Tuesday, October 23, 2007

MUNTINLUPA CITY WILL HOST NAT'L INTER-CITIES CHESS '08

COUNTRY'S TOP WOODPUSHERS will be busy to carry their respective teams when the 2008 National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess team Championship gets underway on March 11-16, 2008 at the at the new Muntinlupa City People's Center in Muntinlupa City.

This was bared yesterday by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director lawyer Samuel Estimo after Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro agreed over the weekend bankroll this annual competition among players representing different cities and municipalities nationwide.

"Muntinlupa City ang host ng National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess team championships next year. Kaya ngayon pa lamang ay iniimbitahan ko na ang lahat ng chess player na maghanap na ng kani-kanilang team." Said Estimo, also two-time Olympian member.

Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Nelson Mariano II and Bong Villamayor and IM Wesley So are expected to carry their respective teams in this11-round Swiss System Tournament which offers P200, 000.00 to the winning team.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Sunday, October 14, 2007

WESLEY SO FALTERS IN ROUND 10 OF WORLD JR. CHESS

Individual Standings after round 10:(Boys)

7.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)

7.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India)

6.5 points--- GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), IM Davit Jojua (Georgia),Viacheslav Kulakov (Russia)

6.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines),GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), GM David Howell (England), GM Gawain Jones (England), IM Daan Brandenburg (Netherlands), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Fidel Corrales (Cuba), IM Tamas Banusz (Hungrary), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA)

A day after securing his second grandmaster (GM) norm, Filipino Wesley So continued his inconsistent performance and lost his match against IM Abhijeet Gupta of India in the tenth round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Saturday.

The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner resigned after 38 moves of a Sicilian Defense, Ritzer Rauzer Attack using the white pieces.

So, becoming youngest Chess Olympic member at the age of 12 committed a big blunder in the 24th move after pushing his rook to d4 square to lead his fatal loss position in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class applying 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director lawyer Samuel Estimo lauded RP whiz kid So for obtaining his second GM norm.

"No doubt, Wesley (So) will be the youngest Filipino GM ever. I also predict that, at his peak, he will also attain the highest Fide Elo rating for any Filipino. Henceforth, he will be a fixture in RP teams to many, if not, all world chess competitions." said Estimo, a two-time Olympic chess member.

With two rounds to go, So who had an Elo rating of 2531 was stuck at 6.0 points and dropped into a tie for 14th to 25th placers along with eleventh round opponent IM Gogineni Rohit of India who held into a draw with GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel.

GM Ivan Popov of Russia inflicted the second straight loses of former leader GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt after 81 moves of a Reti Opening to create a three-way tie in the leadership board.

GM Popov raised his total of 7.5 points, the same output of GM Wang Hao of China and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia.

The top seeded GM Wang made a quick 8 moves draw against GM Georg Meier of Germany in their London System battle while IM Avetik downed compatriot GM Arman Pashikian.

GM Adly remains at 7.0 points and share 4th to 7th placers along with GM Meier, IM Gupta and GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, winner over IM Gopal Narayanan of India after 33 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, IM Dronavili Harika of India grabs the solo leadership board with 8.5 points after beating WGM Bathuyag Mongontuul of Mongolia after 43 moves of a King's Indian Defense.

Overnight solo leader WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia suffered his first loss to WGM Jolanta Zawadzka of Poland after 42 moves of a Sicilian Pelikan. WIM Nelolsina remains at 8.0 points but occupied solo second place. At third is WGM Zawadzka with 7.5 points.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador split the point with WIM Khaled Mona of Egypt to notch 4.5 points. The 17-year-old La Salle Management student is schedule to meet WFM Irina Gevorgyan of Uzbekistan in the next round is jointly tied at 33 rd to 41st placers in the 58 player's field.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Saturday, October 13, 2007

WESLEY SO BOUNCED BACK IN RD 9 OF WORLD JR CHESS

Individual Standings after round 9:(Boys)
7.0 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
6.5 points--- GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)
6.0 points--- IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India)


AFTER two consecutive loses, Filipino Wesley So bounced back in contention by beating fellow IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel to climb into a tie for 7th to 13th placers in the ninth round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Friday.

