FILIPINO woodpushers almost dominated the 2008 Los Angeles Open Chess Championships, in Los Angeles, California.
Tournament top-seed Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., flashed his old deadly form, led a 1-3- 4 finish by the Filipinos when he topped the tournament with 4.0 points following a final-round demolition over American Craig Allen Faber.
Russian IM Melikset Khachiyan, Cebuano IM Enrico Sevillano and US Master Joel "Cholo" Banawa, took the second to fourth placers, respectively also with a similar 4.0 points each in five outings after the tie break points was applied.
In other matches saw, the California-based Khachiyan settled a truce with Sevillano, protégée of sportsman/ National Master Matias "Bombi" Aznar, and Banawa subdued local bet Joshua Gutman.
The many-time RP Open champion Antonio, top player of the Philippine Army Chess Team, is in a roll in the US Chess circuit when he topped the 8th Universal Annual Swiss Chess Open last September 28 in Auburn Hills, Michigan then proceeded to win the G/19 on the 19th in Scottdale, Georgia last October 19.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
VISHY ANAND RETAINS WORLD CHESS CROWN
GRANDMASTER Viswanathan "Vishy" Anand of India settled a truce with GM Vladimir Kramnik of Russia after 24 pushes of a Sicilian Skirmish in their 12 game matches to retain his crown at the conclusion of 2008 World Chess Championships was held in Bonn, Germany, on Friday.
Anand who learned the rudiment of chess here in Baguio City, Philippines during his College days when his father work at the Philippine Railway bested Kramnik, a prodigee of former world champion Garry Kasparov into a, 6.5-4.5 victory. The late Filipino NM Victor Cabrido is one of the chess teacher of Anand.
Anand said in a post mortem interview that Kramnik's choice "surprised me a little bit. The position got very sharp very quickly."
Kramnik said he was "quite happy" to play the Najdorf, though he acknowledged that he had "no clue at all about the theory."
The pinnacle of his career (Anand) was achieved on December 24, 2000 when Anand became the 15th World Chess Champion in Teheran.
In 1987, he (Anand) became the First Asian to win the World Junior Championship at Baguio City in Philippines. He became the first Indian Grandmaster in 1987, when he was nineteen years old.
After the decisive game, the trophy giving was held on stage of the Art and Exhibition Hall, by FIDE Honorary President Florencio "Pocamps" Campomanes and Josef Resch, UEP president and match director of the World Chess Championship. The national anthem of India and the FIDE anthem concluded the trophy giving. The main sponsor was Evonik Industries AG and the prize money 1,5 Million Euro.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
Anand who learned the rudiment of chess here in Baguio City, Philippines during his College days when his father work at the Philippine Railway bested Kramnik, a prodigee of former world champion Garry Kasparov into a, 6.5-4.5 victory. The late Filipino NM Victor Cabrido is one of the chess teacher of Anand.
Anand said in a post mortem interview that Kramnik's choice "surprised me a little bit. The position got very sharp very quickly."
Kramnik said he was "quite happy" to play the Najdorf, though he acknowledged that he had "no clue at all about the theory."
The pinnacle of his career (Anand) was achieved on December 24, 2000 when Anand became the 15th World Chess Champion in Teheran.
In 1987, he (Anand) became the First Asian to win the World Junior Championship at Baguio City in Philippines. He became the first Indian Grandmaster in 1987, when he was nineteen years old.
After the decisive game, the trophy giving was held on stage of the Art and Exhibition Hall, by FIDE Honorary President Florencio "Pocamps" Campomanes and Josef Resch, UEP president and match director of the World Chess Championship. The national anthem of India and the FIDE anthem concluded the trophy giving. The main sponsor was Evonik Industries AG and the prize money 1,5 Million Euro.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
ANGELO YOUNG IS JOINT THIRD IN 17TH MIDWEST CLASS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS
FILIPINO International Master Angelo Young turned back American Seth Homa to finish in a tie for 3rd to 5th placers in the just concluded 17th Midwest Class Chess Championships was held in Wheeling, Illinois, USA.
The former RP junior champion accumulated with 3.5 points in five outings, the same output of Russian GM Dmitry Gurevich and American IM Ben Finegold.
Former US Open champion GM Yuriy Shulman of the United States bested fellow GM Nikola Mitkov of Macedonia to finish clear first with 4.5 points, half point ahead with solo second place and local bet Alexander Stamnov with 4.0 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The former RP junior champion accumulated with 3.5 points in five outings, the same output of Russian GM Dmitry Gurevich and American IM Ben Finegold.
Former US Open champion GM Yuriy Shulman of the United States bested fellow GM Nikola Mitkov of Macedonia to finish clear first with 4.5 points, half point ahead with solo second place and local bet Alexander Stamnov with 4.0 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TWO PINOYS SHARE TOP HONORS IN ITALY CHESS MEET
GRANDMASTER candidate Roland Salvador and International Master elect Virgilio Moreno Vuelban toppled their sixth and final round opponent to share the top honors in the just concluded XX Festival Internazionale di Scacchi "Città di Lucca" Chess Championships was held in Scacchi, Italy, recently.
The pride of San Jose Delmonte, Bulacan Salvador (2464), who needed one GM norm to complete his GM status outpointed Italian IM Doriano Tocchioni while Fide Master Vuelban, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City who needed to raise his Elo 2390 to 2400 to obtain his IM title crushed Italian NM Daniele Parrini.
Salvador and Vuelban, both backed up by Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy, finish identical 5.0 points apiece in six outings with the same 20.5 bucholz tie break points enroute the coveted plum.
In a recent interview Vuelban, also the president of Filipino Chess Club in Rome, Italy revealed that Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy invited world's youngest GM Wesley So, Asia's First GM Eugene Torre and NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., to visit Rome, Italy.
"Inimbitahan ni Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy sina Wesley (So), Eugene (Torre) at Cong. (Butch) Pichay na bumisita dito sa Roma pagkatapos ng World Chess Olympiad sa Dresden," said Vuelban, also nephew of Misamis Oriental governor Oscar Moreno.
So is one of the five members of the RP bound to 2008 World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany on November 12 to 25 while Torre, on the other hand was taps by Pichay to be the team captain of RP chess team.
Torre and fellow GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., begged off to participate in the qualification tournament for the RP Chess Team in World Chess Olympiad due to varying reason.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
The pride of San Jose Delmonte, Bulacan Salvador (2464), who needed one GM norm to complete his GM status outpointed Italian IM Doriano Tocchioni while Fide Master Vuelban, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City who needed to raise his Elo 2390 to 2400 to obtain his IM title crushed Italian NM Daniele Parrini.
Salvador and Vuelban, both backed up by Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy, finish identical 5.0 points apiece in six outings with the same 20.5 bucholz tie break points enroute the coveted plum.
In a recent interview Vuelban, also the president of Filipino Chess Club in Rome, Italy revealed that Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy invited world's youngest GM Wesley So, Asia's First GM Eugene Torre and NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., to visit Rome, Italy.
"Inimbitahan ni Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine Ambassador to Italy sina Wesley (So), Eugene (Torre) at Cong. (Butch) Pichay na bumisita dito sa Roma pagkatapos ng World Chess Olympiad sa Dresden," said Vuelban, also nephew of Misamis Oriental governor Oscar Moreno.
So is one of the five members of the RP bound to 2008 World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany on November 12 to 25 while Torre, on the other hand was taps by Pichay to be the team captain of RP chess team.
Torre and fellow GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., begged off to participate in the qualification tournament for the RP Chess Team in World Chess Olympiad due to varying reason.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
ANTONIO, TORRE SHARES TOP HONORS IN QC CHESS ROAD SHOW
LONG-TIME Philippines vanguard grandmasters Eugene Torre and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., both decided not to play in so called tie breaker or deciding match but agreed to share the top honors in the just concluded QC Chess Road Show at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao on Friday.
This after the 56-year-old Torre, Asia's First GM defeated the 46-year-old Antonio in 42 pushes of a London System Opening in Game Six to tie the match at 3-3 count in their six games showdown, as part of city's sports tourism project.
"No more tie break," said Torre, in a text message yesterday.
Tournament director Tito Estaris also said "Nagkasundo na ang dalawa na wala ng tie breaker, ang objective naman ng event ay sports tourism na ipakita sa mga tao ang iba't-ibang significant places sa Quezon City.
"Ang maganda ay nakapag contribute kami ni Eugene (Torre) sa Quezon City at lalong-lalu na sa mga kabataan," added Antonio, who beat Torre by one point ten years ago during the Centennial Chess Duel in Land Bank, Makati.
After the 1998 Centennial Chess Duel, the two Filipino chess icons also play a one-on-one secret match and also ended in a draw at the Presidential Tower in Timog, Quezon City.
Antonio, who is schedule to compete in the Michigan International Open Chess before the end of the month is ahead of 2 points in their head-to-head battle against Torre.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
This after the 56-year-old Torre, Asia's First GM defeated the 46-year-old Antonio in 42 pushes of a London System Opening in Game Six to tie the match at 3-3 count in their six games showdown, as part of city's sports tourism project.
"No more tie break," said Torre, in a text message yesterday.
Tournament director Tito Estaris also said "Nagkasundo na ang dalawa na wala ng tie breaker, ang objective naman ng event ay sports tourism na ipakita sa mga tao ang iba't-ibang significant places sa Quezon City.
"Ang maganda ay nakapag contribute kami ni Eugene (Torre) sa Quezon City at lalong-lalu na sa mga kabataan," added Antonio, who beat Torre by one point ten years ago during the Centennial Chess Duel in Land Bank, Makati.
After the 1998 Centennial Chess Duel, the two Filipino chess icons also play a one-on-one secret match and also ended in a draw at the Presidential Tower in Timog, Quezon City.
Antonio, who is schedule to compete in the Michigan International Open Chess before the end of the month is ahead of 2 points in their head-to-head battle against Torre.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO.
SSS BEATS PTA TO RETAIN GCAA CHESS TEAM TITLE
Final Ranking:
SSS-30 pts; PAGCOR-25 pts; TRANSCO-24 pts; NPC-21 pts; PHILHEALTH-20.5 pts; PCSO-18 pts; LBP-17 pts; PTA 12.5 pts
SOCIAL Security System (SSS) blasted Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), 6-0, in the seventh and final round to retained their GCAA Chess Team Tournament title was held recently at the 2nd floor SSS Bldg, in East Avenue, Quezon City.
SSS chess squad headed by playing/coach Dioniver "Bobot" Medrano finished a total of 30.0 points in this eight team tournament.
"Nagbunga 'yung ginawa naming paghahanda para matagumpay na maidepensa namin ang aming korona," said Medrano.
Aside from Medrano, other member of the back to back champion SSS chess team are Conrado Costinar Jr., Arvin Olorvida, Robert Gene Mariano, Noah Prudencio, Kristoferson Ursal, Charlie Suyom, Rene Damaycos, Rey Valencerina and Froilan Acido.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR bannered by Renato Quito edged LBP, 3.5-2.5, to finish solo second place with 25.0 points while TRANSCO headed by NM Dennis Gutierrez trounced PCSO, 4.5-1.5, to settled third place finish with a total of 24.0 points.
Adjudged individual gold medalist winner were board 1 NM Dennis Gutierrez (TRANSCO), board 2 Adrian Cailao (TRANSCO), board 3 Robert Gene Mariano (SSS), board 4 Noah Prudencio (SSS), board 5 Kristoferson Ursal (SSS), board 6 Melchor Manubay (PAGCOR), board 7 Rene Domaycos (SSS), board 8 Dennis Mijares (PAGCOR), board 9 Baltazar Yuzon (PAGCOR) and board 10 Nelson Pili (PCSO). NM Elias Lao served as chief arbiter in the said chessfest.
No less than NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and SSS Executive Vice-President Horacio "Horace" Templo led the opening rites.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
SSS-30 pts; PAGCOR-25 pts; TRANSCO-24 pts; NPC-21 pts; PHILHEALTH-20.5 pts; PCSO-18 pts; LBP-17 pts; PTA 12.5 pts
SOCIAL Security System (SSS) blasted Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), 6-0, in the seventh and final round to retained their GCAA Chess Team Tournament title was held recently at the 2nd floor SSS Bldg, in East Avenue, Quezon City.
SSS chess squad headed by playing/coach Dioniver "Bobot" Medrano finished a total of 30.0 points in this eight team tournament.
"Nagbunga 'yung ginawa naming paghahanda para matagumpay na maidepensa namin ang aming korona," said Medrano.
