Tuesday, September 6, 2011

FAIR PLAY

 
Weeks after the Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge, I still get feedback about the race. Some of the comments I brush aside but then some just rubs in. The other day, a friend told me there were runners who made shortcuts specifically on the way to the finish from the foot of Marcelo Fernan Bridge. He said a runner coaxed him to just go straight from the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and bypass the turn in front of Mandaue Metro because there were no marshals there!  He said he ignore the invitation knowing he will be fooling himself if he made the shortcut.

To those who, in any way possible still think of getting a little advantage, whether in running or other sport or endeavor, should learn from a recent incident in the World Cup of Chess 2011 at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Czech GM David Navarra and Ukraine GM Alexander Moiseenko were the only ones playing a tiebreak match in the third round of play as they other players have finished their games. It was already very late in the evening. Navarra was winning the match having gained material advantage over his rival. On his 35th move, however, he touched his king when he was trying to move his bishop! In chess, when you touch a piece, you must move the piece. Moiseenko reminded Navarra of his error but then both players played on. The game was already more than 100 moves and in the final position, Navarra had a queen and king while Moiseenko had a rook and a king – obviously a win for Navarra! But in a twist of events, Navarra offered a draw, after working so hard to attain a winning position, because he felt he had no moral basis for the victory! (The whole story is here: http://www.fide.com/component/content/article/1-fide-news/5517-moiseenko-and-navara-reminded-the-world-about-the-fair-play.html)

Now that is FAIR PLAY!

NOTE: Those who want a print or soft copy of their picture in any running event in Cebu that are seen in the FB account YENDYS PICS may order them. Just visit the said FB account. An 8"x10" print is P150.00. Those who want a soft copy of a picture will be asked to pay an additional P50.00. Seems like a good deal.