The Philippines smashed host Serbia 2, 3.5-0.5, to remain at the helm with chess giants Poland and India halfway through the 1st FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Belgrade on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

FIDE Master Sander Severino stayed perfect as he notched his third straight win at the expense of Mile Bjelanovic on top board to help power the Filipinos to the top with the top-seeded Poles and the highly-touted Indians with six match points on three wins apiece.
Playing team captain James Infiesto flattened Luka Bulatovic’s Bishop’s Opening in 57 moves on third board while Darry Bernardo crushed Vladan Petrovic’s brittle Caro-Kann Defense in 42 moves on fourth board for the team’s other wins.
Henry Lopez, meanwhile, settled for a 42-move draw of a Pirc duel with Stefan Mitrovic on board two.
Cheyzer Mendoza, the lone female member of the team, sat out on this round and could be reinserted into the fold the next round.
They were playing the fancied Poles at press time with hopes of sustaining their charge and keeping their title hopes alive.
“We’ll give it our best to keep the country proud,” said Infiesto.
The Philippine Sports Commission is bankrolling the campaign.