MANILA – Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua’s win over International Master (IM) Dzhurabek Khamrakulov was not enough to save the RP chess team from a 6th-round beating in the hands of team Uzbekistan in the team rapid competition of the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam.

Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. drew with fellow GM Anton Filippov while Women Fide Masters (WFM) Shercila Cua and Catherine Perena succumbed to Women International Masters (WIM) Nafisa Muminova and Nodira Nodirjanova, respectively.

Thus, Team Uzbekistan scored 2.5 points against RP’s 1.5.

Overall, the RP Team compiled a total of 11.5 points after 6 rounds of play.

The Filipino chess team is backed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., NCFP secretary-general Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., Philippines Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping and Manila Sports Council chairman Niño dela Cruz.

Meanwhile, host Vietnam captured the gold medal in the Team Blitz competition while tournament favorites China won the gold medal, both in Men and Women Rapid competitions. By Marlon Bernardino