One Step Against Indonesian Women's Chess To Become Asian Champion

Photo illustration (Anne Nygard / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian chess women's team is one step away from becoming the champion of the Asian Cup team online chess tournament after advancing to the final by beating the Philippines in two duels in the semi-finals, Saturday, October 24.

In the two rounds of the duel, Indonesia won both halves with the same score of 2.5 - 1.5. Thus, Indonesia advanced to the final to fight for the title against India, who in the semi-final overcame Mongolia.

In the first round, WIM Chelsie Monica Ignesias Sihite (2233) became the determinant of Indonesia's victory over the Philippines after winning against WIM Bernadette Galas (2023) on board three. Meanwhile on boards 1 and 2 and 4 IM Irine Kharisma Sukandar, IM Medina Warda Aulia, and WIM Dita Karenza (1878) played mussels.

In the second half, Irene and Medina contributed full points after winning each on board 1 and 2, while Chelsie played a draw. The Philippines stole points on board 4 through WIM Kylen Joy Mordido (1923) who defeated WIM Dita Karenza (1878).

The general chairman of PB Percasi GM Utut Adianto really appreciated the struggle of Indonesian women and hoped that Irene Kharisma et al. will complete the final match with a victory to make history as Asian champions.

"Hopefully Irene, Medina, et al. Can overcome India in the final round to make history as Asian champions," said Utut via a WhatsApp message.

The complete results of the semi-finals

Round 1: Indonesia vs Philippines (2½: 1½)

1. IM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2381) - WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, (2102) ½ - ½

2. IM Medina Warda Aulia (2344) - WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda (2045) ½ - ½

3. WIM Chelsie Monica Ignesias Sihite (2233) - WIM Bernadette Galas (2023) 1 - 0

4. WIM Dita Karenza (1878) - WIM Kylen Joy Mordido, (1923) ½ - ½

Round 2: Philippines vs Indonesia (1½: 2½)

1. WGM Janelle Mae Frayna (2102) - IM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2381) 0 - 1

2. WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda (2045) - IM Medina Warda Aulia (2344) 0 - 1

3. WFM Shania Mae Mendoza (1969) - WIM Chelsie Monica Ignesias Sihite, (2233) ½ - ½

4. WIM Kylen Joy Mordido (1923) - WIM Dita Karenza (1878) 1 - 0