FIDE master candidate Anton Paolo Del Mundo demolished Grandmaster Mark Paragua in the fifth and final round for a tie at first place along with three others in the recently concluded 39 th annual Atlantic Open, a chess event held in Westin Hotel in Washington DC last August 24-26.
Del Mundo tied for first with three others namely, IM Benjamin Finegold, IM Mikhail Zlotnikov, and US Master Chris J. Mabe, all scoring 4 points in 5 rounds. Each of them will receive the cash prize of US$1,200.
Del Mundo has topped three notional chess events in a period of two months. He emerged co-champion of the Under 2400 Section at the World Open last July, and followed up that feat by being the first Filipino to win the US Open, a prestigious event held for the past 108 years. And now as the month of August draws to a close, he lands first place in the Atlantic Open. This is perhaps the best consecutive performances by a Filipino in the mainland US.
Paragua, the country's No. 3-ranked player, earned an Elo rating of 2525 and showed a strong performance with 3.5 points out of 4, and had the chance to be the solo champion and receive US$2,000 except for a sorry loss in the final round to Del Mundo. He drew with eventual co-champion IM Finegold in 5 moves in the fourth round, which proved fatal because of the unexpected loss.
The big chess event in Washington DC was well-attended, and strong players like IM Emory Tate, IM Brian Smith, IM Justin Sarkar among 97 players in the Open, were out of contention before the last round.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
MORE NEWS ON MALAYSIAN CHESS TOURNEY
TWO FILIPINO DOMINATES MALAYSIAN CHESS TOURNEY
AFTER the Filipinos failed in the DATMO (Datu Artur Tan Malaysian Open) crown, team Philippines didn't go home empty handed after Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City and Roel Abelgas of Dasmarinas, Cavite hurdled their respective rivals in the eleventh and final round of the Am Bank Chess Championships and share top honors in this event held at the Bintang Ballroom, CitiTel Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday.
Cantonjos, a member of the Philippine Airforce Chess Team and Abelgas, coach of Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dasmarinas, Cavite campus, both tallied 8.5 points in the 11 round Swiss-system FIDE tournament to finish in top of the 50 player's field.
Cantonjos halved the point with Albert Rivera of Makati City while Albegas stunned Au Yoong Yow Loo of Malaysia.
With the draw, Rivera finished with 7.5 points to join NM Jerry Nodado of Cagayan de Oro City in the 5th to 6th placers.
Christopher Castellano of Cainta, Rizal, meanwhile notched 8.0 points to share third to fourth placers with Che Hassan Abdullah of Malaysia.
It was a sad story for Abdullah who needed only a draw with Castellano to create a possible three-way tie, a win would have assured him the championship's trophy.
Abdullah, broke the Filipino dominated tournament after making it to the top six in the player's final standings.
Final Standings: (Am Bank/ 11 round Swiss-system/ 50 player's field)
8.5 points---Allan Cantonjos (Philippines)
8.5 points---Roel Abelgas (Philippines)
8.0 points---Christopher Castellano (Philippines)
8.0 points---Che Hassan Abdullah (Malaysia)
7.5 points---NM Jerry Nodado (Philippines)
7.5 points---Albert Rivera (Philippines)
7.0 points---Gerald Soh Han Loong (Malaysia)
7.0 points---Ken Wei Tan (Malaysia)
7.0 points---Li Tao Ooi (Malaysia)
FOLK SONG SINGER TOPS MCC AUGUST EDITION
FOLK SONG SINGER Willy San Juan defeated seventh seed Roberto Torres in just 27 moves of a French Defense to emerge-over all champion in the August edition of MCC 1950 below active chess tourney held Sunday at the upper second floor of St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.
San Juan, also a recording artist posted a final tally of 5.5 points with five wins and one draw after six rounds of play to claim his first MCC title. San Juan also bagged the best unrated performer award.
Tied in 2nd-3rd places with 5.0 points apiece with 4th seed Garry Baltar of Las Pinas and 17th seed Nelson Angeles, while 10th seed Balden Corpuz grabbed the solo 4th position with 4.5 points. Baltar salvaged a losing position against Elbin Ramos in 37 moves of a King's pawn opening; businessman Angeles upset 5th seed Garry Garcia in 30 moves of a Center-Counter variation and Corpuz prevailed over younger opponent Marc Christian Nazario.
Rounding off the top ten winners were: Torres (5th); Ramos (6th); Rolando Gangozo (7th); Rommel Valdez of Masbate (8th); Renato Taopa (9th) and Garcia (10th). Adjudged best junior players were Nazario and Jan Nigel Galan.
Meanwhile, the next MCC events are: 2000 below active on Sept. 9; 16-under standard on Sept. 15-16 and 2000 dalawahan on Sept. 23. For details, call 0916-852-1069.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
AFTER the Filipinos failed in the DATMO (Datu Artur Tan Malaysian Open) crown, team Philippines didn't go home empty handed after Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City and Roel Abelgas of Dasmarinas, Cavite hurdled their respective rivals in the eleventh and final round of the Am Bank Chess Championships and share top honors in this event held at the Bintang Ballroom, CitiTel Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday.
Cantonjos, a member of the Philippine Airforce Chess Team and Abelgas, coach of Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dasmarinas, Cavite campus, both tallied 8.5 points in the 11 round Swiss-system FIDE tournament to finish in top of the 50 player's field.
Cantonjos halved the point with Albert Rivera of Makati City while Albegas stunned Au Yoong Yow Loo of Malaysia.
With the draw, Rivera finished with 7.5 points to join NM Jerry Nodado of Cagayan de Oro City in the 5th to 6th placers.
Christopher Castellano of Cainta, Rizal, meanwhile notched 8.0 points to share third to fourth placers with Che Hassan Abdullah of Malaysia.
It was a sad story for Abdullah who needed only a draw with Castellano to create a possible three-way tie, a win would have assured him the championship's trophy.