Aside from Medrano, other member of the back to back champion SSS chess team are Conrado Costinar Jr., Arvin Olorvida, Robert Gene Mariano, Noah Prudencio, Kristoferson Ursal, Charlie Suyom, Rene Damaycos, Rey Valencerina and Froilan Acido.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR bannered by Renato Quito edged LBP, 3.5-2.5, to finish solo second place with 25.0 points while TRANSCO headed by NM Dennis Gutierrez trounced PCSO, 4.5-1.5, to settled third place finish with a total of 24.0 points.
Adjudged individual gold medalist winner were board 1 NM Dennis Gutierrez (TRANSCO), board 2 Adrian Cailao (TRANSCO), board 3 Robert Gene Mariano (SSS), board 4 Noah Prudencio (SSS), board 5 Kristoferson Ursal (SSS), board 6 Melchor Manubay (PAGCOR), board 7 Rene Domaycos (SSS), board 8 Dennis Mijares (PAGCOR), board 9 Baltazar Yuzon (PAGCOR) and board 10 Nelson Pili (PCSO). NM Elias Lao served as chief arbiter in the said chessfest.
No less than NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and SSS Executive Vice-President Horacio "Horace" Templo led the opening rites.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TORRE BEATS ANTONIO TO EVEN ONE-ON-ONE SHOWDOWN
ASIA'S First Grandmaster Eugene Torre turned back fellow GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., after 40 pushes of a French Defense in Game four of their six-games duel enabled him to even the one-on-one showdown at 2-2 on one win, one loss and two draws in the ongoing dubbed as QC Chess Road Show at the Tandang Sora Shrine in Quezon City late Monday.
"Nang nakita kong may pagkakataong manalo kay Joey (Antonio) pinilit ko talaga kasi mahalaga y'ung panalo natin sa kanya para makatabla tayo sa match lalu na't maikli ang format," said Torre, who will turn 57 on Nov.4
Tournament director Tito Estaris said when the game ended after almost four hours battle, the long-time RP vanguard Torre has a knight and six pawns against Antonio's bishop and six pawns in this event organized and hosted by QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., and Majority Floor Leader Councilor Ariel Enrile-Inton, as part of City's sports tourism project.
"Maganda talaga 'yung tinira ni Eugene (Torre) saka mali 'yung move ko na king to h8," admitted the 46-year-old Antonio, who beat Torre by one point during their first encounter ten years ago dubbed as Centennial Chess Duel held at the Land Bank, Makati.
Chief arbiter IA Gene Poliarco said that two remaining games will be held at the Shrine of Pugad Lawin starting today, July 30 and at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center on August 1.
In case the scores is still tied after six games of play, a seventh and deciding game will be played at the Eastwood City in Libis.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TORRE, ANTONIO CLASH IN QC CHESS ROAD SHOW
ASIA's first GM Eugene Torre and GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. are ready to renew their rivalry in their six games showdown when they clash each other starting on Monday (July 21) at the Quezon City Hall dubbed as "QC chess road show."
In 1998 GMs Torre and Antonio played a 12-game match which ended with a score of 5.5-6.5 in favor of the latter. GM Joey won once and there were 11 draws and became the first local player to beat Torre in a series with a 1-up victory.
In fact, during the echelon of Torre, he beat the likes of Cardoso, Balinas, Yap, Naranja, Rodriguez among others.
"We take pride that both Eugene and Joey are longtime residents of Quezon City," said Quezon City majority floor leader and fourth district councilor Ariel Inton."
"Both Torre and Antonio are recipients of the city's Most outstanding athlete and citizen." added Inton, a well known sports advocate.
No less than QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. and QC Majority Floor leader Councilor Ariel Inton are expected do to the opening rites of the "QC chess road show" is part of the tourism project of the city hosted by the city government headed by QC Mayor Belmonte in close cooperation with Bataan construction magnate Jerry Acuzar, former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and QC 3rd district representative Matias Defensor, ACCEL, Dickies Philippines, Filway Marketing Inc. and Hataw tabloid newspaper.
Tournament director Tito Estaris said aside from City Hall, the other venues where the matches will be held are Tomas Morato (July 23), La Loma district (July 25), the Tandang Sora shrine (July 28), Pugad Lawin shrine (Aug. 1) and the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center (Aug.4).
Estaris added that GM Jayson Gonzales, IMs Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Emmanuel Senador and Mirabeau Maga will also do simultaneous exhibition and chess clinics.Chief arbiter in the said event is International Arbiter (IA) Gene Poliarco.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
"Nang nakita kong may pagkakataong manalo kay Joey (Antonio) pinilit ko talaga kasi mahalaga y'ung panalo natin sa kanya para makatabla tayo sa match lalu na't maikli ang format," said Torre, who will turn 57 on Nov.4
Tournament director Tito Estaris said when the game ended after almost four hours battle, the long-time RP vanguard Torre has a knight and six pawns against Antonio's bishop and six pawns in this event organized and hosted by QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., and Majority Floor Leader Councilor Ariel Enrile-Inton, as part of City's sports tourism project.
"Maganda talaga 'yung tinira ni Eugene (Torre) saka mali 'yung move ko na king to h8," admitted the 46-year-old Antonio, who beat Torre by one point during their first encounter ten years ago dubbed as Centennial Chess Duel held at the Land Bank, Makati.
Chief arbiter IA Gene Poliarco said that two remaining games will be held at the Shrine of Pugad Lawin starting today, July 30 and at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center on August 1.
In case the scores is still tied after six games of play, a seventh and deciding game will be played at the Eastwood City in Libis.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TORRE, ANTONIO CLASH IN QC CHESS ROAD SHOW
ASIA's first GM Eugene Torre and GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. are ready to renew their rivalry in their six games showdown when they clash each other starting on Monday (July 21) at the Quezon City Hall dubbed as "QC chess road show."
In 1998 GMs Torre and Antonio played a 12-game match which ended with a score of 5.5-6.5 in favor of the latter. GM Joey won once and there were 11 draws and became the first local player to beat Torre in a series with a 1-up victory.
In fact, during the echelon of Torre, he beat the likes of Cardoso, Balinas, Yap, Naranja, Rodriguez among others.
"We take pride that both Eugene and Joey are longtime residents of Quezon City," said Quezon City majority floor leader and fourth district councilor Ariel Inton."
"Both Torre and Antonio are recipients of the city's Most outstanding athlete and citizen." added Inton, a well known sports advocate.
No less than QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. and QC Majority Floor leader Councilor Ariel Inton are expected do to the opening rites of the "QC chess road show" is part of the tourism project of the city hosted by the city government headed by QC Mayor Belmonte in close cooperation with Bataan construction magnate Jerry Acuzar, former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and QC 3rd district representative Matias Defensor, ACCEL, Dickies Philippines, Filway Marketing Inc. and Hataw tabloid newspaper.
Tournament director Tito Estaris said aside from City Hall, the other venues where the matches will be held are Tomas Morato (July 23), La Loma district (July 25), the Tandang Sora shrine (July 28), Pugad Lawin shrine (Aug. 1) and the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center (Aug.4).
Estaris added that GM Jayson Gonzales, IMs Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Emmanuel Senador and Mirabeau Maga will also do simultaneous exhibition and chess clinics.Chief arbiter in the said event is International Arbiter (IA) Gene Poliarco.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
GOMEZ, PEREÑA TOPS WORLD CHESS OLYMPIC QUALIFYING EVENT
INTERNATIONAL Master John Paul Gomez and Woman National Master Catherine Pereña topped their respective division at the conclusion of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) qualifying tournament (National Finals) to determine RP's Olympiad representative over the weekend at the Kaban ng Hiyas Building in Mandaluyong City.
The former three-time Philippine Junior champion Gomez, who hails from Biñan, Laguna finished with 13.0 points to added National Finals to his growing list of achievements.
The mechanical engineering student of La Salle Gomez, who earned his GM norm on Friday after held GM Mark Paragua into a draw led team Philippines in the World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany and the World Mind Games in Beijing, China later this year after topping the said qualification tournament.
"I hope I can accomplish GM status soon. I'm happy with the way I've been playing," said Gomez, who needs two more GM norms to become the eighth Filipino to reach the highest ranking in chess. "I would like to thank NCFP president (Butch) Pichay for helping my local and international campaign." He added.
Joining them in the RP Olympic team were world youngest GM Wesley So (12.5 pts), GM Bong Villamayor (11.5 pts), GM Jayson Gonzales (10 pts.), GM Darwin Laylo (10 pts.) and GM Paragua (10 pts.).
However, the fate of long-time RP chess icons Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio Jr., who both failed to compete in the qualifying round because of their health and personal reason are in the hands of the NCFP board headed by its president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. if the duo will include in the Olympic team.
Torre and Antonio, who both schedule to play one-on-one match on July 21 are expressed willingness to play for the flag and country if the NCFP board consider to put in the line-up.
In the distaff side, Pereña, from Caloocan City took another feather on her capped after winning the women's play with 8.0 points. Completing the top five finishers were WNM Shercila Cua (7.5 pts), WNM Daisy Rivera (7.0 pts), WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho (7.0 pts) and WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales (6.0 pts)
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The former three-time Philippine Junior champion Gomez, who hails from Biñan, Laguna finished with 13.0 points to added National Finals to his growing list of achievements.
The mechanical engineering student of La Salle Gomez, who earned his GM norm on Friday after held GM Mark Paragua into a draw led team Philippines in the World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany and the World Mind Games in Beijing, China later this year after topping the said qualification tournament.
"I hope I can accomplish GM status soon. I'm happy with the way I've been playing," said Gomez, who needs two more GM norms to become the eighth Filipino to reach the highest ranking in chess. "I would like to thank NCFP president (Butch) Pichay for helping my local and international campaign." He added.
Joining them in the RP Olympic team were world youngest GM Wesley So (12.5 pts), GM Bong Villamayor (11.5 pts), GM Jayson Gonzales (10 pts.), GM Darwin Laylo (10 pts.) and GM Paragua (10 pts.).
However, the fate of long-time RP chess icons Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio Jr., who both failed to compete in the qualifying round because of their health and personal reason are in the hands of the NCFP board headed by its president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. if the duo will include in the Olympic team.
Torre and Antonio, who both schedule to play one-on-one match on July 21 are expressed willingness to play for the flag and country if the NCFP board consider to put in the line-up.
In the distaff side, Pereña, from Caloocan City took another feather on her capped after winning the women's play with 8.0 points. Completing the top five finishers were WNM Shercila Cua (7.5 pts), WNM Daisy Rivera (7.0 pts), WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho (7.0 pts) and WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales (6.0 pts)
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
TURQUEZA DOMINATES LAGUNA CHESS TOURNEY
NEWLY RP chess sensation Mari Joseph "MJ" Turqueza of Quezon City continued his hot streak as the San Sebastian College stalwart swept all his matches in the junior division to emerge champion in the just concluded 2nd Letran-Calamba Non-Master Active Chess Championships, over the weekend at the 3/F Bldg., Martin de Porres Bldg, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba City.
The 14-year-old Turqueza, also a habitué of V. Luna Chess Club, who is fresh from winning the 2008 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships along with another RP whiz kid Jan Emmanuel Garcia, tallied an impressive six points to receive the top prize of 3,000 plus trophy in the event jointly organize by Laguna Chess Association and Physical Education Athletics & Sports Department of Letran-Calamba and backed up by St. Peregine Dental Clinic.
Bryan Cyril Martinez took the runner-up honors with 5.0 points to pocket P1,500 plus medal while Moises Beo settled third with 4.5 points to went home the P1,000 plus medal.
Tying at 4th to 6th placers were Mark Tañamor, Nigel Valezuela and Giovanni Zyrene with 4.0 points each in the event also supported by Vice-Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Cong. Justin Mark Chipeco and Mayor Joaquin Chipeco.
Meanwhile, local bet Rodolfo Panopio Jr. and Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City also topped their respective division in this event which attracted 117 chess players.
Panopio defeated Ivan Gil Biag Jr., of Dasmariñas, Cavite in bucholz tie break to bring home the championships trophy in the senior division while Bersamina score 5.5 points to take home the kiddie chess plum. Panopio and Biag, both tallied 5.5 pointsin six outings.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
The 14-year-old Turqueza, also a habitué of V. Luna Chess Club, who is fresh from winning the 2008 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships along with another RP whiz kid Jan Emmanuel Garcia, tallied an impressive six points to receive the top prize of 3,000 plus trophy in the event jointly organize by Laguna Chess Association and Physical Education Athletics & Sports Department of Letran-Calamba and backed up by St. Peregine Dental Clinic.