IM Kaplan resigned after 45 moves of a four knights game when the Filipino campaigner threatening the former (IM Kaplan) in a one move inevitable mate.

The 14-year-old So had a rook in the seventh rank, bishop and two pawns against IM Kaplan's rook and four pawns.

With the win, So from Bacoor, Cavite raise his total points to 6.0 points and climbed into a tie for 7th to 13th placers in the company of GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, GM Parimarjan Negi of India, IM Gopal Narayanan of India, IM Marcus Ragger of Austria and tenth round opponent IM Abhijeet Gupta of India.

Top seed GM Wang Hao (2643) trounced over-night solo leader GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt after 60 moves of a Sicilian Defense to tied GM Adly in the leadership board with 7.0 points each.

GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia, on the other hand nipped GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 38 moves of a Slav Defense to scored 6.5 points and shared 3rd to 6th placers along with GM Georg Meier of Germany, GM Ivan Popov of Russia and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class applying 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia continues her winning run after crushing WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain to tote 8.0 points and remain on top.

At solo second place with 7.5 points is IM Dronavili Harika of India who dealt WGM Sanjay Karavade of India.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador yielded to WFM Klaudia Kulon of Poland to stack at 4.0 points and dropped into a tie for 35th to 42nd placers. The 17-year-old La Salle management student will face WIM Khaled Mona of Egypt in the next round in the 58 player's field.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Friday, October 12, 2007

WESLEY SUFFERS SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS

WESLEY SO SUFFERS SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS IN WORLD JR CHESS

Individual Standings after round 8:

(Boys)
7.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
6.0 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)
5.5 points--- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Bassem Amin (Egypt), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Davit Jojua (Georgia), IM Sasha Kaplan (Israel), IM Marcos Llaneza (Spain), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India), IM Fidel Corrales (Cuba), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Daan Brandenburg (Netherlands), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), Jayaram Ashwin (India)

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So (2531), the 14-year-old Filipino chess wizard suffered his second straight loss at the hands of top seed GM Wang Hao of China (2643) after 59 moves of an English Opening using the disadvantageous black pieces in the eight round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Thursday.

With this result, the 13th seed So remains at 5.0 points on account of 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses to drop into a tie for 11th to 23rd placers in the company of ninth round opponent IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel who was held to a draw with unrated Jayaram Ashwin of India handling the white side.

GM Wang, on the other hand climbed into a tie for 2nd to 5th placers 6.0 points along with GM Georg Meier of Germany, GM Ivan Popov of Russia, and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia.

GM Meier trounced IM Gopal Narayanan of India, GM Popov defeated GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands while IM Avetik nipped GM Gawain Jones of England.

GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt remained on top with 7.0 points after checkmating GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic in just 28 moves of a King's Indian Attack.

GM Laznicka was stuck at 5.5 points to share 6th to 10th placers with GM Parimarjan Negi of India, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel and GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia still on top with 7.0 points after a 52 moves draw of a Ruy Lopez Opening against her games with WGM Bathuyag Mongontuul of Mongolia.

IM Dronavili Harika of India smashed WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain after 37 moves of King's Indian Defense to grabs the solo second placer with 6.5 points.

Tied for 3rd to 5th placers with 6.0 points each were WGM Vega, WGM Sanjay Karavade of India and WFM Anna Gasik of Poland.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador yielded to WIM Swaminathan Soumya of India. She remains at 4.0 points, good for her to tie at 26th to 34th placers in this 58 player's field.

The 17-year-old La Salle Management student Salvador's ninth round assignment is WFM Klaudia Kulon of Poland, also coming a lost to WIM Gulmira Dauletova of Kazakhstan.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

NEWS ON WESLEY SO + SHELL ACTIVE CHESS

WESLEY SO: BIRTHDAY BOY BOWED IN ROUND 7

FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So failed to grab solo leadership in the World Junior Chess tilt on the day of his 14th birth day, as he suffered his first loss in the seventh round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Tuesday.

The No.13 seed So who had an Elo rating 2531 yielded to No.21 GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt with an Elo rating of 2494 using the white pieces. With this result, GM Adly notched 6.0 points to climb at No.1 spot.

So, on the other hand compiled four wins earlier, two draws and a loss to stay at 5.0 points and dropped into a tie for 3rd to 11th placers in the Boy's 20 and under class with a total 80 participants.

GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic moved to solo second place after accumulating 5.5 points after beating Jayaram Ashwin of Armenia.

In the distaff side, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia split the point with IM Dronavilli Harika of India. WIM Nebolsina notch six wins and a draw to raise her total 6.5 points in the Girl's 20 and under of this 58 player's field.

WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain occupied No.2 spot after crushing WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany for her 6.0 points. At solo third is IM Harika with 5.5 points.
Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador continues her winning ways by demolishing Nune Darbinyan of Armenia for her 4.0 points and share 15th to 26th placers.

Individual Standings after round 7:
(Boys)
6.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
5.5 points--- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India)



WORLD JR CHESS: SO DRAWS IN ROUND 6

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So of the Philippines made a quick draw against GM Georg Meier of Germany in just 14 moves of a Sicilian Defense-Rosollimo variation using the black pieces to join GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt in the leadership board after the sixth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday.

The 13th seed So, who celebrated his 14th birthday yesterday compiled four wins and two draws to raise his total of 5.0 points in six games of play in the Boy's 20 and under class, the same output of GM Adly, winner over IM Hrant Melkumyan of the USA after 41 moves of a Double Fianchetto Opening. So will face GM Adly in the seventh round Tuesday.

On the other hand, GM Meier scored 4.5 points climbed into a share of 3rd places in the company of GM Wang Hao of China, GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel, GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands, GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, IM Avetik Grigoryan of Armenia, IM Gopal Narayanan of India, and Jayaram Ashwin of Armenia.

In the distaff side, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia continues his winning ways after crushing WGM Sanjay Karavade of India for her six consecutive wins in the Girl's 20 and under.

Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador won her match to Ani Darbinyan to improve her record with 3.0 points.

Meanwhile, four Filipino players who were suspended because of allegedly game-fixing scandal involvement was back in the list of October RP-Fide rating yesterday.
They were No.5 GM-elect Darwin Laylo (2508), No.12 IM Ronald Dableo (2451), No. 16 FM Oliver Barbosa (2420) and No.27 IM Chito Garma (2396).

The four players was lifted the ban upon the order of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. before the event of 2007 Asian Continental Chess Championships in Cebu recently.

Laylo, earned his third and final GM norm in the said event and needed to wait the Fide Congress to tackle his GM title application. Laylo is the only Filipino make it to the top 10 to advance in the World Cup, formerly known FIDE World Chess Championships.

Individual Standings after round 6:
(Boys)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt),
4.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), Jayaram Ashwin (Armenia)


48 finalists vie for Shell Active Chess crowns

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Forty-eight finalists, who survived the grueling four-month nationwide eliminations will come together on October 20-21, 2007, each daring to outwit the other for the top two coveted plums of the 2007 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship Grand Finals.

Two Letran stalwarts, Stephen Laceste and Givy Bartolome, will head the 24-player cast in the Juniors Division of the event gathering the top three finishers from each of the eight qualifying stages held from June to September in various provinces nationwide.

Laceste edged three-time Palaro champion Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Ateneo and FEU's Luffe Magdalaga to rule the second leg in Tuguegarao, while Bartolome led the Batangas led winners, who include James Fernandez of University of Nueva Caceres and PMI's Arvin Dableo.

Joining them in the 9-round Swiss system finals of the 20-and-under category are NCR leg representatives Mari Joseph Turqueza of Diliman Prep. School, Jayson Mercado of SSC and Vic Neil Villanueva of UST; Dagupan qualifiers John Morazo and Lyndon Sombilon of FEU and Benjie Macoy of San Carlos College, Pangasinan; Iloilo top finishers Ellan Asuela (Bacolod), Marvin Ting (Bacolod) and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Iloilo); Cebu leg qualifiers Johnny Carzano (Ozamiz City), Antonio Chavez Jr. (Cagayan de Oro City) and Boris Diez (Davao City); Davao leg finalists Chito Dimakiling II (Davao City), Jerwell Andoy and Jester Andoy (Davao City); and Zamboanga leg top finishers Mohamad Sacar (Cotabato City), Patrick Erle Florendo (Zamboanga City) and Bryll John Arellano (Negros Occidental).

Bannering the field in the Kiddies Division are NCR leg top finishers Christy Lamiel Bernales (UE), Narquingden Reyes (Gen. Licerio Geronimo Memorial National High School – Rizal) and Jan Nigel Galan (Children of Mary Immaculate College – Valenzuela); Tuguegarao leg qualifiers McDominique Lagula of Bonfal Pilot Elem. School (Nueva Vizcaya), Asean age-group double gold medalist Haridas Pascua (Univ. of Baguio) and Jan Jodilyn Fronda (Letran); Dagupan leg finalists Prince Mark Aquino of (Divine Grace Montessori and High School - Pangasinan), Bernard Nillo Jr. (Baguio City National High School) and John Mark Dimalikwat (San Sebastian College - Recoletos); Batangas leg top finishers Willbert Pilarta of (Marist School, Makati), Giovanni Mejia (Letran) and Mark Anthony Trinidad (Gen. Pio del Pilar Elem. School - Makati); Iloilo City finalistsWest Negros College's Jerich Cajeras, Paolo Bersamina (La Salle Greenhills) and Jan Francis Mirano (Aklan Valley High School); Cebu leg top finishers Lennon Hart Salgados (Cagayan de Oro City), Jerad Docena (Grace Christian School – Tagbilaran) and Felix Balbona (Colegio dela Immaculada Concepcion – Cebu City); Davao City leg finalists Danilo Engay Jr. (F. Bangoy National High – Davao City), Ruel Bucaling (Gabuyan Elem. School – Davao) and Neptali Batucan (Doña Carmen Denia National High School – Davao City); and Loren Laceste (UE), Clark Kent Anabieza (Panabo City) and eight-year-old Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano (Cebu City).

Pilipinas Shell has sponsored the annual event for the past 15 years to help develop the sport and discover talents in the countryside, and will offer P30,000 prize to the winner in the Juniors Division and P20,000 for the Kiddies Champion.

The winners of the 2007 SNYACC Grand Finals join the elite circle of past champions, led by Grandmasters Nelson Mariano II and Mark Paragua and International Masters Ronald Dableo, Oliver Dimakiling, Idelfonso Datu, Wesley So and Ian Cris Udani.

Shell Active Chess aims to give the young and underprivileged players the rare chance to help give their families a better life by playing chess - either through schooling their way through a scholarship or earning a little money on the side to help augment family income.

The event, sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is backed by Shell V-Power, Shellane, Shell Helix, Shell Rimula, and McDonald's, in cooperation with SM Supermalls, Cebu Pacific, CSI The City Mall-Dagupan, and Brickstone Mall-Tuguegarao. The Grand Finals will be held at the 4th level Bridgeway of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Monday, October 8, 2007

RP'S SO GRABS SOLO LEAD IN WORLD JR. CHESS

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So of the Philippines and Woman International Master Vera Nebolsina of Russia grabs the solo leadership in their respective brackets after the fifth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan , Armenia, on Sunday.

The No.13 seed So, who celebrated his 14th birthday today toppled No.15 GM David Howell of England to raise his total to 4.5 points in the Boy's 20 and under class of this FIDE 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

So, using the white pieces showed his mastery in the four knights game via Scotch Game transposition and gained a pawn up to gain a positional advantage after GM Howell committed a Nh7 blunder in the 14th move after So sacrficed his Bishop to h6. GM Howell resigned after 37 moves.

According to NM Mario Rebano who is watching the games online via the Internet, normal moves is Be6 of GM Howell instead Nh7 to solidify his position.

So's next assignment is No.9 GM Georg Meier of Germany who held into a draw with No. 3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 27 moves of a Caro Kann Defense.

GMs Rodshtein and Meier now has 4.0 points, the same output of GM Ivan Popov of Russia, GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands, GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt, and IM Hrant Melkumyan of USA.

In other matches GM Stellwagen trounced GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia, GM Popov nipped Dzurabek Khamrakulov of Armenia, and GM Adley crushed GM Jones Gawain of England.

