By Marlon Bernardino
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Filipino International Master Rolly Martinez yielded to Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Burmakin in the ninth round and settled for fourth place in the 27th International Chess Festival in Bratto, Italy, Saturday.

Martinez lost after 40 moves of the Nimzo Indian Defense and was stuck at 6.5 points, dropping into a tie for 3rd to 8th places with GM Vladimir Epishin of Russia, GM Sergei Tiviakov (Netherlands), Jacob Aagaard (Scotland) and GM Alberto David (Luxembourg).

If any consolation, the Milan-based Martinez got his first GM result and 600 euros.

Burmakin took the title and the 1,500 euros that goes with it by edging Croatian GM Miso Cebalo in the tie break, 46.5-44.5 points. They tallied 7.0 points apiece in nine outings.

Epishin, who drew with German GM Igor Khenkin, took third with a better tie break of 49 points than Martinez’s 47.

Another Filipino entry, IM Roland Salvador, drew with IM Martha Fierro Baquero of Ecuador to finished with 5.5 points along with 16 others in the event that drew 120 players.