Bryan Cyril Martinez took the runner-up honors with 5.0 points to pocket P1,500 plus medal while Moises Beo settled third with 4.5 points to went home the P1,000 plus medal.
Tying at 4th to 6th placers were Mark Tañamor, Nigel Valezuela and Giovanni Zyrene with 4.0 points each in the event also supported by Vice-Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Cong. Justin Mark Chipeco and Mayor Joaquin Chipeco.
Meanwhile, local bet Rodolfo Panopio Jr. and Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City also topped their respective division in this event which attracted 117 chess players.
Panopio defeated Ivan Gil Biag Jr., of Dasmariñas, Cavite in bucholz tie break to bring home the championships trophy in the senior division while Bersamina score 5.5 points to take home the kiddie chess plum. Panopio and Biag, both tallied 5.5 pointsin six outings.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
DAVAO CHESS PRIDE WINS MAGNOLIA CHESSFEST
FORMER Shell National Youth Active Chess Champion Dharim Bacus of Davao City defeated veteran campaigner Clement Valledor in the seventh and final round to rule the 1st Saturday Magnolia Non-Master Active Chess Tournament held over the weekend at the Perez Building, Dona Soledad corner Australia Street in Paranaque City.
Bacus swept all his matches in the seven-round Swiss system format to clinch the title, championships trophy and pocket the top prize of P3,000 in the event hosted by sportsman Florencio Bernabe and supported by Magnolia Health Tea Drinks, organized by Barangay Don Bosco Chess Club in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
A total of 84 woodpushers from various cities across the Metropolis saw-action in the one-day chessfest also backed up by, Cong. Ed Zialcita and M.Y. SON.
CSB's top player Narquinden Reyes, country's representative in the 2008 Danang, Vietnam Asean Age Group Chess Championships and Manila's pride Emil Chua toppled their last round assignment to finish in a tie for 2nd to 3rd placers with identical 6.5 points apiece. Reyes nipped Joseph Montes while Chua beat last month champion Robert Cacho.
Sharing the limelight were Cecil Padua (top senior), Romeo Soriano (top unrated), Daryl Unix Samantila (top kiddie) and Marie Antoinette San Diego (top lady) who emerged category winners. All of them receive the trophies plus a gift item from Magnolia. But all participants enjoyed the distribution of give aways by the organizer from M.Y. SON product.
The officiating committee were Chief Arbiter NA Boyet Tardecilla, Deputy Arbiters Anthony Sun and Bobot Rosanto Torres of NAPCA -National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters.
The next 1st Saturday Chess Tournament will be on August 2, 2008 and for details please contact Dr. Bong Perez at 5463714 or 09197227552 or Cecil Padua 09229638274.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Bacus swept all his matches in the seven-round Swiss system format to clinch the title, championships trophy and pocket the top prize of P3,000 in the event hosted by sportsman Florencio Bernabe and supported by Magnolia Health Tea Drinks, organized by Barangay Don Bosco Chess Club in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
A total of 84 woodpushers from various cities across the Metropolis saw-action in the one-day chessfest also backed up by, Cong. Ed Zialcita and M.Y. SON.
CSB's top player Narquinden Reyes, country's representative in the 2008 Danang, Vietnam Asean Age Group Chess Championships and Manila's pride Emil Chua toppled their last round assignment to finish in a tie for 2nd to 3rd placers with identical 6.5 points apiece. Reyes nipped Joseph Montes while Chua beat last month champion Robert Cacho.
Sharing the limelight were Cecil Padua (top senior), Romeo Soriano (top unrated), Daryl Unix Samantila (top kiddie) and Marie Antoinette San Diego (top lady) who emerged category winners. All of them receive the trophies plus a gift item from Magnolia. But all participants enjoyed the distribution of give aways by the organizer from M.Y. SON product.
The officiating committee were Chief Arbiter NA Boyet Tardecilla, Deputy Arbiters Anthony Sun and Bobot Rosanto Torres of NAPCA -National Association of Philippine Chess Arbiters.
The next 1st Saturday Chess Tournament will be on August 2, 2008 and for details please contact Dr. Bong Perez at 5463714 or 09197227552 or Cecil Padua 09229638274.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
YOUNGER BROTHER OF GM PARAGUA IS JOINT 2ND IN WORLD OPEN CHESS
POCKETS US$ 7,500
NEW YORK based Jan Vincent Paragua, younger brother of GM Mark Paragua defeated California ace Edimero Grefiel in the ninth and final round to settle tied for 2nd to 3rd placers along with Washington's Drayton Harrison, winner over Michigan's Loyd Gentry in the just concluded 36th annual World Open Chess Championships at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennyslvania, USA.
The former Marilao, Bulacan resident Jan Vincent finish undefeated in the Under 1800 section with 7 wins, 2 draws in nine outings to raise his total of 8.0 points, the same output of Grefiel. The Duo (Jan Vincent and Grefiel) split the combined US$15,000 for the 2nd and 3rd placers.
Illinois bet Michael Granata took the title and champion's purse of US$20,000 after beating Puerto Rico's Omar Aneses in the last round to notch 8.5 points.
Another Filipino entry and Florida resident Eddie Briones beat New Jersey star Srinivasan Ramanujam to join 7th placers along with six others with 7.0 points.
Other Filipinos who participated in this event includes father and son Hercules (2.5 pts) and Carlo del Mundo (6.0 pts) of Virginia, Rito Ilao (5.5 pts) of New York for the Under 1800 section; Allan Salgado of Maryland (4.0 pts), Jerry Salazar (4.0 pts) and Isaias Soriano (3.5 pts) of New York and Dexter Pacheco of Illinois (4.5 pts) for the Under 2000 section; William Marcelino of Virginia (6 pts), Allan Montalbo of Ontario, Canada (3.5 pts), Rene Glenn Ancheta of Illinois (3.5 pts), Marc Christian Nazario of Quezon City (3.0 pts) for the Under 2200 section and Florencio Zoleta of Philadephia (4.5 pts) for the Under 1600.
Meanwhile, four players---GMs Evgeny Najer of New York, Parmijaran Negi of India, Lubomir Ftacnik of Slovakia and Alexander Moiseenko of Ukraine shared top honors in the Open section after tallying identical 7.0 points apiece.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO edited by jovie sison.
NEW YORK based Jan Vincent Paragua, younger brother of GM Mark Paragua defeated California ace Edimero Grefiel in the ninth and final round to settle tied for 2nd to 3rd placers along with Washington's Drayton Harrison, winner over Michigan's Loyd Gentry in the just concluded 36th annual World Open Chess Championships at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennyslvania, USA.
The former Marilao, Bulacan resident Jan Vincent finish undefeated in the Under 1800 section with 7 wins, 2 draws in nine outings to raise his total of 8.0 points, the same output of Grefiel. The Duo (Jan Vincent and Grefiel) split the combined US$15,000 for the 2nd and 3rd placers.
Illinois bet Michael Granata took the title and champion's purse of US$20,000 after beating Puerto Rico's Omar Aneses in the last round to notch 8.5 points.
Another Filipino entry and Florida resident Eddie Briones beat New Jersey star Srinivasan Ramanujam to join 7th placers along with six others with 7.0 points.
Other Filipinos who participated in this event includes father and son Hercules (2.5 pts) and Carlo del Mundo (6.0 pts) of Virginia, Rito Ilao (5.5 pts) of New York for the Under 1800 section; Allan Salgado of Maryland (4.0 pts), Jerry Salazar (4.0 pts) and Isaias Soriano (3.5 pts) of New York and Dexter Pacheco of Illinois (4.5 pts) for the Under 2000 section; William Marcelino of Virginia (6 pts), Allan Montalbo of Ontario, Canada (3.5 pts), Rene Glenn Ancheta of Illinois (3.5 pts), Marc Christian Nazario of Quezon City (3.0 pts) for the Under 2200 section and Florencio Zoleta of Philadephia (4.5 pts) for the Under 1600.
Meanwhile, four players---GMs Evgeny Najer of New York, Parmijaran Negi of India, Lubomir Ftacnik of Slovakia and Alexander Moiseenko of Ukraine shared top honors in the Open section after tallying identical 7.0 points apiece.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO edited by jovie sison.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
GM WESLEY SO REMAINS COUNTRY'S HIGHEST RATED PLAYER---FIDE
July 1, 2008 RP-Fide rating list
1 GM Wesley So (2577)
2-3 GM Eugene Torre (2524), GM Jayson Gonzales (2524)
4 GM Mark Paragua (2523)
5 IM Rolando Nolte (2522)
6 GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (2518)
7 GM Darwin Laylo (2504)
8 IM Joseph Sanchez (2486)
9 IM Oliver Dimakiling (2479)
10 IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2466)
GRANDMASTER Wesley So, 14, remains the Philippines' highest rated player on the July 1, 2008 ratings list issued by the World Chess Federation yesterday.
So, the Bacoor, Cavite kid campaigner, currently the world youngest GM, has an Elo rating of 2577 from 2540 in the April 1, 2008 RP Fide rating list.
Eugene Torre, Asia's First GM, and Jayson Gonzales move into a tie for second and third with identical 2524 ratings.
Torre, the RP's long-time pillars is No.4 in the April 1, 2008 list with 2519 while Gonzales, was at No.8, but gained a 56 Elo rating because of his superb performance in local and international tournament.
Former No.2 Mark Paragua, who is fresh from winning the tough Marshall Chess Club Open (will be include in the October 1, 2008 list) dropped at solo No.4 with 2523 after losing 15 Elo rating points from his before 2538 points.
IM Rolando Nolte, gained a 102 Elo rating points in just one tournament---3rd Kolkata Open last March after finishing in a tie for fourth to climbed at solo No.5 with 2522. The Quezon City based Nolte, No.14 in the April 1, 2008 list with 2420.
Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., many-time national champion at No.6 with 2518 followed by No.7 Darwin Laylo with 2504.
Completing the top 10 were No. 8 IM Joseph Sanchez (2486), No.9 IM Oliver Dimakiling (2479), and No.10 IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2466). WNM Catherine Perena is still the women's top rated player with 2212.
Meanwhile, Super GM Viswanathan Anand is world's top player with 2798 while Super GM Judith Polgar of Hungrary is women's world No.1 with 2711. Super GM Magnus Carlsen of Norway is top boy's 20 and under player with 2775 while WGM Yifan Hou of China is top girl's 20 and under player with 2557.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
1 GM Wesley So (2577)
2-3 GM Eugene Torre (2524), GM Jayson Gonzales (2524)
4 GM Mark Paragua (2523)
5 IM Rolando Nolte (2522)
6 GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (2518)
7 GM Darwin Laylo (2504)
8 IM Joseph Sanchez (2486)
9 IM Oliver Dimakiling (2479)
10 IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2466)
GRANDMASTER Wesley So, 14, remains the Philippines' highest rated player on the July 1, 2008 ratings list issued by the World Chess Federation yesterday.
So, the Bacoor, Cavite kid campaigner, currently the world youngest GM, has an Elo rating of 2577 from 2540 in the April 1, 2008 RP Fide rating list.
Eugene Torre, Asia's First GM, and Jayson Gonzales move into a tie for second and third with identical 2524 ratings.
Torre, the RP's long-time pillars is No.4 in the April 1, 2008 list with 2519 while Gonzales, was at No.8, but gained a 56 Elo rating because of his superb performance in local and international tournament.
Former No.2 Mark Paragua, who is fresh from winning the tough Marshall Chess Club Open (will be include in the October 1, 2008 list) dropped at solo No.4 with 2523 after losing 15 Elo rating points from his before 2538 points.
IM Rolando Nolte, gained a 102 Elo rating points in just one tournament---3rd Kolkata Open last March after finishing in a tie for fourth to climbed at solo No.5 with 2522. The Quezon City based Nolte, No.14 in the April 1, 2008 list with 2420.
Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., many-time national champion at No.6 with 2518 followed by No.7 Darwin Laylo with 2504.
Completing the top 10 were No. 8 IM Joseph Sanchez (2486), No.9 IM Oliver Dimakiling (2479), and No.10 IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2466). WNM Catherine Perena is still the women's top rated player with 2212.