In the Girl's 20 and under class, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia beat over-night co-leader WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany to post her fifth straight wins in as many rounds. Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador scored her second win against WFM Ruth Lovece of Argentina.

Individual Standings after round 5:

(Boys)

4.5 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines)

4.0 points---GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Ahmed Adley (Egypt), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA)

3.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (India), GM Bassem Amin (Egypt), GM David Howell (England), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), Jayaram Ashwin (Armenia), Pablo Garcia (Spain)

(Girls)

5.0 points---WIM Vera Nebolsina (Russia)

4.0 points---WGM Sabrina Vega (Spain), WGM Sanjay Karavade (India), WGM Bela Khotenashvili (Georgia), IM Harika Dronavalli (India), WIM Swaminathan Soumya (India), WFM Tatev Abrahamyan (USA), WFM Sarah Hoolt (Germany)

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Sunday, October 7, 2007

UPDATES ON WORLD JR. CHESS + 4TH LEG NCFP CHESS

WESLEY SO DRAWS IN 40 MOVES IN ROUND 4 OF WORLD JR. CHESS

FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER No.13 Wesley So held into a draw with No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 40 moves of a Queens Indian Defense using the black pieces to create a four way-tie after the fourth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Saturday.

So, who turns 14 on Oct. 9, whose local and International campaign is supported by Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay, scored 3.5 points, the same output of GM Rodshtein, No. 9 GM Georg Meier of Germany and fifth round opponent No. 15 GM David Howell of England in this Boy's 20 and under division applying a 13 round Swiss-system FIDE tournament.

GM Meier beat No.31 IM Sasha Kaplan after 48 moves of a French Defense while GM Howell split the point with No. 2 GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands after 30 moves of another French Duel. GM Meier and GM Rodshtein will clash in the next round in the top board encounter.

Top seed GM Wang Hao of China settled for a truce with No.11 GM Ivan Popov of Russia after 50 moves of a Sicilian defense to lead the big bunch of 3.0 pointers in the company of GM Stellwagen, GM Popov, GM Arman Pashikiran of Armenia, GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, GM Gawain C.B. Jones of England, GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt, GM Deepan Chakkravarthy of India, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, IM Hrant Melkumyan of USA, IM Evgeny Romanov of Russia, and Dzurabek Khamrakulov of Armenia.

Meanwhile, Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador suffered his third loses this time at the hands of Anahit Kharatyan of Armenia to remains at 1.0 point in the Girl's 20 and under division.

WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia and WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany hurdle their respective rivals to share the lead with 4.0 points each.

WIM Nebolsina beat WGM Bela Khotenashvili of Georgia while WFM Hoolt, conquero's of Salvador in the Wednesday first round, trounced WFM Tatevik Airapetian of Armenia.

The solo champion, both boy's and girl's 20 and under division will earn an outright grandmaster (GM) and woman grandmaster (WGM) title, respectively.

Individual Standings after round 4:
3.5 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM David Howell (England), GM Georg Meier (Germany)

3.0 points---GM Wang Hao (China), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Arman Pashikiran (Armenia), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Gawain C.B. Jones (England), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Ahmed Adley (Egypt), GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (India), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), Dzurabek Khamrakulov (Armenia)


NM EFREN BAGAMASBAD TOPS 4TH LEG OF NCFP CHESS

NATIONAL MASTER Efren Bagamasbad ruled the just conluded 4th leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge late Saturday at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.

The former supervisor of Coca Cola Philippines notched 5.0 points in six outings to take home the top prize, a Colored TV in this one-day event sponsored by Primanila Realty and Development Corporation Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid, also the vice president of NCFP.

Tied for 2nd to 4th placers were RP six-time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, Dino Ballecer and NCFP Leyte coordinator NM Mario Rebano who scored identical 4.5 points apiece.

Tournament arbiter Boyet Tardecilla of NAPCA said other woodpushers make it to the top 10 were Butch Villavieja (5th), Lito Dormitorio (6th), NM Samuel Estimo (7th), NM Eduardo Agagon (8th), Romeo Talavera (9th) and Jose Aspiras (10th).

For future events, please call and contact GM Eugene Torre (09228822870), Dr. Jenny Mayor (09194782209) and NCFP incumbent Executive Director Atty. Samuel D. Estimo (09159360354).

Final Standings:
NM Efren Bagamasbad 5.0 points, Jenny Mayor, Dino Ballecer, NM Mario Rebano 4.5 points, Butch Villavieja, Lito Dormitorio, NM Samuel Estimo, NM Eduardo Agagon 4.0 points, Romeo Talavera, Jose Aspiras 3.5 points

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Friday, October 5, 2007

4TH LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVES CHESS STARTS SATURDAY

NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director Samuel Estimo announced that the 4th leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway Saturday October 6, 10am at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St. , Diliman, Quezon City .

Estimo, is a two-time Olympian and winner of the first two legs of this one day event. The tournament is open to all professionals and executive chess player in the country and backed by Primanila Realty and Development Corporation headed by it's Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid, also the vice president of NCFP. NM Eduardgo Agagon dominated the third leg last week.

The event is also supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City , lawyer Ernesto Salunat, lawyer Rudegelio Tacorda, 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 Primanila Realty and Development Corporation Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid and GM Eugene Torre. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, and Jess Torre.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Thursday, October 4, 2007

UPDATE ON WORLD JR. CHESS + CHESS FOR A CAUSE

WORLD JR CHESS: WESLEY SO POST BACK TO BACK WINS, AICES SALVADOR BOUNCES BACK IN CONTENTION

RP WHIZ KID, INTERNATIONAL MASTER and NO.14 seed Wesley So trounced No.37 Krzysztof Bulski of Poland to remain undefeated after posting two successive wins to give him a share of the lead along with 11 others after two rounds in the 2007 World Juniors Boys and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Thursday.

The No.14 pick So, whose local and International campaign is supported by Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay will next meet No. 63 Tigran Mamikonian of Armenia in the third round late Friday, who came from an upset win over No.20 IM Sebastian Feller of France.

Other woodpushers with perfect 2.0 points are top seed GM Wang Hao of China, No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel, No.5 Gawain C.B. Jones of England, No. 12 GM Arman Pashikiran of Armenia, No.15 GM David Howell of England, No. 16 IM Narayanan Gopal of India, No.17 IM Evgeny Romanov of Russia, No. 18 GM Parimarjan Negi of India, No.24 IM Gogineni Rohit of India, and No. 31 IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel.

The 18-year-old Hao, currently No.4 in China currently with an Elo rating of 2643, took the No. 28 IM Tornike Sanikidze of Georgia, Rodshtein, on the other hand smashed No.30 IM Hrant Melkumyan ofArmenia, Gawain toppled No.29 IM Abhijeet Gupta of India, Pashikiran crushed No.36 IM Marcos Llaneza of Spain, Howell nipped No.46 Ovik Hayrapetian of Armenia, Gopal defeated No.49 Amin Nasri of Iran, Romanov outplayed No.60 Mackenzie Molner of USA, Negi dealt No. 62 Viacheslav Kulakov of Russia, Rohit overpowered No. 80 Mahoud El Chamieh of Lebanon and Kaplan upset No.GM Bassem Amin of Egypt.

Meanwhile, after a sorry lost to WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany in the opening round on Wednesday, Woman National Master Aices Salvador of the Philippines bounced back in contention by beating Ghazal Hakimifard of Iran in the distaff side.

The solo champion, both boy's and girl's 20 and under division will earn an outright grandmaster (GM) and woman grandmaster (WGM) title, respectively.

Individual Standings after round 2:

IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Gawain C.B. Jones (England), GM Arman Pashikiran (Armenia), GM David Howell (England), IM Narayanan Gopal (India), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Sasha Kaplan (Israel), Tigran Mamikonian (Armenia) 2.0 points



LEADING CHESS PLAYERS IN METROPOLIS HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO DO A SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBITION TODAY

LEADING chess players in Metro Manila have volunteered to do a simultaneous exhibition at the Quezon Memorial Circle Chess Plaza in Quezon City for the benefit of fellow player Alfredo V. Chay's two children who were seriously injured in a traffic accident in Malolos City Sunday night.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre, International Masters Ronald Bancod and Chito Garma along with National Masters Rolando Nolte and Mirabeau Maga have offered to play against all comers today, Saturday.

The victims, Chessander Chay, 16, and his sister, Chessandra, 13, are also chess players. They had just competed in a tournament at the Bulacan State University and were crossing the street to a bus stop when they were sideswiped by a van.

The boy has been discharged from the hospital, in a cast while his sister is still under observation at Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital because of a fractured skull.

Attending physicians said she might need neurosurgery because of a swelling of tissues and internal bleeding beneath the skull fracture near her right temple.

Chay is the board secretary of the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. and is a member of the management committee for the QMC Chess Plaza. He is also the PRO of the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WORLD JR. CHESS + CHESS FOR A CAUSE

WORLD JR CHESS: WESLEY SO IN HOT START

RP WHIZ KID Wesley So got off to a hot start in the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan , Armenia, on Wednesday.

It's the only major chess tournament which is open to all boy's and girl's ages 20-year-old and below. According to FIDE regulations, eligible to participate are chess players born on and after January 1, 1987.

The No. 14 seed So dubbed as "The brightest hope of Philippine Chess" prevailed using the white pieces against No.52 Emilis Pileckis of Lithuania after 40 moves of a Sicilian-Pelikan which attracted 78 woodpushers.

With the win, the 13-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner, currently No.3 in RP-FIDE October rating list who holds an Elo rating of 2531 will meet No.37 Krzysztof Bulski of Poland, winner over No.75 Ostebo Lasse Lovik of Norway.

This year's field, according to official website, is once again stacked with the world's best players, including 15 (GM) grandmasters, 19 (IM) international masters, and 7 (FM) fide masters applying a 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

Eugene Torre, Asia's First Grandmaster and also the founding president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) gave advice to Wesley yesterday.

"Matagal pa yan eh. Hope huwag sana 'syang matalo para laging naka striking distance o naka umang. Pag black pieces siya at medyo mabigat ang kalaban ay draw ay ok lamang total 13 round Swiss-system yan para ma preserve ang kanyang energy." Said the 55-year-old Torre, head of the NCFP player's council.

In 1969 World Junior Chess Championships was held in Stockholm, Sweden, Torre dominated the Group B bracket while Anatoly Karpov ruled Group A.

"Noong panahon ko ay may elimination pa. Maraming qualifying event at pag hindi ka nakapasok sa Group A ay may group B at C pa." He recalled.

In 1971 World Junior Chess Championships in Athens Greece, the Filipino chess icon and Philippine Sportswriter Association (PSA) hall of famer settled in a tie for fourth place. Dark Horse Werner Hug of Switzerland won the said event. That time, Torre, Vaganian and Ribli were the heavy favorites to win the Group A bracket.

Meanwhile here in Yerevan, top seed GM Wang Hao of China was in awesome form against No.39 IM Hrair Simonian clustered a 37 moves victory using disadvantageous black pieces in their Sicilian Grand Prix clash.

Currently No.4 in China who possessed an Elo rating of 2643, the 18-year-old Hao will play the white pieces against No. 28 IM Tornike Sanikidze of Georgia, who beat Alexi Ter-Karapetian of Georgia.

Other notable winners in the Boy's 20 and under section were No.2 GM Daniel Stellwagen, No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein, No.5 Gawain C.B. Jones, No.7 GM Bassem Amin, No.9 GM Georg Mejer and No.10 GM Dmitry Andreikin.


CHESS FOR A CAUSE

THE chess community in Metro Manila and nearby provinces is passing the hat around to help in the hospitalization of two children of veteran player Alfredo V. Chay who were seriously injured in a traffic accident at about 9:20 p.m. last Sunday in Malolos, Bulacan.

Chessander Chay, 16, and his sister, Chessandra, 13, were hit by a Starex van allegedly driven by Enrique Manlapaz of Malolos while they were walking to a bus stop. They had just come from a chess tournament for non-masters organized by the Plaridel Chess Club at the Bulacan State University when they met the accident.

Chessander was thrown several feet away while Chessandra was flung into the air on impact with her head hitting the windshield of the vehicle. Both were declared in critical condition on arrival at the Malolos City Hospital.

Chessander has been declared out of danger but his sister is still under close observation because of a fractured skull near the right temple. She has been moved to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, which has facilities for neurosurgery.

A CIT scan showed that she had swollen tissues beneath the fracture and would likely need neurosurgery to ease the pressure on her skull.

Among the first to offer help in raising funds for the Chay children's hospitalization were Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Mark Paragua.

Plans are afoot for Torre and Paragua along with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. and GM-elect Darwin Laylo to hold a simultaneous exhibition at Quezon Memorial Circle Chess Plaza on Saturday, the proceeds of which will go to the Chays.

A veteran player, the elder Chay is the board secretary of the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. and vice president of the QMC Chess Club as well as an officer of the QMC Chess Plaza management committee. He is also a board director and public relations officer of the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines.

Chessander is a first year education student and plans to major in mathematics at BSU. He is the junior chess champion of San Jose del Monte and a BSU team member.

Chessandra is a first year high school student at the Lord's Grace Integrated School, also in San Jose del Monte, where the family lives.

According to their father, last Sunday's competition at BSU was Chessandra's first-ever tournament.

Donations may be given to Alfredo V. Chay, c/o office of Atty, Charito Planas, chair of QCPDI, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City, tel. No. 924-3395.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

Monday, October 1, 2007

OCTOBER FIDE RATING AND PHILIPPINE RANKING

ANTONIO EDGES TORRE, SO OUTRANKS PARAGUA IN OCTOBER FIDE RATING

ROGELIO "Joey" Antonio Jr. regained his No.1 status in Philippine Chess by besting fellow Grandmaster Eugene Torre in the latest ranking released by the World Chess Federation in the October FIDE rating list yesterday.

But the biggest news however, was when 13-year-old RP whiz kid IM Wesley So beat former Super GM Mark Paragua in Philippine ranking.

Antonio, who finished No.11 in the Asian Continental Chess Championships, failed to advance in the World Chess Championships or World Cup that will be held from Nov. 23 to Dec. 18, 2007 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Ugra, Russia, accumulated a total of 2540 Fide Elo rating. This was enough for him to occupy at No.1 spot in the Philippines.

Torre, founding president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) notched 2531, dropped into a tie for 2nd and 3rd place with So, dubbed as the "brightest hope of Philippine Chess" also with 2531, to beat the 22-year-old Paragua, who was relegated to No.4 spot with 2514 because of poor performance here and abroad.

However, the big question yesterday was why the names of IMs Ronald Dableo, Darwin Laylo, Chito Garma and Oliver Barbosa are still not listed despite the earlier announcement of NCFP boss Butch Pichay Jr. that the ban on the four player was already lifted. The said four players were banned due to allegations they were involved in game-fixing. The four players denied the accusation.

Citing the Fide Rules handbook, a player must have reached a 2500 ELO rating to earn the title of grandmaster (GM). But Laylo, (who earned his third and final GM Norm in Asian Continental Championships recently in Cebu and the only Filipino player to advance in the World Championship), has not reached the 2500 ELO rating despite three GM norms under his belt.

Rounding up to the top 15 placers were IM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. (2503), IM Joseph Sanchez (2496), IM Oliver Dimakiling (2491), IM John Paul Gomez (2469), IM Roland Salvador (2456), IM Jayson Gonzales (2454), GM Nelson Mariano II (2447), IM Rolly Martinez (2447), IM Enrique Paciencia (2431), GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor (2425) and IM Rico Mascariñas (2416).

On the other hand, Woman NM Catherine Pereña took the No.1 spot with 2247, and climbed at No. 63 place over-all. No.2 is WNM Shercila Cua (2203), No.3 is WFM Sheerie Joy Lomibao (2186), No.4 and No.5 are WIM Beverly Mendoza (2132), and WNM Sherily Cua (2132).

Meanwhile, GM Viswanathan Anand of India grabbed the NO.1 rank in the world's top 100 players list with 2801. The Indian GM came from a huge victory winning the World Championship title recently in Mexico who scored 9 points out of 14 rounds, the only undefeated player in the 8-man double round robin tournament.

GM Judith Polgar of Hungary adjudged No.1 in top 50 world's women players with 2708. GM Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan (2742) and GM Humpy Koneru of India (2606) occupied the No.1 spot in the 20-year-old below, junior division of male and female players, in that order.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)