Abdullah, broke the Filipino dominated tournament after making it to the top six in the player's final standings.
Final Standings: (Am Bank/ 11 round Swiss-system/ 50 player's field)
8.5 points---Allan Cantonjos (Philippines)
8.5 points---Roel Abelgas (Philippines)
8.0 points---Christopher Castellano (Philippines)
8.0 points---Che Hassan Abdullah (Malaysia)
7.5 points---NM Jerry Nodado (Philippines)
7.5 points---Albert Rivera (Philippines)
7.0 points---Gerald Soh Han Loong (Malaysia)
7.0 points---Ken Wei Tan (Malaysia)
7.0 points---Li Tao Ooi (Malaysia)
FOLK SONG SINGER TOPS MCC AUGUST EDITION
FOLK SONG SINGER Willy San Juan defeated seventh seed Roberto Torres in just 27 moves of a French Defense to emerge-over all champion in the August edition of MCC 1950 below active chess tourney held Sunday at the upper second floor of St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.
San Juan, also a recording artist posted a final tally of 5.5 points with five wins and one draw after six rounds of play to claim his first MCC title. San Juan also bagged the best unrated performer award.
Tied in 2nd-3rd places with 5.0 points apiece with 4th seed Garry Baltar of Las Pinas and 17th seed Nelson Angeles, while 10th seed Balden Corpuz grabbed the solo 4th position with 4.5 points. Baltar salvaged a losing position against Elbin Ramos in 37 moves of a King's pawn opening; businessman Angeles upset 5th seed Garry Garcia in 30 moves of a Center-Counter variation and Corpuz prevailed over younger opponent Marc Christian Nazario.
Rounding off the top ten winners were: Torres (5th); Ramos (6th); Rolando Gangozo (7th); Rommel Valdez of Masbate (8th); Renato Taopa (9th) and Garcia (10th). Adjudged best junior players were Nazario and Jan Nigel Galan.
Meanwhile, the next MCC events are: 2000 below active on Sept. 9; 16-under standard on Sept. 15-16 and 2000 dalawahan on Sept. 23. For details, call 0916-852-1069.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
CHINESE LI CHAO TOPS MALAYSIAN OPEN CHESS
CHINA’s newest chess sensation Li Chao scored 1.5 points in the last two rounds to emerge over-all champion in this year's Dato Artur Tan Malaysian Open (DATMO) Chess Tournament yesterday at the Bintang Ballroom, CitiTel Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 28-year-old untitled Chao, currently ranked No.13 in China-FIDE, garnered an Elo Fide rating of 2529 as he toppled countryman and top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) in the tenth and penultimate round using the white pieces after 33 moves of a four knight game and then held GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh (2522) to a draw in their top board encounter in the final round to finished with 9.0 points to bag the championship trophy and the top prize of US$4,000.
Meanwhile, Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu trounced compatriot fellow International Master Ronald Bancod of Quezon City after a marathon 68 moves of a Reti Opening using the black pieces yesterday morning in the penultimate round to climb into a share of fourth place with five others, including Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai, his final round opponent.
Nadera, a member of multi-titled Philippine Airforce Team now has 7 points after 10 rounds and can only hope for a runner-up finish in the annual event which attracted 86 wood-pushers in this 11 round Swiss-system World Chess Federation (FIDE) sanctioned tournament.
Wan Yunguo, another untitled Chinese like Li who holds an Elo Fide rating of 2436 , also has 7.5 points and battles IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia using the white side as of press time.
Aside from Nadera and GM Dao, others with 7-points are Sadikin, GM Nguyen Ahn Dung of Vietnam, IM Wang Rui and WGM Li Ruofan of China.
Singapore-based Pinoy IM Julio Catalino Sadorra was the next best-placed Filipino with 6.5 points in the company of GM Murray Chandler of England, Wang Li and Zhou Weiqi of China, GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia, IM Girinath P.D.S. of India, IM Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia and Zhong.
The loss left Bancod with 6 points, the same score tallied by compatriots IM
Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu, IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City, FM Hamed Nouri of Escalante City and NM Rolando Nolte of Quezon City.
The other Filipino entries and their scores: NM Emmanuel Senador of Iloilo (5.5 points); NM Rhobel Legaspi (5.0); and WIM Sheerie Joy Lomibao (5.0) of Quezon City.
In the AmBank chess tournament, another tournament played concurrently with the Malaysian Open, FILIPINO Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City beat Kaushal Khandar of Malaysia to raise his total 8.0 points after round 10 and join Che Hassan Abdullah of Malaysia in the leadership board. Abdullah held in to a draw with Albert Rivera of Makati City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The 28-year-old untitled Chao, currently ranked No.13 in China-FIDE, garnered an Elo Fide rating of 2529 as he toppled countryman and top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) in the tenth and penultimate round using the white pieces after 33 moves of a four knight game and then held GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh (2522) to a draw in their top board encounter in the final round to finished with 9.0 points to bag the championship trophy and the top prize of US$4,000.
Meanwhile, Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu trounced compatriot fellow International Master Ronald Bancod of Quezon City after a marathon 68 moves of a Reti Opening using the black pieces yesterday morning in the penultimate round to climb into a share of fourth place with five others, including Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai, his final round opponent.
Nadera, a member of multi-titled Philippine Airforce Team now has 7 points after 10 rounds and can only hope for a runner-up finish in the annual event which attracted 86 wood-pushers in this 11 round Swiss-system World Chess Federation (FIDE) sanctioned tournament.
Wan Yunguo, another untitled Chinese like Li who holds an Elo Fide rating of 2436 , also has 7.5 points and battles IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia using the white side as of press time.
Aside from Nadera and GM Dao, others with 7-points are Sadikin, GM Nguyen Ahn Dung of Vietnam, IM Wang Rui and WGM Li Ruofan of China.
Singapore-based Pinoy IM Julio Catalino Sadorra was the next best-placed Filipino with 6.5 points in the company of GM Murray Chandler of England, Wang Li and Zhou Weiqi of China, GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia, IM Girinath P.D.S. of India, IM Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia and Zhong.
The loss left Bancod with 6 points, the same score tallied by compatriots IM
Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu, IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City, FM Hamed Nouri of Escalante City and NM Rolando Nolte of Quezon City.
The other Filipino entries and their scores: NM Emmanuel Senador of Iloilo (5.5 points); NM Rhobel Legaspi (5.0); and WIM Sheerie Joy Lomibao (5.0) of Quezon City.
In the AmBank chess tournament, another tournament played concurrently with the Malaysian Open, FILIPINO Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City beat Kaushal Khandar of Malaysia to raise his total 8.0 points after round 10 and join Che Hassan Abdullah of Malaysia in the leadership board. Abdullah held in to a draw with Albert Rivera of Makati City.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
DIMAKILING, BITOON DRAW IN 6TH ROUND OF MALAYSIAN CHESS
GRANDMASTER candidate Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City settled for a truce with compatriot fellow International Master Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu using the white pieces in the sixth round of 2007 Dato Artur Tan Malaysian Open yesterday being held at the ballroom of Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dimakiling and Bitoon, both playing under the banner of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay Jr. improved their record for a total 4.5 points to climbed into a tie for 5th to 13th placers in the company of countryman IM Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu, GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, IM Wang Rui and Wan Yunguo of China, IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia and IM Gary Lane of Australia.
Woman International Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao of Quezon City who forced a draw with IM Bitoon and GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia in the early round beat Jun Lian Low of Malaysia to raise her total 3.0 points in this FIDE event which attracted 86 players. She will face Kaiser Jenius Hakiki of Indonesia in the seventh round.
Other sixth round matches yesterday were IM Nadera who halved the point with GM Rahman, same with the game between of IM Wang and Yunguo, IM Irwanto clobbered IM Ronald Bancod of the Philippines, IM Lane upset GM Murray Chandler of England, and GM Dao nipped IM Nasib Ginting of India.
Top seed GM Zhang Zhong and Li Chao of China hurdled their respective rivals yesterday to join fellow Chinese WGM Ruofan Li and Weiqi Zhou in the leadership board with 5.0 points apiece.
GM Zhang crushed IM Girinath P.D.S. of India while Chao prevented the International Master aspirations of Fide Master Hamed Nouri of Escalante City while WGM Ruofan settled for a draw with Weiqi.
Other Filipino woodpushers still in contention for the title race were NM Emmanuel Senador (4.0) points, NM Rolando Nolte (4.0), IM Julio Catalino Saddora (3.5) and NM Rhobel Legaspi ( 3.5) .
The Results – [Individual Category] after six rounds: (86 player's field)
5.0 points--- GM Zhang Zhong (China), WGM Ruofan Li (China), Weiqi Zhou (China), Li Chao (China)
4.5 points--- IM Oliver Dimakiling (Philippines), IM Richard Bitoon (Philippines), IM Barlo Nadera (Philippines),GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh), IM Wang Rui (China), Wan Yunguo (China), IM Sadikin Irwanto (Indonesia), IM Gary Lane (Australia)
4.0 points---FM Hamed Nouri (Philippines), NM Emmanuel Senador (Philippines), NM Rolando Nolte (Philippines), WGM Zhang Jilin (China), IM Grinath P.D.S. (India), IM Mas Hafizuhelmi (Malaysia), FM Ton That Nhu Tung (Vietnam), Aman Khairul (Malaysia)
3.5 points---GM Utut Adianto (Indonesia), GM Murray Chandler (England), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (Vietnam), WIM Laura Moylan (Australia), IM Ronald Bancod (Philippines), IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (Philippines), NM Rhobel Legaspi (Philippines), IM Tirto (Indonesia), IM Nasib Ginting (Indonesia), FM Sebastian Simanjuntak (Indonesia), FM Tze-Meng Mok (Malaysia), FM Anas Nazreen Bakri (India)…
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Dimakiling and Bitoon, both playing under the banner of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay Jr. improved their record for a total 4.5 points to climbed into a tie for 5th to 13th placers in the company of countryman IM Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu, GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, IM Wang Rui and Wan Yunguo of China, IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia and IM Gary Lane of Australia.
Woman International Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao of Quezon City who forced a draw with IM Bitoon and GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia in the early round beat Jun Lian Low of Malaysia to raise her total 3.0 points in this FIDE event which attracted 86 players. She will face Kaiser Jenius Hakiki of Indonesia in the seventh round.
Other sixth round matches yesterday were IM Nadera who halved the point with GM Rahman, same with the game between of IM Wang and Yunguo, IM Irwanto clobbered IM Ronald Bancod of the Philippines, IM Lane upset GM Murray Chandler of England, and GM Dao nipped IM Nasib Ginting of India.
Top seed GM Zhang Zhong and Li Chao of China hurdled their respective rivals yesterday to join fellow Chinese WGM Ruofan Li and Weiqi Zhou in the leadership board with 5.0 points apiece.
GM Zhang crushed IM Girinath P.D.S. of India while Chao prevented the International Master aspirations of Fide Master Hamed Nouri of Escalante City while WGM Ruofan settled for a draw with Weiqi.
Other Filipino woodpushers still in contention for the title race were NM Emmanuel Senador (4.0) points, NM Rolando Nolte (4.0), IM Julio Catalino Saddora (3.5) and NM Rhobel Legaspi ( 3.5) .
The Results – [Individual Category] after six rounds: (86 player's field)
5.0 points--- GM Zhang Zhong (China), WGM Ruofan Li (China), Weiqi Zhou (China), Li Chao (China)
4.5 points--- IM Oliver Dimakiling (Philippines), IM Richard Bitoon (Philippines), IM Barlo Nadera (Philippines),GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh), IM Wang Rui (China), Wan Yunguo (China), IM Sadikin Irwanto (Indonesia), IM Gary Lane (Australia)
4.0 points---FM Hamed Nouri (Philippines), NM Emmanuel Senador (Philippines), NM Rolando Nolte (Philippines), WGM Zhang Jilin (China), IM Grinath P.D.S. (India), IM Mas Hafizuhelmi (Malaysia), FM Ton That Nhu Tung (Vietnam), Aman Khairul (Malaysia)
3.5 points---GM Utut Adianto (Indonesia), GM Murray Chandler (England), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (Vietnam), WIM Laura Moylan (Australia), IM Ronald Bancod (Philippines), IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (Philippines), NM Rhobel Legaspi (Philippines), IM Tirto (Indonesia), IM Nasib Ginting (Indonesia), FM Sebastian Simanjuntak (Indonesia), FM Tze-Meng Mok (Malaysia), FM Anas Nazreen Bakri (India)…
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
NEGRENSE NOURI KEEPS IM HOPES ALIVE IN MALAYSIAN CHESS OPEN
NEGRENSE Fide Master Hamed Nouri kept his International Master (IM) title aspiration alive by defeating Kaiser Jenius Hakiki with the black pieces in the fourth round of the 2007 Dato Artur Tan Malaysian Open yesterday at the ballroom of the Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hamed, the former National Master from Escalante City, Negros Occidental, who got his FIDE Master certificate and IM status after campaigning in the Asian Zonal 3.3 Chess Championship in Vietnam, now has 3.5 points in four outings to share second to sixth places in the company of 5th round opponent compatriot IM Barlo Nadera of Mandaue City, IM Gary Lane of Australia, IM Wang Rui and Weiqi Zhou of China.
Nadera who came to a draw with fellow IM Lane employing the white pieces in the fourth, is fresh from winning the 4 th annual Prospero Pichay Sr. Memorial Open Chess Tournament held recently at the Surigao del Sur Institue of Technology in Cantilan Surigao del Sur.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is hoping that Nouri will earn his IM status in the Malaysian Open.
Chinese Woman Grandmaster Ruofan Li trounced Malaysian IM Mas Hafizulhelmi to grab the solo leadership board with perfect 4.0 points.
Meanwhile, GM candidate Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City crushed FM Anas Nazreen Bakri of India with the white pieces to raise a total 3.0 points and climbed a tie for 7 th to 20th placers. Other 3.0 pointers were IM Mas, top seed GM Zhang Zhong, WGM Zhang Jilin, Li Chao , Shen Siyuan, and Yunguo Wan of China, GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam, IM Richard Bitoon, NMs Rolando Nolte and Emmanuel Senador of the Philippines, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, IM Girinath P.D.S. and Ramnath Bhuvanesh of India.
IM Ronald Bancod, who lifted Apocalypse Manila to victory in the 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships crown late Sunday yielded to Weiqi with the black pieces and remained at 2.5 points.
Woman International Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao of the Philippines posted the biggest surprise yesterday after making a draw with second seed GM Utu Adianto of Indonesia for her 2.0 points.
According to website the Closet Grandmaster, IM Wesley So "has dropped off! It now turns out that he's suffering from chicken pox and obviously had to withdraw from the event."
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Hamed, the former National Master from Escalante City, Negros Occidental, who got his FIDE Master certificate and IM status after campaigning in the Asian Zonal 3.3 Chess Championship in Vietnam, now has 3.5 points in four outings to share second to sixth places in the company of 5th round opponent compatriot IM Barlo Nadera of Mandaue City, IM Gary Lane of Australia, IM Wang Rui and Weiqi Zhou of China.
Nadera who came to a draw with fellow IM Lane employing the white pieces in the fourth, is fresh from winning the 4 th annual Prospero Pichay Sr. Memorial Open Chess Tournament held recently at the Surigao del Sur Institue of Technology in Cantilan Surigao del Sur.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is hoping that Nouri will earn his IM status in the Malaysian Open.
Chinese Woman Grandmaster Ruofan Li trounced Malaysian IM Mas Hafizulhelmi to grab the solo leadership board with perfect 4.0 points.
Meanwhile, GM candidate Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City crushed FM Anas Nazreen Bakri of India with the white pieces to raise a total 3.0 points and climbed a tie for 7 th to 20th placers. Other 3.0 pointers were IM Mas, top seed GM Zhang Zhong, WGM Zhang Jilin, Li Chao , Shen Siyuan, and Yunguo Wan of China, GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam, IM Richard Bitoon, NMs Rolando Nolte and Emmanuel Senador of the Philippines, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, IM Girinath P.D.S. and Ramnath Bhuvanesh of India.
IM Ronald Bancod, who lifted Apocalypse Manila to victory in the 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships crown late Sunday yielded to Weiqi with the black pieces and remained at 2.5 points.
Woman International Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao of the Philippines posted the biggest surprise yesterday after making a draw with second seed GM Utu Adianto of Indonesia for her 2.0 points.
According to website the Closet Grandmaster, IM Wesley So "has dropped off! It now turns out that he's suffering from chicken pox and obviously had to withdraw from the event."
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, August 20, 2007
PHILIPPINES SWEEPS 1-2-3 IN MALAYSIAN CHESS TILT
APOCALYPSE MANILA, PHILIPPINES WOODPUSHERS TOPS MERDEKA RAPID CHESS TITLE
APOCALYPSE MANILA, PHILIPPINES composed of IM Ronald Bancod, NM Rolando Nolte, NM Emmanuel Seandor, Christopher Castellano and Albert Rivera combined a total of 28 points and 16 match points to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships late Sunday at the Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"Maganda ang performance natin dito sa Merdeka Team Championships, na sweep ng Team Philippines ang 1-2-3 spots," said Apocalypse Manila, Philippines team skipper IM Ronald Bancod in a text message late Sunday. Ronald who is fresh from winning the 2007 Asian Indoor Games selection tournament held in Tagaytay recently, a younger brother of Tempo sports editor Rey Bancod notched a 4-3-2-win-loss-draw record in nine outings.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president former rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. lauded the performance of Team Philippines who garnered a 1-2-3 finish in the 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships late Sunday.
"It show's na malaki talaga ang pag-asa natin sa larong chess. Sana makakuha ng norms/ results (FM/IM/GM) y'ung mga player natin na kalahok sa Open section." he added.
Laguna-Evertel, Philippines headed by IM candidate Nouri Hamed, IM Richard Bitoon, NM Rhobel Legaspi, NM Jerry Nodado and head coach Dr. Alfredo Paez tallied a total of 26.5 points and 15 match points to land runner-up in this 50 team competition. According to Dr. Paez, his team is supported by Laguna Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro and Evertel Enterprises manager Belen Urbina.
Quezon City, Philippines, meanwhile spearheaded by IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, IM Barlo Nadera, Allan Cantonjos and Roel Abelgas notched a total of 26.5 points and 14 match points to complete the Filipino 1-2-3 finish after settling third place.
Rounding the top five finishers were No.4 BHAYANGKARA B – Indonesia (24 points/ 12 match points), and No.5 United Nations (23.5 points/ 12 match points).
In the Open class yesterday, IM Ronald Bancod played the black pieces against Eugene Schon, IM Julio Catalino Sadorra also played the black pieces against Chor Yuen Chong, IM Richard Bitoon played the white pieces against WFM Helen Milligan, IM Oliver Dimakiling, black pieces against Hilton Bennett and IM candidate Nouri Hamed played white against Ramnath Bhuvanesh.
The Open event drew 87 player's field and the top five seeded were GM Zhang Zhong of China, GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia, GM Murray Chandler of England, GM Dao Thien Hai and GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam. Chinese Li Chao is No.6 while Bangladesh top player GM Ziaur Rahman is No.7 pick.
CEBUANO IM BARLO NADERA WINS P100,000 IN PICHAY SR. MEMORIAL OPEN CHESS
INTERNATIONAL MASTER Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu stunned last year's champion National Master Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City using the advantageous white pieces in the ninth and final round to bag the championships' trophy plus the top prize of Php100,000 in the 4 th annual Prospero Pichay Sr. Memorial Open Chess Tournament was held recently at the Surigao del Sur Institue of Technology in Cantilan Surigao delu Sur.
Nadera, the top player of the Philippine Airforce finished unbeaten, with 8.5 points in nine outings. His only draw was inflicted by fellow IM Oliver Dimakiling in the seventh round.
Tournament director and former Olympian National Master Cesar Caturla yesterday said that the event is was held in honor of the late father of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and former representative Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
National arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon of Cagayan de Oro City is the chief arbiter in the said chessfest which attracted 76 woodpushers in the country.
Tied for second to 4th placers are IM Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu, NM Mirabeau Maga of Quezon City and NM Emmanuel Senador of Iloilo who notch identical 7.0 points apiece. Each of them received Php23,333 for their effort.
Fernandez who got his IM norm/results in the Subic International Open was stuck at 6.5 points in the company of Dimakiling, and Jimmy Dano of Dipolog City. The triumvirate (Fernandez, Dimakiling and Dano) took home Php3,750 each.
(Reports by MARLON BERNARDINO)
APOCALYPSE MANILA, PHILIPPINES composed of IM Ronald Bancod, NM Rolando Nolte, NM Emmanuel Seandor, Christopher Castellano and Albert Rivera combined a total of 28 points and 16 match points to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships late Sunday at the Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"Maganda ang performance natin dito sa Merdeka Team Championships, na sweep ng Team Philippines ang 1-2-3 spots," said Apocalypse Manila, Philippines team skipper IM Ronald Bancod in a text message late Sunday. Ronald who is fresh from winning the 2007 Asian Indoor Games selection tournament held in Tagaytay recently, a younger brother of Tempo sports editor Rey Bancod notched a 4-3-2-win-loss-draw record in nine outings.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president former rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. lauded the performance of Team Philippines who garnered a 1-2-3 finish in the 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships late Sunday.
"It show's na malaki talaga ang pag-asa natin sa larong chess. Sana makakuha ng norms/ results (FM/IM/GM) y'ung mga player natin na kalahok sa Open section." he added.
Laguna-Evertel, Philippines headed by IM candidate Nouri Hamed, IM Richard Bitoon, NM Rhobel Legaspi, NM Jerry Nodado and head coach Dr. Alfredo Paez tallied a total of 26.5 points and 15 match points to land runner-up in this 50 team competition. According to Dr. Paez, his team is supported by Laguna Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro and Evertel Enterprises manager Belen Urbina.
Quezon City, Philippines, meanwhile spearheaded by IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, IM Barlo Nadera, Allan Cantonjos and Roel Abelgas notched a total of 26.5 points and 14 match points to complete the Filipino 1-2-3 finish after settling third place.
Rounding the top five finishers were No.4 BHAYANGKARA B – Indonesia (24 points/ 12 match points), and No.5 United Nations (23.5 points/ 12 match points).
In the Open class yesterday, IM Ronald Bancod played the black pieces against Eugene Schon, IM Julio Catalino Sadorra also played the black pieces against Chor Yuen Chong, IM Richard Bitoon played the white pieces against WFM Helen Milligan, IM Oliver Dimakiling, black pieces against Hilton Bennett and IM candidate Nouri Hamed played white against Ramnath Bhuvanesh.
The Open event drew 87 player's field and the top five seeded were GM Zhang Zhong of China, GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia, GM Murray Chandler of England, GM Dao Thien Hai and GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam. Chinese Li Chao is No.6 while Bangladesh top player GM Ziaur Rahman is No.7 pick.