Meanwhile, Super GM Viswanathan Anand is world's top player with 2798 while Super GM Judith Polgar of Hungrary is women's world No.1 with 2711. Super GM Magnus Carlsen of Norway is top boy's 20 and under player with 2775 while WGM Yifan Hou of China is top girl's 20 and under player with 2557.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
TWO FILIPINOS DOMINATING SAN FRANCISCO AND BAY AREA CHESS TOURNAMENTS
FILIPINO International Master Ricardo de Guzman (2433) scored 4.5 points from 5 rounds to capture the 8th William Addison Open at the Mechanics Institute, San Francisco, California on June 21, 2008.
While Rey C. Urbiztondo, the NCFP Region X director and a bank manager back home in Ozamiz who is a tourist, scored 4 points out of 5 rounds to join two others to capture second place from among 60 paricipants. He shared with US Masters Michael Aigneer (2275) and Greg Young( 2225). Urbiztondo also captured the Top 2200 special prize and was automatically rated 2107 in USA.
In the Arthur Stamer Memorial Open Tourney at Mechanics Institute, San Francisco, last June 14-15, 2008, IM Ricardo de Guzman scored 5 points out of 6 rounds to land 2nd place. Urbiztondo was 4.5 points for 3rd place along with Woman International Master Batchimeg Tusvshintugs (2290) of Mongolia. Champion was Michael Pearson, a US master at 2284 USCF rating. Urbiztondo also got the Top under 2200 prize.De Guzman and Urbiztondo earned $ 300 and $250 respectively on this club tournament of the Mechanics Institute with 57 participants. The chess club is the oldest chess club in the USA. It was organized in 1854 when San Francisco was a frontier community especially during the gold rush period. Former world champions visited and played in the chess club like: Emmanuel Lasker (1902 &1926);Raul Capablanca (1916); Alexander Alekhine (1924 & 1929), Max Euwe (1947); Robert Fischer (1964);Vassily Smyslov (1976); Tigran Petrosian (1978); Boris Spassky (1999) and Anatoly Karpov (1999).
The annual memorial club tournament was in honor of Mr. Arthur B. Stamer, a local champion, who later became the club director of Mechanics Institute in 1951 to 1963.
Among the present regular players to watch in the club tournaments in Mechanics Institute are :Tanuj Vasudeva, 6 years old, who got a perfect 7 points out of 7 rounds in capturing the Bert Lerner National Elementary Championship in Pittsburgh. His parents are from India working in San Francisco. Also, Yian Liou, who at 8 years old is already rated 1956 by USCF. And Kevin Zhu, at 6 years old with 1545 USCF rating.
IM Ricky De Guzman was many times a member of the Philippine team in various chess Olympiads in the 1980's.
Urbiztondo is the 2008 Sinulog active chess champion, runner-up to IM Enrico Sevillano in the 1983 Cebu All Students Chess Championship and gold medalist for Board one in the 1984 Cebu Inter-collegiate chess team tourney. He stopped playing chess tournaments for more than 20 years because of busy schedules as a bank manager but is the prime organizer of chess tournaments wherein he is the regional coordinator of NCFP for region 10.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
While Rey C. Urbiztondo, the NCFP Region X director and a bank manager back home in Ozamiz who is a tourist, scored 4 points out of 5 rounds to join two others to capture second place from among 60 paricipants. He shared with US Masters Michael Aigneer (2275) and Greg Young( 2225). Urbiztondo also captured the Top 2200 special prize and was automatically rated 2107 in USA.
In the Arthur Stamer Memorial Open Tourney at Mechanics Institute, San Francisco, last June 14-15, 2008, IM Ricardo de Guzman scored 5 points out of 6 rounds to land 2nd place. Urbiztondo was 4.5 points for 3rd place along with Woman International Master Batchimeg Tusvshintugs (2290) of Mongolia. Champion was Michael Pearson, a US master at 2284 USCF rating. Urbiztondo also got the Top under 2200 prize.De Guzman and Urbiztondo earned $ 300 and $250 respectively on this club tournament of the Mechanics Institute with 57 participants. The chess club is the oldest chess club in the USA. It was organized in 1854 when San Francisco was a frontier community especially during the gold rush period. Former world champions visited and played in the chess club like: Emmanuel Lasker (1902 &1926);Raul Capablanca (1916); Alexander Alekhine (1924 & 1929), Max Euwe (1947); Robert Fischer (1964);Vassily Smyslov (1976); Tigran Petrosian (1978); Boris Spassky (1999) and Anatoly Karpov (1999).
The annual memorial club tournament was in honor of Mr. Arthur B. Stamer, a local champion, who later became the club director of Mechanics Institute in 1951 to 1963.
Among the present regular players to watch in the club tournaments in Mechanics Institute are :Tanuj Vasudeva, 6 years old, who got a perfect 7 points out of 7 rounds in capturing the Bert Lerner National Elementary Championship in Pittsburgh. His parents are from India working in San Francisco. Also, Yian Liou, who at 8 years old is already rated 1956 by USCF. And Kevin Zhu, at 6 years old with 1545 USCF rating.
IM Ricky De Guzman was many times a member of the Philippine team in various chess Olympiads in the 1980's.
Urbiztondo is the 2008 Sinulog active chess champion, runner-up to IM Enrico Sevillano in the 1983 Cebu All Students Chess Championship and gold medalist for Board one in the 1984 Cebu Inter-collegiate chess team tourney. He stopped playing chess tournaments for more than 20 years because of busy schedules as a bank manager but is the prime organizer of chess tournaments wherein he is the regional coordinator of NCFP for region 10.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
TORRE VERSUS ANTONIO REMATCH THIS MONTH IN QC
THE rematch between Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. will take place in Quezon City this month.
Dubbed as QC Chess Road Show, the event is hosted by the city government through fourth district councilor and majority floor leader Ariel Inton in close cooperation with QC mayor Feliciano "Sonnny" Belmonte Jr., Bataan construction magnate Jerry Acuzar and former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and QC 3rd district representative Matias Defensor.
The highly anticipated duel between the country's chess legends will makes the first moves on July 21 at the Quezon City hall then proceed to Tomas Morato (July 23), La Loma district (July 25), Tandang Sora shrine (July 28), Pugad Lawin shrine (August 1) and Gateway Araneta Center (August 4).
"We take pride that both Eugene and Joey are longtime residents of Quezon City," said Inton.
They're no ordinary residents. Both are recipient of the city's Most Outstanding Citizen award.
Inton believes the rematch will be followed not only by chess enthusiasts in the Philippines but throughout the world.
"They (Torre and Antonio) have international following," Inton noted. "This will jumpstart our program of lifting the city through sports tourism."
The sports tourism program is a brainchild of Inton himself and aims to promote Quezon City as the country's sports capital.
New San Jose Builders, Inc. president Jerry Acuzar, the sponsor of the first Torre-Antonio match 10 years ago, also vowed to support the rematch.
"Mayor (Sonny) Belmonte, QC Cong. (Mat) Defensor and Jerry (Acuzar) already vowed to support this event," related Inton.
Last year, Inton and Quezon City hosted the one-on-one match between money game experts Dennis Orcollo and Yang Ching-shun.
Inton's sports tourism program has a busy schedule this year. He already stages the QC inter-barangay chess events, Deaf-Mute Cagefest, Inter-Restaurant Basketball and Dart Tournament among others.
Meanwhile, the sports tourism program being pushed by Quezon City Majority Floor Leader Ariel Inton gained momentum after Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., gave his go signal to coordinate with national sports leaders and association for initial exploratory talks.
"Mayor Sonny Belmonte permitted me to start exploratory talks with Philippine Sports Commission for my pet(project) Philippine sports tourism," said Inton, a well known sports advocate.
He said that the sports tourism program has a bright prospect in the country considering that we are basically lovers of sports.
"We have a lot potentials in sports as shown by world champions in almost all the sports that we are participating. Out of this we could invite tourists to visit the country to witness sports activities performed by world renowned Filipino athletes and sportsmen" added Inton.
In fact, the QC athletes who are schedule to compete in this year's POC-Philippine Olympic Festival where given a financial assistance the other day of the office Coun. Inton.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Dubbed as QC Chess Road Show, the event is hosted by the city government through fourth district councilor and majority floor leader Ariel Inton in close cooperation with QC mayor Feliciano "Sonnny" Belmonte Jr., Bataan construction magnate Jerry Acuzar and former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and QC 3rd district representative Matias Defensor.
The highly anticipated duel between the country's chess legends will makes the first moves on July 21 at the Quezon City hall then proceed to Tomas Morato (July 23), La Loma district (July 25), Tandang Sora shrine (July 28), Pugad Lawin shrine (August 1) and Gateway Araneta Center (August 4).
"We take pride that both Eugene and Joey are longtime residents of Quezon City," said Inton.
They're no ordinary residents. Both are recipient of the city's Most Outstanding Citizen award.
Inton believes the rematch will be followed not only by chess enthusiasts in the Philippines but throughout the world.
"They (Torre and Antonio) have international following," Inton noted. "This will jumpstart our program of lifting the city through sports tourism."
The sports tourism program is a brainchild of Inton himself and aims to promote Quezon City as the country's sports capital.
New San Jose Builders, Inc. president Jerry Acuzar, the sponsor of the first Torre-Antonio match 10 years ago, also vowed to support the rematch.
"Mayor (Sonny) Belmonte, QC Cong. (Mat) Defensor and Jerry (Acuzar) already vowed to support this event," related Inton.
Last year, Inton and Quezon City hosted the one-on-one match between money game experts Dennis Orcollo and Yang Ching-shun.
Inton's sports tourism program has a busy schedule this year. He already stages the QC inter-barangay chess events, Deaf-Mute Cagefest, Inter-Restaurant Basketball and Dart Tournament among others.
Meanwhile, the sports tourism program being pushed by Quezon City Majority Floor Leader Ariel Inton gained momentum after Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., gave his go signal to coordinate with national sports leaders and association for initial exploratory talks.
"Mayor Sonny Belmonte permitted me to start exploratory talks with Philippine Sports Commission for my pet(project) Philippine sports tourism," said Inton, a well known sports advocate.
He said that the sports tourism program has a bright prospect in the country considering that we are basically lovers of sports.
"We have a lot potentials in sports as shown by world champions in almost all the sports that we are participating. Out of this we could invite tourists to visit the country to witness sports activities performed by world renowned Filipino athletes and sportsmen" added Inton.
In fact, the QC athletes who are schedule to compete in this year's POC-Philippine Olympic Festival where given a financial assistance the other day of the office Coun. Inton.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
GM MARK PARAGUA TOPS MARSHALL CHESS CLUB; WINS $4,000
GRANDMASTER Mark Callano Paragua kept the Philippine flag flying high in the international stage by winning the 1st Annual Marshall Chess Club New York International Chess Championships last June 25 at the World-Famous Marshall Chess Club in New York City, USA.
The 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games most be-medalled athlete with three golds defeated fellow GM Alejandro Ramirez of Costa Rica in the Armageddon Blitz play off to pocket the top purse of $4,000 in this event which lured by 8 GMs, 12 IMs, and 4 FMs.
Ramirez, on the other hand received a runner-up purse of $3,750. Actually, Paragua and Ramirez with identical 6.5 points after nine games of play, forced a tie breaker for the championships' trophy using the Armageddon Blitz play off.
Paragua, whose stint here is being supported by US based immigration lawyer Geronimo "Gerry" Albano, split the point with Liu Elliot of the United States in the last round while Ramirez trounced GM Sergey Erenburg of Israel. Elliot earned IM norm after finishing with 6.0 points, the same output of GMs Jaan Ehlvest and Julio Becerra of the United States and IM Eli Vovsha of Israel. Elliot, Ehlvest, Becerra and Vovsha receive $625 each. If Elliot beat Paragua he can achieve a GM norm according to the report of official website yesterday.
Mackenzie Molner of the US with 5.0 points likewise got his IM norm. Meanwhile, another Filipino entry IM Renato Naranja is joint 29th place with 3.5 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games most be-medalled athlete with three golds defeated fellow GM Alejandro Ramirez of Costa Rica in the Armageddon Blitz play off to pocket the top purse of $4,000 in this event which lured by 8 GMs, 12 IMs, and 4 FMs.
Ramirez, on the other hand received a runner-up purse of $3,750. Actually, Paragua and Ramirez with identical 6.5 points after nine games of play, forced a tie breaker for the championships' trophy using the Armageddon Blitz play off.
Paragua, whose stint here is being supported by US based immigration lawyer Geronimo "Gerry" Albano, split the point with Liu Elliot of the United States in the last round while Ramirez trounced GM Sergey Erenburg of Israel. Elliot earned IM norm after finishing with 6.0 points, the same output of GMs Jaan Ehlvest and Julio Becerra of the United States and IM Eli Vovsha of Israel. Elliot, Ehlvest, Becerra and Vovsha receive $625 each. If Elliot beat Paragua he can achieve a GM norm according to the report of official website yesterday.
Mackenzie Molner of the US with 5.0 points likewise got his IM norm. Meanwhile, another Filipino entry IM Renato Naranja is joint 29th place with 3.5 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
OCHOA, AQUINO WINS GOLD IN RAPID PLAY IN ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS
DANANG, VIETNAM---Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa and Prince Mark Aquino finally rose to the challenge in the 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 here, as they pocketed a gold each in the rapid event to cap the Filipinos' impressive showing here at the Danang Hotel.
Ochoa, a native of Calumpit, Bulacan, first time in an international competition, emerged tied with Pham Ba and Tran Minh Thang of Vietnam and compatriot Haince Patrick de Leon of Marikina with 5.5 points for the gold in the boys' Under-8 category. However, only the top three (Ochoa, Pham and Tran) superior tie break was awarded the gold medal resulting De Leon out in the medal awardees.
"Suwerte lamang po nanalo tayo sa tie break," said the 11-year-old Ochoa, whom NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. predicted to break the record of Wesley So, who at 14, is currently the youngest grandmaster in the world.
"Si Kyle (Ochoa), ito ang nakikita ko na at age 12 ay magiging youngest GM natin," said Pichay.
Actually, Ochoa bagged the silver medal in the Standard play and was looking for another medal in the Blitz competition.
Ochoa spearheaded another Silver medal for the country in the Team play along with De Leon and John Lemi of Vigan, Ilocos Sur who combined with 14.5 points.
Aquino, a resident of San Nicolas, Pangasinan, finished in a two-way tie for first with 5.5 points to also clinch the gold medal in the Under-14 division and led two other Filipinos—Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila and Jan Nigel Galan of Valenzuela—to the team silver who combined 13.5 points. Garcia, top player of Ateneo De Manila University also bagged a bronze in the individual play with 5.0 points.
Ochoa and Aquino's feats brought the Filipinos' gold haul to 10 after four days of competition, where the 40-member RP Team, whose trip here was made possible by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, headed by its president, Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr..
" Kagaya ng una ko ng nasabi, dito sa mga bata na ito ang susunod sa yapak ni Wesley So, kaya full support tayo sa kanila," said Pichay, who also announced that he will send another RP representative in the 2008 World Youth Chess Championships on October 19 to 30 in Vung Tau, Vietnam.
"Yes, definitely magpapadala tayo ng representative sa World Youth Chess Championships sa Vung Tau, Vietnam sa October," Pichay said when he visit the player on Sunday along with Fide delegate Casto "Toti" Abundo.
National Master Edmundo Legaspi of Olongapo City also won gold in the Senior division as well Chardine Cheradee Camacho of Caba, La Union and Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig also won a gold in the Girls' 14 and under and secured a Silver medal in the Team play along with Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila who combined 15.5 points.
Samantha Glo Revita from Rosales, Pangasinan also bagged the gold in the Girls' 10 and under. Revita along with Marie Antoninette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Cyamir Jill Villanueva of Manila also won silver in the Team play with 11.5 points.
The girls' Under-12 squad of Maria Ysabelle Joyce Semillano of Muntinlupa, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina and Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City won a silver medal each in the team event.
The Filipinos also won silver medals in the team event of girls' Under-8 composed of Danica Alexis Abalang of Ilocos, Alexis Anne Osena of Cagayan de Oro and Alexis Charlotte Suede of Makati City; girls' 16 and under of Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati City, Jedara Docena of Bohol and girls' 18 and under of Ronna Reigner Senora of General Santos City, Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga and Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite.
Silver medals also went to the team event to Standard Gold Medalist John Ray Batucan of Davao City, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Christian Nanola of Calamba, Laguna in the Boys' 12 and under; Daryl Unix Samantila of Malabon, Elijam Aliam of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Paolo Bersamina of Pasay in the Boys' 10 and under while the trio of John Alcon Datu of Quezon City, Narquingden Reyes of Rodriguez, Rizal and Loren Brigham Laceste of Sto. Tomas, La Union took the bronze.
As expected, the last minute entry GM Le Quang Liem took the gold in the individual play in the Boys' 18 and under with 6.5 points out of seven games of play.
Standard gold medallist Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City settled for silver along with Nguyen Viet Chung and Tran Manh Tien of Vietnam.
Salcedo, Karl Victor Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan and Leo Daylo Jr. of Quezon City who combined 12.5 points clinched Silver medal in the Team event.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Ochoa, a native of Calumpit, Bulacan, first time in an international competition, emerged tied with Pham Ba and Tran Minh Thang of Vietnam and compatriot Haince Patrick de Leon of Marikina with 5.5 points for the gold in the boys' Under-8 category. However, only the top three (Ochoa, Pham and Tran) superior tie break was awarded the gold medal resulting De Leon out in the medal awardees.
"Suwerte lamang po nanalo tayo sa tie break," said the 11-year-old Ochoa, whom NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. predicted to break the record of Wesley So, who at 14, is currently the youngest grandmaster in the world.
"Si Kyle (Ochoa), ito ang nakikita ko na at age 12 ay magiging youngest GM natin," said Pichay.
Actually, Ochoa bagged the silver medal in the Standard play and was looking for another medal in the Blitz competition.
Ochoa spearheaded another Silver medal for the country in the Team play along with De Leon and John Lemi of Vigan, Ilocos Sur who combined with 14.5 points.
Aquino, a resident of San Nicolas, Pangasinan, finished in a two-way tie for first with 5.5 points to also clinch the gold medal in the Under-14 division and led two other Filipinos—Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila and Jan Nigel Galan of Valenzuela—to the team silver who combined 13.5 points. Garcia, top player of Ateneo De Manila University also bagged a bronze in the individual play with 5.0 points.
Ochoa and Aquino's feats brought the Filipinos' gold haul to 10 after four days of competition, where the 40-member RP Team, whose trip here was made possible by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, headed by its president, Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr..
" Kagaya ng una ko ng nasabi, dito sa mga bata na ito ang susunod sa yapak ni Wesley So, kaya full support tayo sa kanila," said Pichay, who also announced that he will send another RP representative in the 2008 World Youth Chess Championships on October 19 to 30 in Vung Tau, Vietnam.
"Yes, definitely magpapadala tayo ng representative sa World Youth Chess Championships sa Vung Tau, Vietnam sa October," Pichay said when he visit the player on Sunday along with Fide delegate Casto "Toti" Abundo.
National Master Edmundo Legaspi of Olongapo City also won gold in the Senior division as well Chardine Cheradee Camacho of Caba, La Union and Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig also won a gold in the Girls' 14 and under and secured a Silver medal in the Team play along with Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila who combined 15.5 points.
Samantha Glo Revita from Rosales, Pangasinan also bagged the gold in the Girls' 10 and under. Revita along with Marie Antoninette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Cyamir Jill Villanueva of Manila also won silver in the Team play with 11.5 points.
The girls' Under-12 squad of Maria Ysabelle Joyce Semillano of Muntinlupa, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina and Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City won a silver medal each in the team event.
The Filipinos also won silver medals in the team event of girls' Under-8 composed of Danica Alexis Abalang of Ilocos, Alexis Anne Osena of Cagayan de Oro and Alexis Charlotte Suede of Makati City; girls' 16 and under of Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati City, Jedara Docena of Bohol and girls' 18 and under of Ronna Reigner Senora of General Santos City, Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga and Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite.
Silver medals also went to the team event to Standard Gold Medalist John Ray Batucan of Davao City, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Christian Nanola of Calamba, Laguna in the Boys' 12 and under; Daryl Unix Samantila of Malabon, Elijam Aliam of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Paolo Bersamina of Pasay in the Boys' 10 and under while the trio of John Alcon Datu of Quezon City, Narquingden Reyes of Rodriguez, Rizal and Loren Brigham Laceste of Sto. Tomas, La Union took the bronze.
As expected, the last minute entry GM Le Quang Liem took the gold in the individual play in the Boys' 18 and under with 6.5 points out of seven games of play.
Standard gold medallist Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City settled for silver along with Nguyen Viet Chung and Tran Manh Tien of Vietnam.
Salcedo, Karl Victor Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan and Leo Daylo Jr. of Quezon City who combined 12.5 points clinched Silver medal in the Team event.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
NAVA SECOND IN ASEAN MASTERS CHESS
ASEAN CHESS MASTERS
Final Standings:
6.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam)
6.0 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines)
6.0 points---Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
5.0 points---David Elorta (Philippines)
5.0 points---Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam)
5.0 points---FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam)
4.5 points---GM Zaw Win Lay (Myanmar)
3.5 points—IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar)
2.0 points---Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
1.5 points---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam)
DANANG, VIETNAM---A day after getting his first International Master norm, Filipino Roderick Nava defeated fellow Fide Master Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to settle for second to third place in the just concluded Asean Masters Chess Circuit here at the Danang Hotel on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old pride of Carmona, Cavite prevailed with the white pieces after 44 moves of Modern Defense.
"Sobrang blessing na po ang naganap dito sa akin sa Asean Masters Chess Circuit, bukod sa nakuha ko ang aking 1st IM norm kahit papano ay nag tie for 2nd at 3rd place ako at may mauuwing konting pera sa pamilya ko," said Nava, who finished 6.0 points, on account of four wins, four draws and a loss to eventual champion GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam.
" Muli, nagpapasalamat po ako sa walang humpay na suporta sa aking local at international tournament kina NCFP president Cong (Butch) Pichay at Carmona, Cavite mayor (Roy) Loyola," added Nava, who thank NCFP president Cong (Butch) Pichay and Carmona, Cavite mayor (Roy) Loyola for their undying support.
GM Dao, the third seed player here with 2530 in this 10-man players field event toppled 2nd seed IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542) after 32 moves of an Old Indian Defense.
Actually, Nguyen Van Huy, the reigning Vietnam National Champion who also got his IM norm here matched the score of Nava with 6.0 points after a draw with top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar in the last round in just 9 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
GM Dao pocketed the top purse US$1,250 while Nava and Van Huy each received US$625 after split the combined prize of US$ 1,250 for the 2nd and 3rd placers.
Another Filipino entry David Elorta, who is schedule to celebrate his 26th birthday on June 20 failed to earn his 2nd IM norm after falling short by half a point with his total of 5.0 points.
Elorta, who got his 1st IM norm in the 2007 Pichay Cup International Open needed to win his last round match to Candidate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam but forced a marathon 85 moves draw in their London System Opening.
"Hindi po talaga ukol sa akin na makuha ang 2nd IM norm ko dito sa Danang IM Tournament. Pero marami akong natutunan dito at alam kong makukuha ko din po 'yan in the future," said The San Andres, Bukid Manila resident Elorta, a habitué of Guadalupe Chess Club headed by Roberto Bayno.
Nava and Elorta, both aiming to become the country's newest IM, will play in the semi-final round for the qualifying round of RP team bound for World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany late this year.
In the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships, Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila blanked Dag Hoang Son of Vietnam, 3-0, in the finals to clinch country's only gold medal in the individual Blitz event.
Garcia, the incoming second year high school student of Ateneo de Manila University also led the RP youth team to bag another gold medal in the Team Blitz event along with the support of Mark Prince Aquino of San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Jan Nigel Galan of Valenzuela City. At the conclusion of the Blitz event on Tuesday, the Philippine Youth Team hauled 2-8-8, gold-silver and bronze medals. National Master Edmundo Legaspi of Olongapo City failed to complete a possible grand slam losing his final match to Yap Chow Tun of Brunei, thus settling for the bronze medal.
In the Senior division, Legaspi, a member of the NCFP board of director and also the RP delegation head took the gold medal in the Standard and Rapid individual play.
Over-all, the 40-players RP Age-Group team sent and backed by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., finished with a total of 10 gold and settled for second place over-all. Vietnam, with the most number of entries with 203 players remained the over-all champion.
Former Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the RP head coach, assisted by NM Rudy Ibanez.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Final Standings:
6.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam)
6.0 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines)
6.0 points---Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
5.0 points---David Elorta (Philippines)
5.0 points---Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam)
5.0 points---FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam)
4.5 points---GM Zaw Win Lay (Myanmar)
3.5 points—IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar)
2.0 points---Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
1.5 points---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam)
DANANG, VIETNAM---A day after getting his first International Master norm, Filipino Roderick Nava defeated fellow Fide Master Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to settle for second to third place in the just concluded Asean Masters Chess Circuit here at the Danang Hotel on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old pride of Carmona, Cavite prevailed with the white pieces after 44 moves of Modern Defense.
"Sobrang blessing na po ang naganap dito sa akin sa Asean Masters Chess Circuit, bukod sa nakuha ko ang aking 1st IM norm kahit papano ay nag tie for 2nd at 3rd place ako at may mauuwing konting pera sa pamilya ko," said Nava, who finished 6.0 points, on account of four wins, four draws and a loss to eventual champion GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam.
" Muli, nagpapasalamat po ako sa walang humpay na suporta sa aking local at international tournament kina NCFP president Cong (Butch) Pichay at Carmona, Cavite mayor (Roy) Loyola," added Nava, who thank NCFP president Cong (Butch) Pichay and Carmona, Cavite mayor (Roy) Loyola for their undying support.
GM Dao, the third seed player here with 2530 in this 10-man players field event toppled 2nd seed IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542) after 32 moves of an Old Indian Defense.
Actually, Nguyen Van Huy, the reigning Vietnam National Champion who also got his IM norm here matched the score of Nava with 6.0 points after a draw with top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar in the last round in just 9 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
GM Dao pocketed the top purse US$1,250 while Nava and Van Huy each received US$625 after split the combined prize of US$ 1,250 for the 2nd and 3rd placers.
Another Filipino entry David Elorta, who is schedule to celebrate his 26th birthday on June 20 failed to earn his 2nd IM norm after falling short by half a point with his total of 5.0 points.
Elorta, who got his 1st IM norm in the 2007 Pichay Cup International Open needed to win his last round match to Candidate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam but forced a marathon 85 moves draw in their London System Opening.
"Hindi po talaga ukol sa akin na makuha ang 2nd IM norm ko dito sa Danang IM Tournament. Pero marami akong natutunan dito at alam kong makukuha ko din po 'yan in the future," said The San Andres, Bukid Manila resident Elorta, a habitué of Guadalupe Chess Club headed by Roberto Bayno.
Nava and Elorta, both aiming to become the country's newest IM, will play in the semi-final round for the qualifying round of RP team bound for World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany late this year.
In the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships, Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila blanked Dag Hoang Son of Vietnam, 3-0, in the finals to clinch country's only gold medal in the individual Blitz event.
Garcia, the incoming second year high school student of Ateneo de Manila University also led the RP youth team to bag another gold medal in the Team Blitz event along with the support of Mark Prince Aquino of San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Jan Nigel Galan of Valenzuela City. At the conclusion of the Blitz event on Tuesday, the Philippine Youth Team hauled 2-8-8, gold-silver and bronze medals. National Master Edmundo Legaspi of Olongapo City failed to complete a possible grand slam losing his final match to Yap Chow Tun of Brunei, thus settling for the bronze medal.
In the Senior division, Legaspi, a member of the NCFP board of director and also the RP delegation head took the gold medal in the Standard and Rapid individual play.
Over-all, the 40-players RP Age-Group team sent and backed by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., finished with a total of 10 gold and settled for second place over-all. Vietnam, with the most number of entries with 203 players remained the over-all champion.
Former Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the RP head coach, assisted by NM Rudy Ibanez.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
NAVA EARNS IM NORM IN ASEAN MASTERS CHESS
DANANG, VIETNAM---FINALLY, Filipino Roderick Nava earned his first IM norm after beating FM Bao Quang of Vietnam in 42 moves of an English Opening going to the final round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit here in Danang, Hotel.
The 22-year-old Nava, who hails from Carmona, Cavite compiled 5.0 points, enough to clinch his first IM norm.
"Nagbunga din ang suporta sa akin ni NCFP president Cong. (Butch) Pichay at Carmona mayor (Roy) Loyola," added Nava, half point short to obtain his first IM norm, both in the 2006 Singapore International Open and 2008 Subic International Open,
" Talagang sinigurado ko na, patay ko patay ang laban, mahirap kasi pag last round ay nagpupumilit kang manalo tapos natabla pa," Nava referring his last round draw to FM Nguyen Minh Huy of Vietnam in the 2006 Singapore International Open and another last round draw to FM Wahono Awang of Indonesia in the and 2008 Subic International Open. Three norms are needed to earn an IM title.
Nava's last round assignment is FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam, who beat compatriot unrated Filipino David Elorta in the penultimate round.
The San Andres Bukid ace Elorta, who is celebrating his 26 th birthday on June 20 needed to win his final match against Candidate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam of Vietnam to claim his second IM norm.
Elorta, who got his 1st IM norm in the 2007 Pichay International Open Chess Championships now has 4.5 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The 22-year-old Nava, who hails from Carmona, Cavite compiled 5.0 points, enough to clinch his first IM norm.
"Nagbunga din ang suporta sa akin ni NCFP president Cong. (Butch) Pichay at Carmona mayor (Roy) Loyola," added Nava, half point short to obtain his first IM norm, both in the 2006 Singapore International Open and 2008 Subic International Open,
" Talagang sinigurado ko na, patay ko patay ang laban, mahirap kasi pag last round ay nagpupumilit kang manalo tapos natabla pa," Nava referring his last round draw to FM Nguyen Minh Huy of Vietnam in the 2006 Singapore International Open and another last round draw to FM Wahono Awang of Indonesia in the and 2008 Subic International Open. Three norms are needed to earn an IM title.
Nava's last round assignment is FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam, who beat compatriot unrated Filipino David Elorta in the penultimate round.
The San Andres Bukid ace Elorta, who is celebrating his 26 th birthday on June 20 needed to win his final match against Candidate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam of Vietnam to claim his second IM norm.
Elorta, who got his 1st IM norm in the 2007 Pichay International Open Chess Championships now has 4.5 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Saturday, June 14, 2008
ELORTA UPSETS MYANMAR IM IN VIETNAM CHESS
Asean Masters Chess Circuit
Individual Standings after round 6:
4.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
3.5 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam)
3.0 points---GM Zaw`Win Lay (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam)
2.5 points---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam)
1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar)
0.5 point---Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
DANANG, Vietnam---Unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) of Manila turned back second seed IM Wynn Zaw tunHutHtun (2542) of Myanmar in 41 moves of Reti Opening using the disadvantageous black pieces to inch closer to his coveted second International Master (IM) norm in the sixth round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit Danang IM Tournament being held at the Danang, Hotel here.
The 25-year-old San Andres Bukid, Manila bet compiled 3.5 points on two wins, three draws and loss after six games of play to share 3rd`to 5th placers along with FM Roderick Nava and Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam.
"Lagi naman talaga tayo nagpupumilit manalo, y'an kasi ang gusto talaga ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay na play your game walang draw, patay kong patay. Y'ang IM title naman darating naman y'an kung ukol talaga sa atin," said Elorta, who needed to score 2 points in the last three remaining round to obtain his 2nd IM norm.
Nava, meanwhile bested Nguyen Van Huy in 34 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
In other matches, 3rd`seed GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) of Vietnam nipped compatriot Nguyen Hoang Nam in 28 moves of Sicilian Defense even another Vietnamese ace FM Hoang Canh Huan crushed FM Bao Quang in just 12 moves of an Alekhine Defense.
Tournament top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar split the point with Nguyen Thien Viet of Vietnam in 19 moves of an Alekhine Defense.
In the seventh round, Elorta will square off FM Quang while Nava will meet IM Wynn.
DAVAO BET POCKET RP'S 2ND GOLD MEDAL IN ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS
DANANG-VIETNAM---John Ray Batucan of Davao City made a quick draw against Tran Tuan Minh of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to dominates the Boys' 12 and under at the conclusion yesterday of Standard play in the on-going Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.
Batucan finished with 7.5 points in nine outings to give the Philippines second gold medal after National Master Edmundo Legaspi topped the Senior Division on Friday.
The country's 3rd gold medal courtesy of Batucan, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Karl Angelo Perez of San Pablo, Laguna who topped the Team event in Boys' 12 and under.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very happy when he learned about Batucan's impressive showing.
"Ito ang nagpapatunay na maraming mga kabataan natin hindi lang sa parte ng Metro Manila, Luzon at Visayas maging sa Mindanao kailangan lamang silang suportahan at mabigyan ng break sa local at international tournament," said Pichay, who is schedule to arrive here yesterday.
RP head coach and former Istanbul Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is optimistic that the Philippines can win more medals in the rapid and blitz format.
"Tiyak y'an, inaasahan natin, d'yan tayo sa rapid at blitz babawi para makapag0uwi ng maraming medal at makuha ang over-all championships trophy na matagal ng pinaghaharian ng Vietnam," said IM Datu.
Back home, NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto congratulates Batucan's feat.
"Magandang balita ito sa mga Taga Mindanao at mga Taga Davao na unang nagbigay ng gold medal sa ating bansa sa Asean Age Group ay nagmula sa Taga Davao, nagbunga din ang grass root program naming dito at salamat sa suporta ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, mayor (Rodrigo) Duterte at PSC chair (Butch) Ramirez at sa iba," said Infiesto.
Ateneo de Manila University incoming second-year-high school student Jan Emmanuel Garcia, on the other hand bagged the silver medal in the Boys' 14 and under after notching 7.0 points. He drew with Yeap Eng Chiam of Malaysia in 46 moves of a Pirc Defense.
In the Boys' 8 and under, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan split the point with Hoang Tan Duc of Vietnam to receive the silver medal after accumulating 6.5 points.
Ochoa along Haince Patrick de Leon of Marist School and Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City who combined total 16.5 points to pocket the silver medal in the Team event.
In the Boys' 16 and under, Alcon John Datu of University of the East beat Duong Thuong Cong of Vietnam in 36 moves of a Queen's Pawn Game to score 6.5 points and pocket silver medal.
Datu, who hails from Quezon City together with Narquingden Reyes of QC and Loren Brigham Laceste of La Union also won silver medal in the Team event.
In the distaff side, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina City, Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City and Maria Ysabelle Semillano of Muntilupa City won the silver medal in the Girls' 12 and under
Other Silver Medal in the Team Play U-14 headed by Jodilyn Fronda of Manila, Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig, and Judith Pineda of Olongapo City.
In the Girls' 16 and under, Jedara Docena of Bohol, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati and Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City also won silver medal even the teaming up of Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga, Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Ronna Reginer Senora of General Santos City bagged the silver medal in the U-18.
Individual bronze medal won by Jedara Docena who tote 6 points in the Girls' 16 and under.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Individual Standings after round 6:
4.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
3.5 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam)
3.0 points---GM Zaw`Win Lay (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam)
2.5 points---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam)
1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar)
0.5 point---Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
DANANG, Vietnam---Unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) of Manila turned back second seed IM Wynn Zaw tunHutHtun (2542) of Myanmar in 41 moves of Reti Opening using the disadvantageous black pieces to inch closer to his coveted second International Master (IM) norm in the sixth round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit Danang IM Tournament being held at the Danang, Hotel here.
The 25-year-old San Andres Bukid, Manila bet compiled 3.5 points on two wins, three draws and loss after six games of play to share 3rd`to 5th placers along with FM Roderick Nava and Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam.
"Lagi naman talaga tayo nagpupumilit manalo, y'an kasi ang gusto talaga ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay na play your game walang draw, patay kong patay. Y'ang IM title naman darating naman y'an kung ukol talaga sa atin," said Elorta, who needed to score 2 points in the last three remaining round to obtain his 2nd IM norm.
Nava, meanwhile bested Nguyen Van Huy in 34 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
In other matches, 3rd`seed GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) of Vietnam nipped compatriot Nguyen Hoang Nam in 28 moves of Sicilian Defense even another Vietnamese ace FM Hoang Canh Huan crushed FM Bao Quang in just 12 moves of an Alekhine Defense.
Tournament top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar split the point with Nguyen Thien Viet of Vietnam in 19 moves of an Alekhine Defense.
In the seventh round, Elorta will square off FM Quang while Nava will meet IM Wynn.
DAVAO BET POCKET RP'S 2ND GOLD MEDAL IN ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS
DANANG-VIETNAM---John Ray Batucan of Davao City made a quick draw against Tran Tuan Minh of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to dominates the Boys' 12 and under at the conclusion yesterday of Standard play in the on-going Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.
