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Philippine chess players aims at medal finish
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-27 17:23
The Philippine chess squad hopes to win at least a medal in the 15th Doha Asian Games slated December 1-15, local media reported on Monday.

"Our goal is to win a medal in Doha," coach Oliver Dimakiling was quoted by The Manila Bulletin daily as saying.

The Philippine squad hopes to make up for a disappointing performance in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games when it sees action in Doha, said the report.

Filipino chess players failed to win a single gold in last year 's Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

The report said IMs Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo will spearhead the country's bid after topping the qualifying event. Jedara Docena is the country's lone female participant.

Though Laylo and Dableo figured well in the recent President Arroyo Cup held in Manila where they finished tied for seventh to 16th places, they will have their hands full against Indian Viswanathan Anang and Chinese grandmasters, said the report.

"It's a tough field but we'll do our best to beat them," said Dableo.