The Philippines ran into tougher foes and fell to host Uzbekistan 2 and Spain that derailed its bid of gatecrashing into the top 10 after the fifth round of the 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Sunday night.

The Filipinos succumbed to the Uzbeks’ second squad, 1.5-2.5, after International Master Michael Concio misplayed a drawn endgame and lost to GM Abdimalik Abdisalimov in 73 moves of their English duel on top board.

IM Pau Bersamina, GM Daniel Quizon and IM Jem Garcia all drew their matches on the lower boards before that heartbreaking Concio defeat for the Nationals, whose campaign is being bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by delegation head and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr.