World Chess Olympiad: Mixed fortunes for Pakistani participants

Lodhi wins; women’s team lose to Philippines.

KARACHI: Pakistan experienced mixed fortunes in the 12th World Chess Olympiad as the men’s squad, led by national champion Mehmood Lodhi, defeated Moldova 3-0 while the women’s team lost to Philippines 3-0 in the first round yesterday.

Lodhi outplayed Viktor Bologan, Haseeb beat Lulian Baltag and Ahmed Madni outplayed Serghei Vedmidiuc. Meanwhile, Nida Siddique lost to Rulp Ylem Jose, Ghazala Shabbir Khuaja was downed by Janella Mae Frayna and Fatima Shabbir Khuaja suffered at the hands of Jedara Docena.

Over 100 Grand Masters from 60 countries are taking part in the competition. The Pakistan Chess Federation (PCF) had sent a 13-member squad to Istanbul.

“We have our hopes high with Lodhi, he can lead the team well and most of our players are experienced enough,” the PCF president Altaf Ahmed Chaudhry told The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2012.