GM John Paul Gomez

According to GM Susan Polgar's blog, John Paul Gomez is the country's new grandmaster (as reported by Ed Andaya).

Reportedly, GM John Paul "The Pope Gomez" earned the GM title after securing a draw with GM Viktor Laznicka of the Czech Republic in the 9th round of the Dresden Olympiad.

If the reports are true, then we have a reason to celebrate for in our participation in this Olympiad.

Perhaps, achieving that goal was the main reason why Team Captain Eugene Torre allowed "The Pope" to play ALL 11 ROUNDS without rest.

In fact, only "The Pope" -- of all the RP Team members including the Ladies -- is the only Filipino player who has been given the opportunity to play from start to finish.

That could also be the reason why GM Bong Villamayor is giving way to the youngsters -- what a role to play.

I don't know if producing another Filipino GM (under Pichay's watch) is the MAIN agenda behind RP's participation in the Dresden Olympiad.

Is there a script for that? If indeed there is, what a perfectly played out script!