point.

Both Severino and Tazbir went unbeaten with four wins and a draw each. They actually started with four straight victories before agreeing to split the points in the final round.

Russian International Master Yuri Beshkov took place after a three-way logjam between him, compatriot Denis Palin, and Hungary's Ace Gabor was settled through the first tiebreaker. The said players finished with four points each.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno