VETERAN campaigner Eduardo Agagon settled for a quick draw against fellow National Master Quirino Sagario in the fifth and final round to rule the just concluded 3rd leg of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday.
Agagon posted a finally tally of 4.0 points with three wins and one draw after five rounds of play to claim his first NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess title in this event sponsored by lawyer Rudegelio Tacorda, president of Centralhill Properties Corporation. Tournament arbiters were Daisy Rivera and Roy Madayag of CAAP.
Leodegario Ricana, upset NM Stewart Manaog to finish tied for 2nd to 3rd places along with Willy San Juan. The duo (Ricana and San Juan) scored identical 3.5 points apiece in this event also supported by NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor, GM Eugene Torre, IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, Comelec Commissioner Mehol Sadain and lawyer Ernesto Salunat.
A singer-composer and recording artist, San Juan held NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. into a draw.
Bernardino, on the other hand, who is best remembered beating the top seed Russian Grandmaster Sergei Shipov in the 2007 Sydney International Open Chess early this year, settled for 4th to 5th places together with NCFP incumbent executive director NM Samuel Estimo, winner over Isidro Erispe. The former two-time Olympian Estimo, who tops the first two legs and Bernardino, journalist and radio commentator finished with 3.0 points each.
Rounding off the top twelve winners were: NM Stewart Manaog (6th), NM Quirino Sagario (7th), NM Nick Nisperos (8th), lawyer Jose Aspiras (9th), Mar Quejada (10th), engineer Octavio Canta (11th) and Isidro Erispe (12th).
For future events, players may contact NCFP incumbent Executive Director lawyer Sammy Estimo at cel no. 0915-9360354.
Final Standings:
4.0 points---NM Eduardo Agagon
3.5 points---Leodegario Ricana
3.5 points---Willy San Juan
3.0 points---NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.
3.0 points---NM Samuel Estimo
2.5 points---NM Stewart Manaog
2.5 points---NM Quirino Sagario
2.5 points---NM Nick Nisperos
2.5 points---Jose Aspiras
2.0 points---Mar Quejada
1.0 points---Octavio Canta
0.5 Isidro Erispe
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS ON TODAY
ESTIMO, BARTOLOME head entries in NCFP EXECUTIVES Chess Today
The 3rd leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway at 10 a.m. today at the Greenhouse Grill, Matalino St., Quezon City.
Sponsored by Atty. Rudy Tacorda, the tournament is open to all executives and professionals and will be played over 7 rounds - Swiss system, 25 minutes active style. At stake are fabulous home appliances, trophies and 7 slots to the Grand Finals to be held early next year.
Confirming their participation are patriotic singer Heber Bartolome, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Fiscal Ben de la Cruz, pilot Armando Labarda, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos, Engrs. NM Nick Nisperos and Ali Branzuela and many other executives and professionals.
Doing the ceremonial moves in this event supported by GM Eugene Torre, IM Rudy Tan Cardoso, Comelec Commissioner Mehol Sadain and NCFP directors Ed Madrid, Gen. Art Carillo, Jess Torre, Benguet Governor Rocky Molintas, Doc Jenny Mayor and ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, are NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor and Atty. Rudy Tacorda.
For more details, players may contact NCFP Executive Director lawyer Sammy Estimo at cel no. 0915-9360354. (Marlon Bernardino)
The 3rd leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway at 10 a.m. today at the Greenhouse Grill, Matalino St., Quezon City.
Sponsored by Atty. Rudy Tacorda, the tournament is open to all executives and professionals and will be played over 7 rounds - Swiss system, 25 minutes active style. At stake are fabulous home appliances, trophies and 7 slots to the Grand Finals to be held early next year.
Confirming their participation are patriotic singer Heber Bartolome, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Fiscal Ben de la Cruz, pilot Armando Labarda, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos, Engrs. NM Nick Nisperos and Ali Branzuela and many other executives and professionals.
Doing the ceremonial moves in this event supported by GM Eugene Torre, IM Rudy Tan Cardoso, Comelec Commissioner Mehol Sadain and NCFP directors Ed Madrid, Gen. Art Carillo, Jess Torre, Benguet Governor Rocky Molintas, Doc Jenny Mayor and ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, are NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor and Atty. Rudy Tacorda.
For more details, players may contact NCFP Executive Director lawyer Sammy Estimo at cel no. 0915-9360354. (Marlon Bernardino)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
3rd LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS ON SATURDAY
NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director Samuel Estimo announced the holding of the 3rd leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge on Saturday, 10am at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.
Estimo, a two-time Olympian, won the first two legs of this one day event open to all professional and executive chess player in the country and backed by lawyer Rudy Tacorda.
The event is also supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City , lawyer Ernesto Salunat, NCFP founding president GM Eugene Torre, Commelec commissioner Mehol Sadain and Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.
Confirming their participation are NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano, UNESCO administrative officer IV Laurence Wilfred Dumadag, businessman Albert Rivera, singers Heber Bartolome, Christopher Castellano and Willy San Juan, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, commercial pilot Amando Labarda Jr., Engr. Marianito Geguinto of Mauban, Quezon, businessmen Loren Tabilog, Noel Garcia, Joey Pastrana and Nilo Pagdanganan, Attys. Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario and Achmad Tomambiling, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Jose Villanueva of Bulacan, Engrs. Achiles Iglesia, NMs Andrew Merlas, Dr. Bong Perez, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos and many other executives and professionals.
Doing the ceremonial moves are lawyer Rudy Tacorda, and NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP Vice President Ed Madrid and directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, and Jess Torre.
(Report from Marlon Bernardino)
Estimo, a two-time Olympian, won the first two legs of this one day event open to all professional and executive chess player in the country and backed by lawyer Rudy Tacorda.
The event is also supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City , lawyer Ernesto Salunat, NCFP founding president GM Eugene Torre, Commelec commissioner Mehol Sadain and Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.
Confirming their participation are NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano, UNESCO administrative officer IV Laurence Wilfred Dumadag, businessman Albert Rivera, singers Heber Bartolome, Christopher Castellano and Willy San Juan, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, commercial pilot Amando Labarda Jr., Engr. Marianito Geguinto of Mauban, Quezon, businessmen Loren Tabilog, Noel Garcia, Joey Pastrana and Nilo Pagdanganan, Attys. Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario and Achmad Tomambiling, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Jose Villanueva of Bulacan, Engrs. Achiles Iglesia, NMs Andrew Merlas, Dr. Bong Perez, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos and many other executives and professionals.
Doing the ceremonial moves are lawyer Rudy Tacorda, and NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP Vice President Ed Madrid and directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, and Jess Torre.
(Report from Marlon Bernardino)
DE LA CRUZ WINS MCC CHESS
Top seed Noel dela Cruz lived up to his billing as he beat Catalino Pestaño Jr. in 30 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense in the seventh and final round to rule the September edition of MCC 2050 below active chess tourney held Sunday at St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.
Dela Cruz, former stalwart of SSC, wound up with a final tally of six points with five wins and two draws in this one-day monthly event and claimed his second MCC title
In second spot with 5.5 points was eight seed Peter Lim, former varsity player of UST, who upset sixth round leader and ranked No. 4 Ryan Dungca of Adamson in 45 moves of a Center Counter game. Dungca dropped into a tie in third - fifth places with 5.0 points along with No. 3 Harrison Maamo and No. 10 Ervin Villa.
Adjudged best junior player was MJ Turqueza and best unrated players were former PCF president Pestaño and Isidro Retiro Jr. of Aklan. Rounding off the top ten placers were: Turqueza (6th); Robert Cacho (7th); Pestaño (8th); Retiro (9th); and Rommel Valdez of Masbate (10th).
Meanwhile, the next MCC events are: 16-under standard 2-day event Sept. 29-30; Codiñera Lightning Open-Oct. 6; and Codiñera Unrated (1800 below) active- Oct. 7. For details, call 826-8560 and 974-7403 or 0916-852-1069.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
NCFP EXECUTIVES AND PROFESSIONALS CHESS TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Officials and winners in the just concluded of second leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge late Saturday at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City. (L-R) Lawyer Jose "Joe" Aspiras (runner-up place), NCFP founding president Asia's First GM Eugene Torre, NCFP executive director NM Samuel "Sammy" Estimo (champion) and Ray Marras (3rd place).
ESTIMO BEATS ASPIRAS IN TIE BREAKS
Final Standings and rankings in order: (Seven round Swiss-System/30 player's field which attracted nine National Master)
5.5 points---NM Samuel Estimo, Jose Aspiras
5.0 points---Ray Marras, NM Nick Nisperos, NM Quirino Sagario,
4.5 points---NM Dante Zuniga, Jenny Mayor, NM Stewart Manaog, Joselito Obrero
4.0 points---Willy San Juan, NM Eduardo Agagon, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Ramil Ranilla, Primitivo Virtudazo, Dennis San Juan
3.5 points---NM Efren Bagamasbad, NM Mario Rebano…
TWO-TIME Olympian and National Master Samuel "Sammy" Estimo had 20 bucholz tie break points to beat fellow lawyer Jose "Joe" Aspiras' 18.5 points to retain his title in the just concluded second leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge late Saturday at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St. , Diliman, Quezon City.
Last week, Estimo, the incumbent executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and RP executive six-time champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, director and PRO of the said group, both tallied identical 6.0 points apiece to advance in the grand finals on March 2008.
According to tournament chief arbiter Boyet Tardecilla, assisted by 1996 RP Junior champion NM Roberto Suelo Jr., the duo finished with identical 5.5 points apiece, however Estimo took the championship trophy in this one-day competition that was supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor, prominent lawyer Ernesto Salunat, Comelec commissioner Mehol Sadain, Asia's First GM Eugene Torre, founding president of NCFP and Asia's First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.
The Pugo, La Union native Jose of Aspiras and Aspiras law offices settled for a runner-up place in this Seven round Swiss-System 30 player's field tournament which attracted nine National Masters.
Ray Marras, NM Nick Nisperos and NM Quirino Sagario settled for third and fifth placers with 5.0 points each.
Tournament chief arbiter Boyet Tardecilla invited again all players to participate in the forthcoming 2nd Chairman Jun Virata Chess Cup on September 29, 9:00am at the Perez Building, Doña Soledad corner Australia St., Better Living in Parañaque City.
Still in the 2nd leg of the NCFP Tournament, rounding up the top 17 place finishers were NM Dante Zuniga ( 4.5 points), Jenny Mayor (4.5), NM Stewart Manaog (4.5), Joselito Obrero (4.5), Singer-Composer Willy San Juan (4.0), NM Eduardo Agagon (4.0), NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (4.0), Ramil Ranilla (4.0), Primitivo Virtudazo ( 4.0), Dennis San Juan (4.0), NM Efren Bagamasbad (3.5), and NM Mario Rebano (3.5).
For future events, please call or text mobile nos. 0915-936-0354, 0919-478-2209, 0922-882-2870, 0915-782-8666 and tel.no. (02) 704-9775 for complete details.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
FILIPINO MASTER'S PARTICIPATION IN ASIAN INT'L CHESS DOUBTFUL
WITH five days to go, some of the country's top chess player's participation in the forthcoming 2007 Asian Continental Chess Championships is still not certain.
Hosted by Cebu City, headed by Gov. Gwen Garcia, also known as the Queen City of the South, the qualification event for the FIDE Cycle knock-out tournament gets going on September 19 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
Mark Paragua, the former first Filipino Super Grandmaster who possessed an Elo rating of 2525 who reached the 2600 Elo barrier in last year's World Chess Federation rating list is currently busy in campaigning in the US chess circuit.
The 22-year-old Paragua left the country last June aiming to increase his 2525 Elo rating to 2600, a feat he once held under his belt, is now based in New York City.
According to Paragua's camp, the 1998 World Rapid Under 14-champion is not sure of playing in the Cebu International Open which features some of the world's best players.
The amiable Paragua obtained a 10-year-multiple entry US visa from the US embassy in Manila.
"Wala pa siyang (Mark Paragua) confirmation. Kung ako lang masusunod ay gusto ko siya makasali" said father/coach/manager engineer Ricardo Paragua in a text message recently. "Baka di na makasali yun (Mark Paragua). Na kina Alan Salgado siya sa Atlantic City." Clarified by older Paragua.
Mark, the only Filipino chess master to win back-to-back qualifiers in the World Championships from Tripoli, Libya to Khanti Mansiyk, West Siberia, Russia.
In a recent report of Weekender headed by chess columnist Manny Benitez, he quoted Michael Atkins and said "Philippine GM Mark Paragua, who will probably compete more in the area now as he is a new member of the UBMC Chess Team, was the only Grandmaster this weekend,"
Other players not yet to confirmed to play in the Cebu International Open Chess are Eugene Torre, reigning national champion IM Ronald Bancod, NMs Rolando Nolte and Emmanuel Senador.
Torre, Asia's first grandmaster, the country's top rated GM who holds an Elo rating of 2539 is the only Filipino to reach the candidates matches in 1983, however lost to Hungrarian GM Zoltan Ribli in their quarter-finals clash. Torre, won the 1982 Inter Zonal in Toluca, Mexico to progress.
"Hindi pa tiyak kung makakasali si Eugene (Torre), magulo pa daw ang usapin, "said an insider from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Bancod, Senador and Nolte's reason is that they need funds to support their stint in the Asian Chess Championships.
"Pero sana inaasikaso ako ng organizing group (NCFP) ng Asian Continental kasi ito na din ang preparation ko sa Asian Indoor Games sa Macau sa Oktubre" said Bancod in an exclusive interview with this writer along with Senador late Wednesday.
"Pero umaasa pa din kami ni Manny (Senador) at Noltz (Nolte) na makalahok sa tulong ng Rotary Club ni NCFP chairman Mat Defensor" added Bancod for the generosity of NCFP chairman Quezon City rep. Matias Defensor.
To date, a total of 51 foreign players from FIDE Zones 3.1, 3.2. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. have confirmed their participation in the tournament which offers a total cash purse of US$40,000. Also at stake are 10 slots to the FIDE-organized World Cup scheduled in Kalmykia later this year.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Hosted by Cebu City, headed by Gov. Gwen Garcia, also known as the Queen City of the South, the qualification event for the FIDE Cycle knock-out tournament gets going on September 19 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
Mark Paragua, the former first Filipino Super Grandmaster who possessed an Elo rating of 2525 who reached the 2600 Elo barrier in last year's World Chess Federation rating list is currently busy in campaigning in the US chess circuit.
The 22-year-old Paragua left the country last June aiming to increase his 2525 Elo rating to 2600, a feat he once held under his belt, is now based in New York City.
According to Paragua's camp, the 1998 World Rapid Under 14-champion is not sure of playing in the Cebu International Open which features some of the world's best players.
The amiable Paragua obtained a 10-year-multiple entry US visa from the US embassy in Manila.
"Wala pa siyang (Mark Paragua) confirmation. Kung ako lang masusunod ay gusto ko siya makasali" said father/coach/manager engineer Ricardo Paragua in a text message recently. "Baka di na makasali yun (Mark Paragua). Na kina Alan Salgado siya sa Atlantic City." Clarified by older Paragua.
Mark, the only Filipino chess master to win back-to-back qualifiers in the World Championships from Tripoli, Libya to Khanti Mansiyk, West Siberia, Russia.
In a recent report of Weekender headed by chess columnist Manny Benitez, he quoted Michael Atkins and said "Philippine GM Mark Paragua, who will probably compete more in the area now as he is a new member of the UBMC Chess Team, was the only Grandmaster this weekend,"
Other players not yet to confirmed to play in the Cebu International Open Chess are Eugene Torre, reigning national champion IM Ronald Bancod, NMs Rolando Nolte and Emmanuel Senador.
Torre, Asia's first grandmaster, the country's top rated GM who holds an Elo rating of 2539 is the only Filipino to reach the candidates matches in 1983, however lost to Hungrarian GM Zoltan Ribli in their quarter-finals clash. Torre, won the 1982 Inter Zonal in Toluca, Mexico to progress.
"Hindi pa tiyak kung makakasali si Eugene (Torre), magulo pa daw ang usapin, "said an insider from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Bancod, Senador and Nolte's reason is that they need funds to support their stint in the Asian Chess Championships.
"Pero sana inaasikaso ako ng organizing group (NCFP) ng Asian Continental kasi ito na din ang preparation ko sa Asian Indoor Games sa Macau sa Oktubre" said Bancod in an exclusive interview with this writer along with Senador late Wednesday.
"Pero umaasa pa din kami ni Manny (Senador) at Noltz (Nolte) na makalahok sa tulong ng Rotary Club ni NCFP chairman Mat Defensor" added Bancod for the generosity of NCFP chairman Quezon City rep. Matias Defensor.
To date, a total of 51 foreign players from FIDE Zones 3.1, 3.2. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6. have confirmed their participation in the tournament which offers a total cash purse of US$40,000. Also at stake are 10 slots to the FIDE-organized World Cup scheduled in Kalmykia later this year.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
CHESS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS KICKS OFF IN MEXICO
Agence France-Presse
Last updated 09:17am (Mla time) 09/14/2007
MEXICO -- The 2007 World Chess Championship tournament got underway in Mexico City Thursday, with eight of the world's top players squaring off for the game's most coveted title.
On day one of the competition, defending champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia was challenged by compatriot Peter Svidler, while world number one ranked Viswanathan Anand of India faced Israeli Boris Gelfand.
In other match-ups, Russian Alexander Morozevich faced off against Levon Aronian of Armenia, and Peter Leko of Hungary was to meet Russian Alexander Grischuk.
The four matches commenced simultaneously at a hotel in downtown Mexico before a sparse but engrossed crowd of onlookers. But a virtual community of some 40 million chess devotees are expected to follow the tournament via the Internet site www.chessmexico.com.
Each player will face off against the other seven players twice during the tournament, which is expected to run through the end of September.
The tournament marks only the second time since 1886 that a chess champion has been crowned via this week's four-way match-up, as opposed to a single head-to-head duel.
Last updated 09:17am (Mla time) 09/14/2007
MEXICO -- The 2007 World Chess Championship tournament got underway in Mexico City Thursday, with eight of the world's top players squaring off for the game's most coveted title.
On day one of the competition, defending champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia was challenged by compatriot Peter Svidler, while world number one ranked Viswanathan Anand of India faced Israeli Boris Gelfand.
In other match-ups, Russian Alexander Morozevich faced off against Levon Aronian of Armenia, and Peter Leko of Hungary was to meet Russian Alexander Grischuk.
The four matches commenced simultaneously at a hotel in downtown Mexico before a sparse but engrossed crowd of onlookers. But a virtual community of some 40 million chess devotees are expected to follow the tournament via the Internet site www.chessmexico.com.
Each player will face off against the other seven players twice during the tournament, which is expected to run through the end of September.
The tournament marks only the second time since 1886 that a chess champion has been crowned via this week's four-way match-up, as opposed to a single head-to-head duel.
Monday, September 10, 2007
2ND LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS ON SATURDAY
NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director Samuel Estimo announced the holding of the 2nd leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge on Saturday, 10am at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.
Due to the clamor of more executives and professionals after the successful first leg last week, the NCFP thru chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City, chess patron and prominent lawyer Ernesto Salunat, have decided to 'sweeten' the prizes in this Saturday's competition.
Meantime, the awarding ceremony for the first leg will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday Sep. 12, at the same venue. A blitz session will follow the awarding ceremonies.
Confirming their participation in this Saturday's leg are NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano, UNESCO administrative officer IV Laurence Wilfred Dumadag, businessman Albert Rivera, singers Heber Bartolome, Christopher Castellano and Willy San Juan, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, commercial pilot Amando Labarda Jr., Engr. Marianito Geguinto of Mauban, Quezon, businessmen Loren Tabilog, Noel Garcia, Joey Pastrana and Nilo Pagdanganan, Attys. Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario and Achmad Tomambiling, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Jose Villanueva of Bulacan, Engrs. Achiles Iglesia, NMs Andrew Merlas and Efren Bagamasmad, Dr. Bong Perez, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos and many other executives and professionals.
Doing the ceremonial moves are NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor and GM Eugene Torre. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP Vice President Ed Madrid and directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, Jess Torre and Dr. Jenny Mayor.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
BACOLOD WOODPUSHER TOPS MCC CHESS TOURNEY
TOURNAMENT FAVORITE Jerry Areque lived up to his billing as he beat seventh seed Manolito Padrigone in 35 moves of an Irregular opening to bag the September edition of MCC 2000 below active chess tourney that concluded Sunday at the upper second floor of St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.
The Bacolod City native Areque, wound up with a final output of 5.5 points with five wins and one draw after six rounds of play to claim his second MCC title.
On the other hand, ranked No. 2 Harrison Maamo took the runner-up honor with a total score of 5.0 points following a victory over 10th seed Ferdinand Palermo in 30 moves of a Reti.
In solo third place with 4.5 points was 4th ranked Ricardo Jimenez who prevailed over unrated Joselito Obrero in the final round. Tied in 4th-7th places with four each were: 13-year old Richelieu Salcedo, Padrigone, Rommel Valdez of Masbate and Samuel Visperas. Salcedo also won the best junior player and Visperas was adjudged the best unrated performer.
Meanwhile, the next MCC events are: 16-under standard-Sept. 15-16 ; Executive active- Sept. 15; 2050 below-Sept. 23 and 2000 dalawahan-Sept. 30. For details, call MCC at 974-74-03 and 0916-852-1069.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
The Bacolod City native Areque, wound up with a final output of 5.5 points with five wins and one draw after six rounds of play to claim his second MCC title.
On the other hand, ranked No. 2 Harrison Maamo took the runner-up honor with a total score of 5.0 points following a victory over 10th seed Ferdinand Palermo in 30 moves of a Reti.
In solo third place with 4.5 points was 4th ranked Ricardo Jimenez who prevailed over unrated Joselito Obrero in the final round. Tied in 4th-7th places with four each were: 13-year old Richelieu Salcedo, Padrigone, Rommel Valdez of Masbate and Samuel Visperas. Salcedo also won the best junior player and Visperas was adjudged the best unrated performer.
Meanwhile, the next MCC events are: 16-under standard-Sept. 15-16 ; Executive active- Sept. 15; 2050 below-Sept. 23 and 2000 dalawahan-Sept. 30. For details, call MCC at 974-74-03 and 0916-852-1069.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
NCFP CHESS TOURNAMENT AT Q.C.
PHOTO FROM MARLON BERNARDINO
(L-R)
NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City ushered the traditional ceremonial moves along with Asia's First GM Eugene Torre at the start of First NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday.
Looking on (L-R) were Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, NCFP executive director Samuel Estimo, NCFP director Dr. Jenny Mayor, Comelec commissioner Mehol Sadain, NCFP Leyte coordinator eng'r NM Mario Rebano and Leo Ricana.
ESTIMO, MAYOR SHARES TOP HONORS IN NCFP CHESS
Final Standings/ rankings: (7 round Swiss-system/ 37 player's field)
6.0 points---Jenny Mayor, NM Samuel Estimo
5.5 points---NM Nick Nisperos
5.0 points---Albert Rivera, Jun Balgan, NM Efren Bagamasbad
4.5 points---NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Christoper Castellano, Octavio Canta, NM Mario Rebano
TWO-TIME Olympian member National Master Samuel Estimo and RP sixth-time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor shared top honors in the First leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday.
Estimo, the incumbent executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and Mayor, director and PRO of NCFP, both tallied identical 6.0 points apiece to advance in the grand finals on March 2008 in the event supported by NCFP chairman Quezon City rep. Matias Defensor, former NCFP president and Asia's First GM Eugene Torre, Comelec commissioner Mehol Sadain, Nueva Vizcaya Gubernatorial candidate Atty. Ernie Salunat and Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.
NM Nick Nisperos, Albert Rivera, Jun Balgan, NM Efren Bagamasbad and NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. joined Estimo and Mayor to the Grand Finale after making it to the top seven spot.
Actually, journalist and radio commentator Bernardino took the seventh and last slot to progress after a superior quotient in the group of 4.5 pointers in the company of Music instructor/Tenor Christoper Castellano, engineer Octavio Canta and NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano.
It was a strong field of 37 players fielded in this event composed of players like NM Eduardo Agagon, PNP Col. Jaime Santos, Musician-Singer Willy San Juan, accountant Ricky Navalta, Pasig City Chess Club president Dennis San Juan, engineer Apollo Zantua, Banker Gabriel Kayanan, engineer Marianito Quinto, Leo Ricana and Joey Pastrana who were all vying for the seven allotted slots for the Finale.
According to chief arbiter Boyet Tardecilla, the top five-placers: (Mayor, Estimo, Nisperos, Rivera and Balgan) will get 1st prize Colored TV, 2nd prize Washing Machine, 3rd prize Stand Fan, 4th prize Electronic Airport and 5th prize Electronic Flat Iron, respectively.
The action will resume this weekend when the 2nd leg gets going on Saturday at the same venue.
For inquiry, please text or call at mobile nos. 0915-936-0354, 0919-478-2209, 0922-882-2870, 0915-782-8666 and tel.no. (02) 704-9775 for complete details.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
START OF NCFP EXEC AND PROFESSIONALS CHESS CHALLENGE
(L-R)
Former NCFP president and Asia's First GM Eugene Torre, Albert Rivera, Christopher Castellano, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Atty. Jose Aspiras, NCFP chairman Quezon City rep. Matias Defensor, Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, NCFP executive director Samuel Estimo, Comelec commissioner Mehol Sadain, NCFP director Dr. Jenny Mayor, NCFP Leyte coordinator eng'r NM Mario Rebano at the start of First NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St. , Diliman, Quezon City , on Saturday.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
GM ANTONIO AND IM SEVILLANO
FILIPINO GM ANTONIO WINS MICHIGAN CHESS TOURNEY
FILIPINO GM ROGELIO "JOEY" ANTONIO JR. added another feather in his cap by winning the 2007 Michigan Open Chess Championships last August 31 to September 3 in Flint, Michigan, USA.
The 47-year-old Antonio who hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, the country's No.2 GM in the RP-Fide rating list with 2532 finished undefeated with 6 wins and a draw to raise his total to 6.5 points in seven games of play in a field composed of 46 players.
American IM Benjamin Finegold, who held GM Antonio to a draw in the sixth round settled for solo second place with 6.0 points.
Antonio is aiming to follow the foot steps of compatriot GM Mark Paragua to reach the 2600 Elo barrier. Parague did this in last year's Fide rating list by finishing tied for second place along with three others in the 12 th Pacific Open Chess Championships in Agoura Hills, California last July 19 to 22.
Antonio is the top player of the multi-titled Philippine Army Chess team, and was the 2006 Motor City Open Chess Championships runner-up last Nov. 24 to 26 in Warren, Michigan.
The Super GM campaign of Antonio in the US soil would be possible with the undying support of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., the Philippine Army and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by William "Butch" Ramirez Jr.
CEBUANO IM SEVILLANO TIE FOR FIRST IN LA OPEN CHESS
CEBUANO International Master Enrico "Ikong" Sevillano scored two consecutive draws in the last two rounds to finish in a tie for first along with two others at the conclusion of 29 th Annual Southern California Open Chess Championship held last September 1 to 2 at the LAX Hilton in Los Angeles, California USA.
The California based Sevillano, who hails from Mandaue, Cebu finished undefeated with 4 wins, and 2 draws to raise his total to 5.0 points in six games of play, the same output of IM Timothy Taylor and US Master John Daniel Bryant, both from the United States.
Actually, Sevillano, a prodigee of sportsman/ national master Bombi Aznar was in solo lead after four games of play but settled for a draw with Russian IM Andranik Matikozyan and American IM Taylor, in round 5 and 6, respectively, in this field composed of 57 players.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINO GM ROGELIO "JOEY" ANTONIO JR. added another feather in his cap by winning the 2007 Michigan Open Chess Championships last August 31 to September 3 in Flint, Michigan, USA.
The 47-year-old Antonio who hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, the country's No.2 GM in the RP-Fide rating list with 2532 finished undefeated with 6 wins and a draw to raise his total to 6.5 points in seven games of play in a field composed of 46 players.
American IM Benjamin Finegold, who held GM Antonio to a draw in the sixth round settled for solo second place with 6.0 points.
Antonio is aiming to follow the foot steps of compatriot GM Mark Paragua to reach the 2600 Elo barrier. Parague did this in last year's Fide rating list by finishing tied for second place along with three others in the 12 th Pacific Open Chess Championships in Agoura Hills, California last July 19 to 22.
Antonio is the top player of the multi-titled Philippine Army Chess team, and was the 2006 Motor City Open Chess Championships runner-up last Nov. 24 to 26 in Warren, Michigan.
The Super GM campaign of Antonio in the US soil would be possible with the undying support of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., the Philippine Army and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by William "Butch" Ramirez Jr.
CEBUANO IM SEVILLANO TIE FOR FIRST IN LA OPEN CHESS
CEBUANO International Master Enrico "Ikong" Sevillano scored two consecutive draws in the last two rounds to finish in a tie for first along with two others at the conclusion of 29 th Annual Southern California Open Chess Championship held last September 1 to 2 at the LAX Hilton in Los Angeles, California USA.
The California based Sevillano, who hails from Mandaue, Cebu finished undefeated with 4 wins, and 2 draws to raise his total to 5.0 points in six games of play, the same output of IM Timothy Taylor and US Master John Daniel Bryant, both from the United States.
Actually, Sevillano, a prodigee of sportsman/ national master Bombi Aznar was in solo lead after four games of play but settled for a draw with Russian IM Andranik Matikozyan and American IM Taylor, in round 5 and 6, respectively, in this field composed of 57 players.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
DAVAO CHESS RESULTS + MCC 2000 BELOW TOURNEY
ENGAY BEATS MALUBAY IN TIE BREAKS TO WIN DAVAO CHESS TOURNEY
LOCAL ace Danilo Engay had 30 bucholz tie break points to beat Emmanuel Malubay's 29 points to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2007 Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Kadayawan Chess Festival at the Gaisano Mall in Davao City over the weekend.
According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Region 11 coordinator James Infiesto, the duo finished with identical 6.5 points apiece, however Engay took the championship trophy and top prize of Php1,000 in this two-day competition that was sponsored by Mayor Duterte through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office. Malubay settled for a runner-up prize of Php500 plus a medal.
The third place and Php300 cash prize with medal went to Panabo National High School's Clark Kent Añabieza who tallied 5.5 points. He bested 5.5 scorers Neptali Batucan III and Ronnel Alsado who registered 32 and 29.5 tiebreaks, in order.
In the elementary division, John Ray Batucan of Don Juan dela Cruz Central Elementary School scored perfect five points to pocket the Php500 championship cash prize.
Stella Maris Academy of Davao's Josev Aquino placed second with 4.5 points while brother Patrick Aquino placed third with four points. Patrick had superior tiebreaks over fellow 4.0 scorers Mark Joshua Lu of Child of God Learning Center, Austin Literatus of DJDCCES and Virgil Romuga.
For future events, please call or text NCFP coordinator Infiesto at mobile no. (0920) 914-8297.
MCC 2000 AND BELOW ACTIVE CHESS THIS WEEKEND
THE September edition of MCC 2000 below active chess gets underway at 11am on Sunday, Sept. 9 and the 16-under standard chess tourney on Sept. 15-16 at the upper second floor of St. Francis Square behind SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
The 2000 below event is open to amateurs, unrated and rated players with ratings not over 2000. This one-day event will apply the six-round Swiss and time control of twenty five minutes in selecting the top four winners with the champion getting the top prize of Php4,000. Top category performers in the unrated and juniors section will also receive special awards.
The 16-under standard category is open to young players who are 16 years old and below and born on the year 1991 and later. This two-day competition will apply the 90 minutes time control.
Interested parties are advised to register before the tournament. For details, call 0916-852-1069.
In another news, the MCC Executive active chess chess is set also on Sept. 15.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
LOCAL ace Danilo Engay had 30 bucholz tie break points to beat Emmanuel Malubay's 29 points to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2007 Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Kadayawan Chess Festival at the Gaisano Mall in Davao City over the weekend.
According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Region 11 coordinator James Infiesto, the duo finished with identical 6.5 points apiece, however Engay took the championship trophy and top prize of Php1,000 in this two-day competition that was sponsored by Mayor Duterte through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office. Malubay settled for a runner-up prize of Php500 plus a medal.
The third place and Php300 cash prize with medal went to Panabo National High School's Clark Kent Añabieza who tallied 5.5 points. He bested 5.5 scorers Neptali Batucan III and Ronnel Alsado who registered 32 and 29.5 tiebreaks, in order.
In the elementary division, John Ray Batucan of Don Juan dela Cruz Central Elementary School scored perfect five points to pocket the Php500 championship cash prize.
Stella Maris Academy of Davao's Josev Aquino placed second with 4.5 points while brother Patrick Aquino placed third with four points. Patrick had superior tiebreaks over fellow 4.0 scorers Mark Joshua Lu of Child of God Learning Center, Austin Literatus of DJDCCES and Virgil Romuga.
For future events, please call or text NCFP coordinator Infiesto at mobile no. (0920) 914-8297.
MCC 2000 AND BELOW ACTIVE CHESS THIS WEEKEND
THE September edition of MCC 2000 below active chess gets underway at 11am on Sunday, Sept. 9 and the 16-under standard chess tourney on Sept. 15-16 at the upper second floor of St. Francis Square behind SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
The 2000 below event is open to amateurs, unrated and rated players with ratings not over 2000. This one-day event will apply the six-round Swiss and time control of twenty five minutes in selecting the top four winners with the champion getting the top prize of Php4,000. Top category performers in the unrated and juniors section will also receive special awards.
The 16-under standard category is open to young players who are 16 years old and below and born on the year 1991 and later. This two-day competition will apply the 90 minutes time control.
Interested parties are advised to register before the tournament. For details, call 0916-852-1069.
In another news, the MCC Executive active chess chess is set also on Sept. 15.
(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Monday, September 3, 2007
BIGGEST CHESS EVENT IN THE REGION
CEBU TO HOST ASIAN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
CEBU CITY is sprucing up for one of the biggest events in the Asia-Pacific region—the Asian Individual Chess Championship—to be held at its International Convention Center from September 18 to 30.
At stake in the two-week competition is a total prize fund of US$40,000.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay announced this on its official website last weekend, saying that more than 150 top players from all over the continent and Pacific islands, including Australia and New Zealand will be participating in this event.
"This will surely be one of the biggest and most prestigious chess competitions in the whole region this year," said Pichay, a former Surigao del Sur congressman. He also said, "The whole country, especially Cebu, is truly honored to be chosen by Fide and the Asian Chess Federation as host of the Asian Championship."
China is said to have "signified its intention" to send at least 10 players, six of whom are super GMs, namely, Wang Yue (2696), Bu Xiangzhi (2685), Ni Hua (2681), Zhang Pengxiang (Elo 2649), Ye Jiangchuan (2632) and Wang Hao (2626).
Indonesia is sending GMs Utut Adianto (2583) and Megaranto Susanto (2554).
Among the other early entries are GMs Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran, and GMs Krishnan Sasikiran, P. Harikrishna and Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India.
All five Filipino GMs—Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Mark Paragua, Nelson Mariano II and Bong Villamayor—are expected to take part. Pichay is deputy president of the Asian Chess Federation.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
CEBU CITY is sprucing up for one of the biggest events in the Asia-Pacific region—the Asian Individual Chess Championship—to be held at its International Convention Center from September 18 to 30.
At stake in the two-week competition is a total prize fund of US$40,000.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay announced this on its official website last weekend, saying that more than 150 top players from all over the continent and Pacific islands, including Australia and New Zealand will be participating in this event.
"This will surely be one of the biggest and most prestigious chess competitions in the whole region this year," said Pichay, a former Surigao del Sur congressman. He also said, "The whole country, especially Cebu, is truly honored to be chosen by Fide and the Asian Chess Federation as host of the Asian Championship."
China is said to have "signified its intention" to send at least 10 players, six of whom are super GMs, namely, Wang Yue (2696), Bu Xiangzhi (2685), Ni Hua (2681), Zhang Pengxiang (Elo 2649), Ye Jiangchuan (2632) and Wang Hao (2626).
Indonesia is sending GMs Utut Adianto (2583) and Megaranto Susanto (2554).
Among the other early entries are GMs Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran, and GMs Krishnan Sasikiran, P. Harikrishna and Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India.
All five Filipino GMs—Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Mark Paragua, Nelson Mariano II and Bong Villamayor—are expected to take part. Pichay is deputy president of the Asian Chess Federation.
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
LATEST NEWS ON FILIPINO MASTERS IN EUROPE
PINOY FM VIRGILIO VUELBAN TOPS ROME, ITALY CHESS
FILIPINO FIDE Master Virgilio Vuelban made the country proud anew after winning the International Chess Festival dubbed as the Festival Scacchi dei Castelli Romani e Prenestini in Rome, Italy last August 17 to 19.
Vuelban, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City finished undefeated in six games on account of five wins, a draw to gain a total of 5.5 points and accumulate a TPR (Total Performance Rating) of 2720.
Vuelban is currently No.36 in RP-Fide rating list with 2332 against top seed GM Oleg Korneev (Elo rating 2565) of Russia and GM Milko Povchev of Bulgaria.
"Napakaganda ng performance ko dito sa International Open sa Rome, Italy, tinalo ko ang tatlong GM at isa dito ay si GM Korneev, tuloy-tuloy ang kampanya ko dito sa Europa para ma fulfill ko ang dream ko na makamit ang International Master title at pinaka huli ang Grandmaster title. Bilib din ako sa performance nina Rolly (Martinez), Roland (Salvador) sa Bratto, Italy maging si Joseph (Sanchez) na lumalahok naman sa Paris, France" said Vuelban, a former Philippine Navy Chess team standout in a long distance interview late Saturday.
Last Saturday, IM Rolly Martinez for settled fourth place with 6.5 points to receive fourth prize, 600 euros and his first GM norm/ results in the 27th International Chess Festival in Bratto, Italy. Another Filipino entry IM Roland Salvador finished with 5.5 points to join 16 other player in this FIDE 9 round Swiss-system tournament which featured some of the world best player which attracted 120 player's field.
Eventual champion GM Vladimir Burmakin of Russia, who beat IM Martinez in the ninth and final round took the championship's trophy plus top prize 1,500 euros after edging fellow GM Miso Cebalo of Croatia in the tie break points as the former(Burmakin) tallied 46.5 points against the latter's (Cebalo) 44.5 points. The duo finished with 7.0 points each in nine games of play.
Final Standings: 68 player's field/ 6 round Swiss-system
5.5 points---FM Virgilio Vuelban (PHILIPPINES)
5.0 points---GM Igors Rausis (Czech Republic), IM Milan Mrdja (Croatia)
4.5 points---GM Oleg Korneev (Russia), GM Igor Naumkin (Russia), IM Bogomil Andonov (Bulgaria), GM Milko Povchev (Bulgaria),
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
FILIPINO FIDE Master Virgilio Vuelban made the country proud anew after winning the International Chess Festival dubbed as the Festival Scacchi dei Castelli Romani e Prenestini in Rome, Italy last August 17 to 19.
Vuelban, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City finished undefeated in six games on account of five wins, a draw to gain a total of 5.5 points and accumulate a TPR (Total Performance Rating) of 2720.
Vuelban is currently No.36 in RP-Fide rating list with 2332 against top seed GM Oleg Korneev (Elo rating 2565) of Russia and GM Milko Povchev of Bulgaria.
"Napakaganda ng performance ko dito sa International Open sa Rome, Italy, tinalo ko ang tatlong GM at isa dito ay si GM Korneev, tuloy-tuloy ang kampanya ko dito sa Europa para ma fulfill ko ang dream ko na makamit ang International Master title at pinaka huli ang Grandmaster title. Bilib din ako sa performance nina Rolly (Martinez), Roland (Salvador) sa Bratto, Italy maging si Joseph (Sanchez) na lumalahok naman sa Paris, France" said Vuelban, a former Philippine Navy Chess team standout in a long distance interview late Saturday.
Last Saturday, IM Rolly Martinez for settled fourth place with 6.5 points to receive fourth prize, 600 euros and his first GM norm/ results in the 27th International Chess Festival in Bratto, Italy. Another Filipino entry IM Roland Salvador finished with 5.5 points to join 16 other player in this FIDE 9 round Swiss-system tournament which featured some of the world best player which attracted 120 player's field.
Eventual champion GM Vladimir Burmakin of Russia, who beat IM Martinez in the ninth and final round took the championship's trophy plus top prize 1,500 euros after edging fellow GM Miso Cebalo of Croatia in the tie break points as the former(Burmakin) tallied 46.5 points against the latter's (Cebalo) 44.5 points. The duo finished with 7.0 points each in nine games of play.
Final Standings: 68 player's field/ 6 round Swiss-system
5.5 points---FM Virgilio Vuelban (PHILIPPINES)
5.0 points---GM Igors Rausis (Czech Republic), IM Milan Mrdja (Croatia)
4.5 points---GM Oleg Korneev (Russia), GM Igor Naumkin (Russia), IM Bogomil Andonov (Bulgaria), GM Milko Povchev (Bulgaria),
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
ROLLY MARTINEZ, NOW GM
FILIPINO ROLLY MARTINEZ GETS HIS 1ST GM NORM
FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER Rolly Martinez agreed a quick eight moves draw over IM Fabio Bruno of Italy in their Sicilian-Alapin skirmish to earn his 1st GM norm in the 8th and penultimate round of the ongoing 27th International Chess Festival in Bratto, Italy on Thursday.
The former Sapang Palay, Bulacan resident and Milan, Italy based Martinez bring his point total up to 6.5 points and accumulated a TPR (Total Performance Rating) of 2667 going to the last round on Friday. The over-night solo leader Martinez will handle the disadvantageous black pieces in his last match against GM Vladimir Burmakin of Russia for the championship's trophy.
Even if he loses in the last round, the norm is secured due to the high average rating of his opponents. He lost to GM Vladimir Epishin of Russia in the 3rd round but defeated GM Michele Godena of Israel and top seed Russian/Dutch GM Sergei Tiviakov (2648) of the Netherlands. He also beat the strong German IM Michael Hoffman. Martinez is currently at No.14 in the RP-Fide rating list with an Elo Fide rating of 2428. In Genova, Italy last year, he scored 7 points/9 which should also be enough for a norm, but he only got to play 2 GMs so it was not counted.
Another Filipino entry IM Roland Salvador also settled for a truce with IM Flavio Guido of Italy. This dimmed his chance to nail his third and final GM norm/ results. Salvador, who hails from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan raised his total to 5.0 points in the company of GM Gyula Sax of Hungrary, GM Pawel Jaracz of Poland, GM Igor Efimov of Monaco, last round opponent IM Matha Fierro Baquero of Ecuador and 14 others. Defending champion GM Erald Dervishi of Albania led the huge group of 4.5 pointers.
Individual Standing after round 8: (120 players/ 9 round Swiss-system)
6.5 points---IM Rolly Martinez (PHILIPPINES)
6.0 points---GM Vladimir Burmakin (Russia), GM Vladimir Epishin (Russia),
GM Miso Cebalo (Croatia), IM Fabio Bruno (Italy)
5.5 points---GM Sergei Tiviakov (Netherlands), GM Giorgi Bagaturov (Georgia), GM Oleg Romanishin (Ukraine), GM Liuben Spassov (Bulgaria) , GM Alberto David (Luxembourg), GM Michele Godena (Italy), GM Igor Khenkin (Netherlands), GM Csaba Horvath (Hungray),GM Csaba Horvath (Hungray), IM Llambi Qendro (Albania), IM Jacob Aagaard (Scotland), IM Adam Hunt (England), IM Sebastian Siebrecht (Germany), FM Yakup Erturan (Turkey), FM Alessio De Santis (Italy)
5.0 points---IM Roland Salvador (PHILIPPINES), GM Gyula Sax (Hungrary), GM Pawel Jaracz (Poland),GM Igor Efimov (Monaco)
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER Rolly Martinez agreed a quick eight moves draw over IM Fabio Bruno of Italy in their Sicilian-Alapin skirmish to earn his 1st GM norm in the 8th and penultimate round of the ongoing 27th International Chess Festival in Bratto, Italy on Thursday.
The former Sapang Palay, Bulacan resident and Milan, Italy based Martinez bring his point total up to 6.5 points and accumulated a TPR (Total Performance Rating) of 2667 going to the last round on Friday. The over-night solo leader Martinez will handle the disadvantageous black pieces in his last match against GM Vladimir Burmakin of Russia for the championship's trophy.
Even if he loses in the last round, the norm is secured due to the high average rating of his opponents. He lost to GM Vladimir Epishin of Russia in the 3rd round but defeated GM Michele Godena of Israel and top seed Russian/Dutch GM Sergei Tiviakov (2648) of the Netherlands. He also beat the strong German IM Michael Hoffman. Martinez is currently at No.14 in the RP-Fide rating list with an Elo Fide rating of 2428. In Genova, Italy last year, he scored 7 points/9 which should also be enough for a norm, but he only got to play 2 GMs so it was not counted.
Another Filipino entry IM Roland Salvador also settled for a truce with IM Flavio Guido of Italy. This dimmed his chance to nail his third and final GM norm/ results. Salvador, who hails from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan raised his total to 5.0 points in the company of GM Gyula Sax of Hungrary, GM Pawel Jaracz of Poland, GM Igor Efimov of Monaco, last round opponent IM Matha Fierro Baquero of Ecuador and 14 others. Defending champion GM Erald Dervishi of Albania led the huge group of 4.5 pointers.
Individual Standing after round 8: (120 players/ 9 round Swiss-system)
6.5 points---IM Rolly Martinez (PHILIPPINES)
6.0 points---GM Vladimir Burmakin (Russia), GM Vladimir Epishin (Russia),
GM Miso Cebalo (Croatia), IM Fabio Bruno (Italy)
5.5 points---GM Sergei Tiviakov (Netherlands), GM Giorgi Bagaturov (Georgia), GM Oleg Romanishin (Ukraine), GM Liuben Spassov (Bulgaria) , GM Alberto David (Luxembourg), GM Michele Godena (Italy), GM Igor Khenkin (Netherlands), GM Csaba Horvath (Hungray),GM Csaba Horvath (Hungray), IM Llambi Qendro (Albania), IM Jacob Aagaard (Scotland), IM Adam Hunt (England), IM Sebastian Siebrecht (Germany), FM Yakup Erturan (Turkey), FM Alessio De Santis (Italy)
5.0 points---IM Roland Salvador (PHILIPPINES), GM Gyula Sax (Hungrary), GM Pawel Jaracz (Poland),GM Igor Efimov (Monaco)
(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO).
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