CEBUANO IM BARLO NADERA WINS P100,000 IN PICHAY SR. MEMORIAL OPEN CHESS
INTERNATIONAL MASTER Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu stunned last year's champion National Master Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City using the advantageous white pieces in the ninth and final round to bag the championships' trophy plus the top prize of Php100,000 in the 4 th annual Prospero Pichay Sr. Memorial Open Chess Tournament was held recently at the Surigao del Sur Institue of Technology in Cantilan Surigao delu Sur.
Nadera, the top player of the Philippine Airforce finished unbeaten, with 8.5 points in nine outings. His only draw was inflicted by fellow IM Oliver Dimakiling in the seventh round.
Tournament director and former Olympian National Master Cesar Caturla yesterday said that the event is was held in honor of the late father of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and former representative Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
National arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon of Cagayan de Oro City is the chief arbiter in the said chessfest which attracted 76 woodpushers in the country.
Tied for second to 4th placers are IM Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu, NM Mirabeau Maga of Quezon City and NM Emmanuel Senador of Iloilo who notch identical 7.0 points apiece. Each of them received Php23,333 for their effort.
Fernandez who got his IM norm/results in the Subic International Open was stuck at 6.5 points in the company of Dimakiling, and Jimmy Dano of Dipolog City. The triumvirate (Fernandez, Dimakiling and Dano) took home Php3,750 each.
(Reports by MARLON BERNARDINO)
Friday, August 17, 2007
LAGUNA-EVERTEL JOINS MALAYSIAN CHESS TILT TODAY
CEBUANO International Master Richard Bitoon, Negrense IM candidate Nouri Hamed, national masters Jerry Nodado and Rhobel Legaspi and head coach Dr. Alfredo Paez left the country yesterday to spearhead Laguna-Evertel Chess Team when the 27th Astro Merdeka Rapid Team Chess Championships gets going today, August 18 to 19 at the Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Dr. Paez, Laguna-Evertel Chess Team will be pitted against the best chess teams in Southeast Asia and also aims to get a possible norms/ results (FM, IM, or GM)
The team is supported by Laguna Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro and Evertel Enterprises manager Belen Urbina.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
According to Dr. Paez, Laguna-Evertel Chess Team will be pitted against the best chess teams in Southeast Asia and also aims to get a possible norms/ results (FM, IM, or GM)
The team is supported by Laguna Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro and Evertel Enterprises manager Belen Urbina.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
ANTON DEL MUNDO IS CJAP PLAYER OF THE MONTH
FILIPINO CHESS WHIZ DEL MUNDO IS CJAP PLAYER OF THE MONTH
EVEN if he’s far away from home, Anton Paolo del Mundo is making the country proud in the international chess scene.
Last month, Del Mundo achieved a major feat by winning both the World Open Under 24 category in Philadelphia and the US Open in New Jersey. Both wins enabled the US-based Del Mundo to earn the coveted honor as "Player of the Month" from the Chess Journalists Association of the Philippines (CJAP).
In New Jersey, Del Mundo tied for first place with well-known GMs Alex Shabalov, Boris Gulko, Sergey Kudrin and Michael Rhode and two other IMs with 7.5 points each. Another Filipino, IM Enrico Sevillano, finished with 6.5 points.
A distant second to Del Mundo was Far Eastern University assistant coach Alex Milagrosa, who tied for first place with IM Richard Bitoon in the NCFP qualifying tournament held at the Marketplace Shopping Center in Mandaluyong City.
Past CJAP winners were GM Nelson Mariano (January), IM Wesley So (March and May), FM Julio Catalio Sadorra (April) and Haridas Pascua (June).
No player was chosen last February.
CJAP is the only association of Filipino chess journalists recognized by both the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
The CJAP is headed by Ed Andaya of People's Tonight, president; Roy Luarca of Inquirer and Dante Navarro of Philippine Star, vice-presidents; Arman Armero of Standard Today, secretary; Joey Vilar of Philippine Star, treasurer; Dani Simon of Police Files, auditor; Noli Cruz of Standard and Cristine Moncada of Malaya, PROs; and Orlando Primo of Dyaryong Orig and Marlon Bernardino of Bandera, business managers. Advisers are Gus Villanueva of the Journal Group and Manny Benitez of Weekender.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
EVEN if he’s far away from home, Anton Paolo del Mundo is making the country proud in the international chess scene.
Last month, Del Mundo achieved a major feat by winning both the World Open Under 24 category in Philadelphia and the US Open in New Jersey. Both wins enabled the US-based Del Mundo to earn the coveted honor as "Player of the Month" from the Chess Journalists Association of the Philippines (CJAP).
In New Jersey, Del Mundo tied for first place with well-known GMs Alex Shabalov, Boris Gulko, Sergey Kudrin and Michael Rhode and two other IMs with 7.5 points each. Another Filipino, IM Enrico Sevillano, finished with 6.5 points.
A distant second to Del Mundo was Far Eastern University assistant coach Alex Milagrosa, who tied for first place with IM Richard Bitoon in the NCFP qualifying tournament held at the Marketplace Shopping Center in Mandaluyong City.
Past CJAP winners were GM Nelson Mariano (January), IM Wesley So (March and May), FM Julio Catalio Sadorra (April) and Haridas Pascua (June).
No player was chosen last February.
CJAP is the only association of Filipino chess journalists recognized by both the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
The CJAP is headed by Ed Andaya of People's Tonight, president; Roy Luarca of Inquirer and Dante Navarro of Philippine Star, vice-presidents; Arman Armero of Standard Today, secretary; Joey Vilar of Philippine Star, treasurer; Dani Simon of Police Files, auditor; Noli Cruz of Standard and Cristine Moncada of Malaya, PROs; and Orlando Primo of Dyaryong Orig and Marlon Bernardino of Bandera, business managers. Advisers are Gus Villanueva of the Journal Group and Manny Benitez of Weekender.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
THE 2007 GOV. LAZARO INTER-TOWN/INTER-COMMERCIAL CHESS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
CALAMBA TOPS LAGUNA CHESS
AS CABUYAO TOPPLES SAN PEDRO
Calamba City Chess Team beat San Pablo City Team B, 2.5-1.5, in the last round to score 11 match points & capture the 2007 Gov. Lazaro Inter-Town/Inter-Commercial Chess Team Championship title. Rodolfo Panopio, Ruel Gonzales & Ramon Ragas drew their respectve matches against Lito Ordizo, Julio Quito & Melvin Cartina. Richie Jocson demolished Allan Belda in the last board.
San Pablo City beat Los Banos Team A, 3-1, in the 7th round. Mustafa Poingan had an easy point against Val Millena. Willy Abalos crushed Chester Yonzon. Frederick Isip beat UPLB professor RJ Esteves. Danilo Davanadera lost to Michael Concio. San Pablo was actually in a tie with Calamba City but lost in the tie-break. Calamba City & San Pablo Team A equally divided the 1 st & 2nd cash prizes totalling Php35, 000.
In the top board encounter, San Pedro Chess Team, solo leader after 6 rounds with 10 match points, was upset by Cabuyao Chess Team in the final round, 1.5-2.5. Engr. Joel Anthony Hicap was held to a draw by Dr. Alfredo Paez. Bryan Punzalan was toppled by Engr. Edwin Lorenzo. Ervil Villa was defeated by Vicente Vargas. Only former National Master Ricky Merano won against Henry Boroc. San Pedro landed in 3 rd place in a tie with Sta. Cruz & Cabuyao. Each team received Php6, 000 & a trophy.
In the mixed division, Sta. Cruz Junior Chess Team & Calamba-World Asia Group both scored 9 match points to tie for 1st place.
Board Medalists in the Open Division were Gene Salmorin of Majayjay (Board 1), Engr. Edwin Lorenzo of Cabuyao (Board 2), Arthur de Lima of Sta. Cruz (Board 3), Junifer Reonal of Bay (Board 4), Rainier Valenzuela of Sta. Cruz (Board 5). Getting individual honors for the Mixed Division were Louie Orozco of Sta. Cruz (Board 1), Christian Florin of Calamba-World Asia Group (Board 2), Vince Medina of Sta. Cruz (Board 3) Christian Nanola of Calamba-World Asia Group (Board 4) & Abraham Dionglay of Nagcarlan (Board 5).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
AS CABUYAO TOPPLES SAN PEDRO
Calamba City Chess Team beat San Pablo City Team B, 2.5-1.5, in the last round to score 11 match points & capture the 2007 Gov. Lazaro Inter-Town/Inter-Commercial Chess Team Championship title. Rodolfo Panopio, Ruel Gonzales & Ramon Ragas drew their respectve matches against Lito Ordizo, Julio Quito & Melvin Cartina. Richie Jocson demolished Allan Belda in the last board.
San Pablo City beat Los Banos Team A, 3-1, in the 7th round. Mustafa Poingan had an easy point against Val Millena. Willy Abalos crushed Chester Yonzon. Frederick Isip beat UPLB professor RJ Esteves. Danilo Davanadera lost to Michael Concio. San Pablo was actually in a tie with Calamba City but lost in the tie-break. Calamba City & San Pablo Team A equally divided the 1 st & 2nd cash prizes totalling Php35, 000.
In the top board encounter, San Pedro Chess Team, solo leader after 6 rounds with 10 match points, was upset by Cabuyao Chess Team in the final round, 1.5-2.5. Engr. Joel Anthony Hicap was held to a draw by Dr. Alfredo Paez. Bryan Punzalan was toppled by Engr. Edwin Lorenzo. Ervil Villa was defeated by Vicente Vargas. Only former National Master Ricky Merano won against Henry Boroc. San Pedro landed in 3 rd place in a tie with Sta. Cruz & Cabuyao. Each team received Php6, 000 & a trophy.
In the mixed division, Sta. Cruz Junior Chess Team & Calamba-World Asia Group both scored 9 match points to tie for 1st place.
Board Medalists in the Open Division were Gene Salmorin of Majayjay (Board 1), Engr. Edwin Lorenzo of Cabuyao (Board 2), Arthur de Lima of Sta. Cruz (Board 3), Junifer Reonal of Bay (Board 4), Rainier Valenzuela of Sta. Cruz (Board 5). Getting individual honors for the Mixed Division were Louie Orozco of Sta. Cruz (Board 1), Christian Florin of Calamba-World Asia Group (Board 2), Vince Medina of Sta. Cruz (Board 3) Christian Nanola of Calamba-World Asia Group (Board 4) & Abraham Dionglay of Nagcarlan (Board 5).
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
PAECCI GOODWILL CHESS TOURNAMENT
ENTREPRENEURS LED BY GARCIA BEATS LAWYERS/PROFESSIONAL TEAM 23-18
The presence of Senatorial Candidate Koko Pimentel and Asia's 1 st Grandmaster Eugene Torre graced the opening of the part 1- PAECCI sanctioned Goodwill Chess Team Match of "Lawyers/Professionals Vs. Entrepreneurs" held last Saturday at the Pantalan ng Maynila Restaurant, near Quirino Grandstand.
The Entrepreneurs Team outclassed the Lawyers and Professionals team with the score of 23 to 18.
The entrepreneurs team are composed of Noel Garcia, Loren Tabilog, Jun Montaño, Erven Perlas, Jake Carlos, Dr. Gilbert Perez, Dr. Jenny Mayor, Lorenzo Ropeta, Reinhard Orth, Ray Marras, Tyrone Guya, Dr. Juan Rodriguez, NM Efren Bagamasbad, Jess Sanchez, Einstein Padua, Edwin Rivera, Ricky Navalta, Cecil Padua and Rolando Roselada.
