Not just brawn but also brains.
The multi-titled Philippine Army chess team proved anew its mettle in the indoor sport after clinching medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam on May 19, 2022.
Grand Master Sergeant Darwin Laylo and his teammate International Master Mr. Paulo Bersamina won the silver medal in the Men’s Team Rapid tournament. Vietnamese chess players clinched the gold medal while Thai and Indonesian chess players shared the bronze medal.
On the distaff side, Private First Class Janelle Mae Frayna, the first Filipina Grand Master, and her teammate Woman International Master Ms. Marie Antoinette San Diego bagged the bronze medal in Women’s Team Rapid event. Indonesian chess players bagged the gold while the duo from host country Vietnam settled for silver.
Army athletes have so far contributed three silver and eight bronze medals to Team Philippines’ overall medal haul after securing podium finishes in various categories of chess, wrestling, sepak takraw, rowing, hurdles, and kurash.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., commended the Army chess team and other soldier-athletes for showcasing their brawn and brains in a wide array of sporting events.
"Continue to bring pride and honor not just to the organization but to the country as well," the Army Chief said.
Photos: National Chess Federation of the Philippines
Special Service Center Official Installation Management Command, Philippine Army
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