So who will be the the 5th member?

Another interesting read from Bobby Ang's column, Chesspiece, from BusinessWorld Online. Predictions on who will be the last member to be included in the final list of five players that will represent our country in 2010 Khanty-Mansysk Chess Olympiad got more and more intriguing. I haven't thought much about it until I read a reader's response from the column of Mr Ang. All I can remember is that NCFP president Prospero Pichay earlier made a bold statement that our Olympiad team should be an all grandmasters team no more than 30 years of age. Not so sure if any changes will happen. If not, names of our young top GMs like So, Gomez, Paragua and Laylo would mean an automatic inclusion, and that leaves a hole to complete the youthful team. Thing here is that the Philippines does not have a grandmaster below 30 aside from the players mentioned. Now the last spot for the team leaves to our promising young IMs, if any of them has yet to achieved their final GM norms by the time the 2010 Olympiad begins. Truth is, I can only think but three from our young players who has the best chance to qualify for the final slot and complete the "magic five". Of course there may have some qualifying tournaments for the last slot but I like the chances of this three:

IM Oliver Barbosa. His succesful stints in the US is intimidating but we are not sure if he will be available for next year Olympiad, if ever he decided to become a permanent in USCF circuit. We will see.

IM Julio Catalino Sadorra. Sadorra has a better resume compare to Barbosa and experience wise, has a slight edge. But just like what Bobby Ang said, Sadorra can win or lose to anybody. He remains a dark horse in Philippine chess.

IM Oliver Dimakiling. Is another worthy candidate but Sadorra and Barbosa is just a step or two ahead of him.