The Lawyers and professional team on the other hand are composed of Koko Pimentel, Rommel Tacorda, Jerome Tacorda, Jose Aspiras, Cris, NM Samuel Estimo, Quirino Sagario, Leo T. Ausan, Roy Hirang, Romulo Neri, NM Marlon Bernardino, Jake Carlos, Dr. Gilbert Perez, Boy Ablis, Leo Ricaña, Lito Dormitorio and John Pascual.
"This is just a start to invite other executives to join in this prestigious event organized by PAECCI headed by its president Loren Tabilog. “Chess somehow helps to strengthen the camaraderie of all chess loving executives" said Koko Pimentel. Meantime, all is set for the next scheduled encounter between the two groups - at the 2nd PAECCI Chess Club Weekend Activity on August 18, 2007 11:00am Saturday at the Pantalan ng Maynila Restaurant.
For more information and details please contact PAECCI President Loren Tabilog at tel.nos. 2433392 / 2455068 or 09285047552 Noel Garcia 09178508005 or to six-time Philippine Executive Chess Champion Dr. Jenny Mayor 09194782209 or 7049775.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The presence of Senatorial Candidate Koko Pimentel and Asia's 1 st Grandmaster Eugene Torre graced the opening of the part 1- PAECCI sanctioned Goodwill Chess Team Match of "Lawyers/Professionals Vs. Entrepreneurs" held last Saturday at the Pantalan ng Maynila Restaurant, near Quirino Grandstand.
The Entrepreneurs Team outclassed the Lawyers and Professionals team with the score of 23 to 18.
The entrepreneurs team are composed of Noel Garcia, Loren Tabilog, Jun Montaño, Erven Perlas, Jake Carlos, Dr. Gilbert Perez, Dr. Jenny Mayor, Lorenzo Ropeta, Reinhard Orth, Ray Marras, Tyrone Guya, Dr. Juan Rodriguez, NM Efren Bagamasbad, Jess Sanchez, Einstein Padua, Edwin Rivera, Ricky Navalta, Cecil Padua and Rolando Roselada.
The Lawyers and professional team on the other hand are composed of Koko Pimentel, Rommel Tacorda, Jerome Tacorda, Jose Aspiras, Cris, NM Samuel Estimo, Quirino Sagario, Leo T. Ausan, Roy Hirang, Romulo Neri, NM Marlon Bernardino, Jake Carlos, Dr. Gilbert Perez, Boy Ablis, Leo Ricaña, Lito Dormitorio and John Pascual.
"This is just a start to invite other executives to join in this prestigious event organized by PAECCI headed by its president Loren Tabilog. “Chess somehow helps to strengthen the camaraderie of all chess loving executives" said Koko Pimentel. Meantime, all is set for the next scheduled encounter between the two groups - at the 2nd PAECCI Chess Club Weekend Activity on August 18, 2007 11:00am Saturday at the Pantalan ng Maynila Restaurant.
For more information and details please contact PAECCI President Loren Tabilog at tel.nos. 2433392 / 2455068 or 09285047552 Noel Garcia 09178508005 or to six-time Philippine Executive Chess Champion Dr. Jenny Mayor 09194782209 or 7049775.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, August 6, 2007
DEL MUNDO IS U.S. OPEN CO-CHAMP
FOLLOWING his recent first place win at the World Open chess in Philadelphia, Anton Paolo del Mundo was tied for first place together with five grandmasters and one international master at the US Open held at the Crown Plaza in Cherry Hill, New Jersey held from July 31 to August 5.
Playing brilliantly, Del Mundo racked five straight wins in the last 5 rounds to score 7.5 points out of nine rounds and tied with GMs Alexander Shabalov, Boris Gulko, Sergey Kudrin, Michael Rhode and IM Benjamin Finegold. Trailing by half a point going to the last round, Del Mundo won his game against rising star John Rouleau of Maryland but caught up with the GMs who ended with draws despite an apparent effort by most of them to go for solo first.
Del Mundo has recently radically changed his playing style. He has not been playing for about two years after the Minnesota HB Global Challenge in 2005 where he won the Under-24 title. Del Mundo is a software engineer, and a graduate of the University of Maryland.
After preparing for the tournament, Del Mundo said that he has improved his game with "a better positional understanding." Some of his games can be seen at monroi.com which offered live coverage of the US Open.
In his game with Rouleau, Del Mundo adopted a hypermodern style and allowed Rouleau to attack with his black pieces, but with most of its queenside pieces undeveloped. Rouleau resigned when Del Mundo sacrificed a knight then a rook, but taking the pieces was worse for Rouleau. Rouleau resigned after 27 moves.
Another Filipino, IM Enrico Sevillano of California, showed a strong finish with 6.5 points. He was stopped from contending for the top prize when he lost to GM Michael Rohde in the penultimate round.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
Playing brilliantly, Del Mundo racked five straight wins in the last 5 rounds to score 7.5 points out of nine rounds and tied with GMs Alexander Shabalov, Boris Gulko, Sergey Kudrin, Michael Rhode and IM Benjamin Finegold. Trailing by half a point going to the last round, Del Mundo won his game against rising star John Rouleau of Maryland but caught up with the GMs who ended with draws despite an apparent effort by most of them to go for solo first.
Del Mundo has recently radically changed his playing style. He has not been playing for about two years after the Minnesota HB Global Challenge in 2005 where he won the Under-24 title. Del Mundo is a software engineer, and a graduate of the University of Maryland.
After preparing for the tournament, Del Mundo said that he has improved his game with "a better positional understanding." Some of his games can be seen at monroi.com which offered live coverage of the US Open.
In his game with Rouleau, Del Mundo adopted a hypermodern style and allowed Rouleau to attack with his black pieces, but with most of its queenside pieces undeveloped. Rouleau resigned when Del Mundo sacrificed a knight then a rook, but taking the pieces was worse for Rouleau. Rouleau resigned after 27 moves.
Another Filipino, IM Enrico Sevillano of California, showed a strong finish with 6.5 points. He was stopped from contending for the top prize when he lost to GM Michael Rohde in the penultimate round.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
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