Batucan finished with 7.5 points in nine outings to give the Philippines second gold medal after National Master Edmundo Legaspi topped the Senior Division on Friday.
The country's 3rd gold medal courtesy of Batucan, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Karl Angelo Perez of San Pablo, Laguna who topped the Team event in Boys' 12 and under.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very happy when he learned about Batucan's impressive showing.
"Ito ang nagpapatunay na maraming mga kabataan natin hindi lang sa parte ng Metro Manila, Luzon at Visayas maging sa Mindanao kailangan lamang silang suportahan at mabigyan ng break sa local at international tournament," said Pichay, who is schedule to arrive here yesterday.
RP head coach and former Istanbul Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is optimistic that the Philippines can win more medals in the rapid and blitz format.
"Tiyak y'an, inaasahan natin, d'yan tayo sa rapid at blitz babawi para makapag0uwi ng maraming medal at makuha ang over-all championships trophy na matagal ng pinaghaharian ng Vietnam," said IM Datu.
Back home, NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto congratulates Batucan's feat.
"Magandang balita ito sa mga Taga Mindanao at mga Taga Davao na unang nagbigay ng gold medal sa ating bansa sa Asean Age Group ay nagmula sa Taga Davao, nagbunga din ang grass root program naming dito at salamat sa suporta ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, mayor (Rodrigo) Duterte at PSC chair (Butch) Ramirez at sa iba," said Infiesto.
Ateneo de Manila University incoming second-year-high school student Jan Emmanuel Garcia, on the other hand bagged the silver medal in the Boys' 14 and under after notching 7.0 points. He drew with Yeap Eng Chiam of Malaysia in 46 moves of a Pirc Defense.
In the Boys' 8 and under, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan split the point with Hoang Tan Duc of Vietnam to receive the silver medal after accumulating 6.5 points.
Ochoa along Haince Patrick de Leon of Marist School and Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City who combined total 16.5 points to pocket the silver medal in the Team event.
In the Boys' 16 and under, Alcon John Datu of University of the East beat Duong Thuong Cong of Vietnam in 36 moves of a Queen's Pawn Game to score 6.5 points and pocket silver medal.
Datu, who hails from Quezon City together with Narquingden Reyes of QC and Loren Brigham Laceste of La Union also won silver medal in the Team event.
In the distaff side, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina City, Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City and Maria Ysabelle Semillano of Muntilupa City won the silver medal in the Girls' 12 and under
Other Silver Medal in the Team Play U-14 headed by Jodilyn Fronda of Manila, Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig, and Judith Pineda of Olongapo City.
In the Girls' 16 and under, Jedara Docena of Bohol, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati and Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City also won silver medal even the teaming up of Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga, Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Ronna Reginer Senora of General Santos City bagged the silver medal in the U-18.
Individual bronze medal won by Jedara Docena who tote 6 points in the Girls' 16 and under.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Friday, June 13, 2008
UPDATE ON VIETNAM CHESS
ELORTA SPLIT THE POINT WITH GM DAO IN 71 MOVES
Individual Standings after round 3: 10 players' field, Danang IM Tournament
3.0 points---Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
2.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam)
2.0 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines)
1.5 points---GM Zaw Win Lay (Myanmar)
1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam),
0.5 point---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam), Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
DANANG, VIETNAM- Refusing an early draw but the game ending in a draw just the same, unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) gave his best to register the biggest upset yesterday but third seed Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) managed a draw in their end game that lasted 71 moves of the English Opening in the third round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit here at the Danang Hotel.
"Nag offer siya sa akin ng draw sa 17 moves kaso hindi ko tinanggap kasi gusto-gusto ko talagang manalo. Actually, nag sacrifice pa ako ng rook ko kapalit ng bishop at isang pawn kasi matatag at magaling talaga si GM Dao," said Elorta, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on June 20.
"Sana makuha ko dito sa Danang IM Tournament ang 2nd IM norm ko," added Elorta, whose stint here is being supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
The draw gave the San Andres, Bukid, Manila ace 2.0 points on account of a win and two draws in three outings and climbed into a tie for 3rd to 4th placers with compatriot FM Roderick Nava (2351) who also halved the point with Vietnamese Nguyen Thien Viet after 90 moves of a Queens' Indian Defense.
"Mahirap din po pala magpumilit kasi sa end game na losing position pa ako buti na lamang hindi nakita ng kalaban ko ang tamang continuation," added Carmona, Cavite pride Nava, who is seeking his first IM norm here in Danang IM Tournament.
GM Dao, who posted an impressive back to back win before settling a draw with Elorta is solo 3rd place with 2.5 points.
Candidate Master Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam nipped countryman FM Bao Quang after 37 moves of an English Opening to grabs the solo leadership board` with 3.0 points each. Van Huy whose an Elo rating of 2369 upset No.2 IM IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542) of Myanmar late Wednesday.
In other matches, top seed GM Zaw`Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar settled for a truce with FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam after 58 moves of an Vienna Opening while IM Wynn also drew with Candiate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam after 50 moves of a Reti Opening.
In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City toppled Vietnamese Tran Tanh Tu after 51 moves of a Sicilian Defense to seize the lead in the Boys' 18 and under with 4.5 points after five games of play.
John Ray B. Batucan of Davao City tied with Vietnamese, Lu Chan Hung with 4.5 pts after 5th round in the Boys' 12 and under.
In the boys' 10 and under, Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City stuns Daryl Unix Samantila of Singalong, Manila after 29 moves of an English Opening to remain in the medal race.
Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur suffered back to back loses to stuck at 3.0 points in the Boys' 8 and under
Cheradee Chardine Camacho defeated Vietnamese Le Hoai Bao Duyen to raise her total 4.0 points and share the lead with no.7 seed Phan Nguyen Mai Chi, no. 2 seed Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and Nguyen Thao Han of Vietnam.
Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi suffered his first lost at the hands of FM Ignatius Leong of Singapore after 61 moves of an Owens Defense to remain at 3.0 points in the fourth round of Senior Division of the 50-year-old and under.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Individual Standings after round 3: 10 players' field, Danang IM Tournament
3.0 points---Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)
2.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam)
2.0 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines)
1.5 points---GM Zaw Win Lay (Myanmar)
1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam),
0.5 point---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam), Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
DANANG, VIETNAM- Refusing an early draw but the game ending in a draw just the same, unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) gave his best to register the biggest upset yesterday but third seed Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) managed a draw in their end game that lasted 71 moves of the English Opening in the third round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit here at the Danang Hotel.
"Nag offer siya sa akin ng draw sa 17 moves kaso hindi ko tinanggap kasi gusto-gusto ko talagang manalo. Actually, nag sacrifice pa ako ng rook ko kapalit ng bishop at isang pawn kasi matatag at magaling talaga si GM Dao," said Elorta, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on June 20.
"Sana makuha ko dito sa Danang IM Tournament ang 2nd IM norm ko," added Elorta, whose stint here is being supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
The draw gave the San Andres, Bukid, Manila ace 2.0 points on account of a win and two draws in three outings and climbed into a tie for 3rd to 4th placers with compatriot FM Roderick Nava (2351) who also halved the point with Vietnamese Nguyen Thien Viet after 90 moves of a Queens' Indian Defense.
"Mahirap din po pala magpumilit kasi sa end game na losing position pa ako buti na lamang hindi nakita ng kalaban ko ang tamang continuation," added Carmona, Cavite pride Nava, who is seeking his first IM norm here in Danang IM Tournament.
GM Dao, who posted an impressive back to back win before settling a draw with Elorta is solo 3rd place with 2.5 points.
Candidate Master Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam nipped countryman FM Bao Quang after 37 moves of an English Opening to grabs the solo leadership board` with 3.0 points each. Van Huy whose an Elo rating of 2369 upset No.2 IM IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542) of Myanmar late Wednesday.
In other matches, top seed GM Zaw`Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar settled for a truce with FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam after 58 moves of an Vienna Opening while IM Wynn also drew with Candiate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam after 50 moves of a Reti Opening.
In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City toppled Vietnamese Tran Tanh Tu after 51 moves of a Sicilian Defense to seize the lead in the Boys' 18 and under with 4.5 points after five games of play.
John Ray B. Batucan of Davao City tied with Vietnamese, Lu Chan Hung with 4.5 pts after 5th round in the Boys' 12 and under.
In the boys' 10 and under, Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City stuns Daryl Unix Samantila of Singalong, Manila after 29 moves of an English Opening to remain in the medal race.
Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur suffered back to back loses to stuck at 3.0 points in the Boys' 8 and under
Cheradee Chardine Camacho defeated Vietnamese Le Hoai Bao Duyen to raise her total 4.0 points and share the lead with no.7 seed Phan Nguyen Mai Chi, no. 2 seed Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and Nguyen Thao Han of Vietnam.
Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi suffered his first lost at the hands of FM Ignatius Leong of Singapore after 61 moves of an Owens Defense to remain at 3.0 points in the fourth round of Senior Division of the 50-year-old and under.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
MORE ON VIETNAM AGE GROUP CHESS
DANANG, VIETNAM---A seven-year-old boy from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur carrying the good fight for the Filipinos, stunned a higher opponent and nailed his third consecutive victory in the Boys' 8 and under after the third round of 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 here at the Danang Hotel.
Handling the white pieces, Daniel John Lemi trounced Nguyen Cong Tai of Vietnam after 25 moves of French Defense to raise his total 3.0 points.
"Nagbunga po 'yung preparasyon po namin," said Lemi, an incoming grade 2 pupil of Anastrophe Christian School.
However, Marist School incoming grade 2 pupil Haince Patrick de Leon suffered his second loses to stuck at 1.0 point after losing to Pham Quang Minh of Vietnam in 26 moves of a London System Opening.
Pulilan, Bulacan ace Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, meanwhile clobbered Nguyen Thai Duong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points.
"Masyadong mabilis tumira si Haince, sabi ko nga ay standard play pa at hindi pa rapid at blitz event," said NM Rudy Ibanez, a member of RP coaching staff headed by IM Idelfonso Datu.
Delegation head and NCFP director Atty. Edmundo Legaspi is very confident that the RP age grouper can win a gold medal, a good gift to NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.who is schedule to arrive here on June 14.
"So far so good, maganda nilalaro ng mga bata 'yung nga lamang 'yung iba ay may winning chances at drawish position kaso natalo pa dahil masyadong mabilis ang kanilang laro" said Atty. Legaspi, who also scored his second win in the Senior Division, 50-year-old below matapos after beating Vietnamese Nguyen Do in 30 moves of a Sicilian-Dragon skirmish.
According to tournament arbiter Thomas Hoe,the winner in the Senior Division will be included in the over-all medal tally in the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships. Hoe also added that an outright Fide Master and Woman FM Title at stakes to the winner in the U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 division for boys' and girls, in order.
Sharing the limelight is Richilieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City suprise No.4 FM Nguyen Viet Chung of Vietnam in 63 moves of a Sicilian Defense to score 3.0 points and share the lead with fourth round opponent No.2 FM Ton That Nhu Tung of Vietnam, winner over countryman Hoang Van Ngoc in the Boys' 18 and under. Karl Victor Ochoa of Pulilan, Bulacan held into a draw with Nguyen Manh Truong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points. Not as fourtunate is Leo Daylo Jr. of Quezon City who succumbed to CM Tran Thanh Tu of Vietnam and remains at 1.0 point.
Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City nipped Mohd Faizal B. Roslan of Malaysia after 49 moves of an English Opening for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 10 and under while John Ray Batucan of Davao City crushed compatriot Vince Angelo Medina of Manila for his 3.0 points and grabs the solo leadership board in the Boys' 12 and under.Alcon John Datu, maenwhile nipped Nguyen Dinh Quang of Vietnam for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 16 and under.
Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Jan Nigel Galan drew their match in the Boys'14 and under. The duo now has 2.0 points each.
Meanwhile, Judith Pineda of Olongapo City when she upset No.6 Woman Candidate Master Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Trang of Vietnam to score his third straight wins and create a three-way tie for first place with No.2 WFM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and fourth round opponent No.7 WCM Phan Nguyen Mai Chi of Vietnam in the Girls' 14 and under.
Top seed Chardine Charadee Camacho, who hails from Caba, La Union, on the other hand crushed N.4 WFM Danielle Ho En-Huei of Singapore for her 2.5 points while Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi of Olongapo City bowed to Le Hoai Bao Duyen of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points.Cherry Ann Mejia of Taguig City toppled Cheng Jie Ling Zerlene of Singapore to improved here record with 1.5 points.
Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan beat Michelle Hoe of Singaore for her 2.0 points but Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite yielded to Huynh Thu Truc of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points in the Girls' 10 and under.
In the Danang International Master (IM) Tournament, Fide Master Roderick Nava and David Elorta settled a 25 moves draw of Queen's Pawn Game at the start of 10 player-s field yesterday.
"Medyo drawish kasi ang posisyon at ok lamang ang draw kasi maaga pa naman para maireserba ko ang lakas ko sa next round," said the 22 year-old Nava, which stint is supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Carmona mayor Roy Loyola.
Top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) and 2nd seed IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542), both representative of Myanmar also drew their games.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Handling the white pieces, Daniel John Lemi trounced Nguyen Cong Tai of Vietnam after 25 moves of French Defense to raise his total 3.0 points.
"Nagbunga po 'yung preparasyon po namin," said Lemi, an incoming grade 2 pupil of Anastrophe Christian School.
However, Marist School incoming grade 2 pupil Haince Patrick de Leon suffered his second loses to stuck at 1.0 point after losing to Pham Quang Minh of Vietnam in 26 moves of a London System Opening.
Pulilan, Bulacan ace Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, meanwhile clobbered Nguyen Thai Duong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points.
"Masyadong mabilis tumira si Haince, sabi ko nga ay standard play pa at hindi pa rapid at blitz event," said NM Rudy Ibanez, a member of RP coaching staff headed by IM Idelfonso Datu.
Delegation head and NCFP director Atty. Edmundo Legaspi is very confident that the RP age grouper can win a gold medal, a good gift to NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.who is schedule to arrive here on June 14.
"So far so good, maganda nilalaro ng mga bata 'yung nga lamang 'yung iba ay may winning chances at drawish position kaso natalo pa dahil masyadong mabilis ang kanilang laro" said Atty. Legaspi, who also scored his second win in the Senior Division, 50-year-old below matapos after beating Vietnamese Nguyen Do in 30 moves of a Sicilian-Dragon skirmish.
According to tournament arbiter Thomas Hoe,the winner in the Senior Division will be included in the over-all medal tally in the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships. Hoe also added that an outright Fide Master and Woman FM Title at stakes to the winner in the U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 division for boys' and girls, in order.
Sharing the limelight is Richilieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City suprise No.4 FM Nguyen Viet Chung of Vietnam in 63 moves of a Sicilian Defense to score 3.0 points and share the lead with fourth round opponent No.2 FM Ton That Nhu Tung of Vietnam, winner over countryman Hoang Van Ngoc in the Boys' 18 and under. Karl Victor Ochoa of Pulilan, Bulacan held into a draw with Nguyen Manh Truong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points. Not as fourtunate is Leo Daylo Jr. of Quezon City who succumbed to CM Tran Thanh Tu of Vietnam and remains at 1.0 point.
Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City nipped Mohd Faizal B. Roslan of Malaysia after 49 moves of an English Opening for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 10 and under while John Ray Batucan of Davao City crushed compatriot Vince Angelo Medina of Manila for his 3.0 points and grabs the solo leadership board in the Boys' 12 and under.Alcon John Datu, maenwhile nipped Nguyen Dinh Quang of Vietnam for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 16 and under.
Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Jan Nigel Galan drew their match in the Boys'14 and under. The duo now has 2.0 points each.
Meanwhile, Judith Pineda of Olongapo City when she upset No.6 Woman Candidate Master Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Trang of Vietnam to score his third straight wins and create a three-way tie for first place with No.2 WFM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and fourth round opponent No.7 WCM Phan Nguyen Mai Chi of Vietnam in the Girls' 14 and under.
Top seed Chardine Charadee Camacho, who hails from Caba, La Union, on the other hand crushed N.4 WFM Danielle Ho En-Huei of Singapore for her 2.5 points while Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi of Olongapo City bowed to Le Hoai Bao Duyen of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points.Cherry Ann Mejia of Taguig City toppled Cheng Jie Ling Zerlene of Singapore to improved here record with 1.5 points.
Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan beat Michelle Hoe of Singaore for her 2.0 points but Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite yielded to Huynh Thu Truc of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points in the Girls' 10 and under.
In the Danang International Master (IM) Tournament, Fide Master Roderick Nava and David Elorta settled a 25 moves draw of Queen's Pawn Game at the start of 10 player-s field yesterday.
"Medyo drawish kasi ang posisyon at ok lamang ang draw kasi maaga pa naman para maireserba ko ang lakas ko sa next round," said the 22 year-old Nava, which stint is supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Carmona mayor Roy Loyola.
Top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) and 2nd seed IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542), both representative of Myanmar also drew their games.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
NAVA, ELORTA, START THEIR IM BID TODAY IN ASEAN CHESS CIRCUIT
DANANG, Vietnam---Filipinos Roderick Nava and David Elorta will pursue their quest for coveted IM norm/results at the ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit at the Danang Hotel.
Nava and Elorta, both playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., will see action in the 13 man-field International Master (IM) round-robin tournament.
"I hope makuha ko na dito ang aking first IM norm/ results at gagawin ko ang aking best ko para ma achieve ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Cong. (Butch) Pichay at Carmona Mayor (Roy) Loyola dahil sa walang humpay na supporta sa akin mapa local at international chess campaign," said the 22-year-old Carmona, Cavite native Nava who beat Vietnamese GM Nguyen Anh Dung in the 2006 Singapore International Open.
Elorta, the pride San Andres Bukid, Manila, on the other added " Gaya po ni Roderick (Nava), gagawin ko din ang best ko para makuha ko naman ang 2nd IM norm/ results ditto sa Danang IM Touranament. " Said the 25-year-old Elorta, who is best to remember beating Chinese GM Zhou Weigi in the 2007 Pichay Cup International Open Chess when he earned his first IM norm/ results.
Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi got first round bye at the start yesterday of 50-year-old Senior Division, being held coincide the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships and the Asean Masters Chess Circuit.
Legaspi, lawyer by profession from Olongapo City also tasked by NCFP President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. to be the delegation head of 40 RP Age-Grouper. Former Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the head coach while NM Rudy Ibanez is the asst. coach.
In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, host country sent 195 players from a total of 340 players according to Datu. The Philippines is the second largest contingent with 40 players while Malaysia at 3rd with 31 players.
Other countries who participated in the Asean Age-Group Chess are Singapore (19), Brunei (12), Indonesia (11), Korea (5) and India (3).
"Malaking chance natin sa lahat ng dibisyon kasi solid 'yung pinadala ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay kahit tig 3 at 4 sa isang division pero talagang llamado ang Vietnam kasi marami silang entries sa bawat division. " said Datu.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Nava and Elorta, both playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., will see action in the 13 man-field International Master (IM) round-robin tournament.
"I hope makuha ko na dito ang aking first IM norm/ results at gagawin ko ang aking best ko para ma achieve ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Cong. (Butch) Pichay at Carmona Mayor (Roy) Loyola dahil sa walang humpay na supporta sa akin mapa local at international chess campaign," said the 22-year-old Carmona, Cavite native Nava who beat Vietnamese GM Nguyen Anh Dung in the 2006 Singapore International Open.
Elorta, the pride San Andres Bukid, Manila, on the other added " Gaya po ni Roderick (Nava), gagawin ko din ang best ko para makuha ko naman ang 2nd IM norm/ results ditto sa Danang IM Touranament. " Said the 25-year-old Elorta, who is best to remember beating Chinese GM Zhou Weigi in the 2007 Pichay Cup International Open Chess when he earned his first IM norm/ results.
Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi got first round bye at the start yesterday of 50-year-old Senior Division, being held coincide the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships and the Asean Masters Chess Circuit.
Legaspi, lawyer by profession from Olongapo City also tasked by NCFP President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. to be the delegation head of 40 RP Age-Grouper. Former Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the head coach while NM Rudy Ibanez is the asst. coach.
In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, host country sent 195 players from a total of 340 players according to Datu. The Philippines is the second largest contingent with 40 players while Malaysia at 3rd with 31 players.
Other countries who participated in the Asean Age-Group Chess are Singapore (19), Brunei (12), Indonesia (11), Korea (5) and India (3).
"Malaking chance natin sa lahat ng dibisyon kasi solid 'yung pinadala ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay kahit tig 3 at 4 sa isang division pero talagang llamado ang Vietnam kasi marami silang entries sa bawat division. " said Datu.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
GARCIA HEADS RP SQUAD IN VIETNAM ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS
JAN EMMANUEL GARCIA will again be tested when he spearheads a Philippine squad bound for the 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 (June 10-18) at the Danang Indoor Stadium in Danang, Vietnam.
The incoming 2nd year High-School student from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) won back to back gold medals in the 2005 to 2006 edition but failed to compete in the last year's edition because of busy schedule in his school. Fondly called "Jem" in local chess circuit will seeing in action in the Boy's 14 and under meet.
"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa walang humpay na pagsuporta sa Philippine Chess Ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay. Gagawin namin lahat po ng aming makakaya para makapag-uwi muli kami ng karangalan sa bayan at masuklian na din po ang kabutihang loob ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay." Said the 13-year-old Garcia, who topped the Boy's 10 and under in the 2005 Vietnam edition and dominates the 12 and under in the 2006 Thailand edition.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is confident that our young Filipino woodpushers will once again perform well in the said event.
"Our young chess players proved that they really deserve our support. Maganda ang ipinakita nila dito sa nakaraang mga edisyon sana ganon din ngayon, beside itong ASEAN Age-Group Chess ay dito din nahasa si Wesley (So), ang world's youngest GM at 14 at why not baka dito din sa grupong ito ang susunod sa yapak ni Wesley (So)." said Pichay, who bankrolled the trip of the RP chessers.
Other members of the team were Karl Victor Ochoa, Leo Daylo Jr., Bryan Cyril Martinez, and Richilieu Salcedo (Boys 18 and under), Alcon Datu, Loren Brigham Laceste and Narquingden Reyes (Boys 16 and under), Prince Mark Aquino, Jan Nigel Galan (Boys 14 and under), Vince Medina Angelo, John Batucan, Christian Nanola and Carl Angelo Perez (Boys 12 and under), Paulo Bersamina, Elijah Aliam, and Daryl Unix Samantila (Boys 10 and under), Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, Haince Patrick de Leon and John Danile Lemi (Boys 8 and under).
In the girls' division, QATAR ASIAD bet Woman NM Jedara Docena will carrying the good fight for the Filipina pawnpushers along with Nikki Apinpin and Akiko Chairmaine Suede in the Girls' 16 and under.
In the Girl's 18 and under our representative are Woman NM Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Lovelyn Medina and Ronna Rei Ner Senora.
Here's other list of our representatives for the distaff side,Girls' 14 and under---Judith Pineda, Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi, Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Ann Mejia, and Chardine Cheradee Camacho, Girls' 12 and under---Rowely Joy Asedo, Maria Ysabelle Joyce Semillano, Jean Karen and Enriquez, Girls' 10 and under---Marie Antoinette San Diego, Samantha Glo Revita and Cyamir Villanueva III and, Girls' 8 and under---Danica Ablang, Alexis Charlotte Suede and Alexis Anne Osena.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The incoming 2nd year High-School student from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) won back to back gold medals in the 2005 to 2006 edition but failed to compete in the last year's edition because of busy schedule in his school. Fondly called "Jem" in local chess circuit will seeing in action in the Boy's 14 and under meet.
"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa walang humpay na pagsuporta sa Philippine Chess Ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay. Gagawin namin lahat po ng aming makakaya para makapag-uwi muli kami ng karangalan sa bayan at masuklian na din po ang kabutihang loob ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay." Said the 13-year-old Garcia, who topped the Boy's 10 and under in the 2005 Vietnam edition and dominates the 12 and under in the 2006 Thailand edition.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is confident that our young Filipino woodpushers will once again perform well in the said event.
"Our young chess players proved that they really deserve our support. Maganda ang ipinakita nila dito sa nakaraang mga edisyon sana ganon din ngayon, beside itong ASEAN Age-Group Chess ay dito din nahasa si Wesley (So), ang world's youngest GM at 14 at why not baka dito din sa grupong ito ang susunod sa yapak ni Wesley (So)." said Pichay, who bankrolled the trip of the RP chessers.
Other members of the team were Karl Victor Ochoa, Leo Daylo Jr., Bryan Cyril Martinez, and Richilieu Salcedo (Boys 18 and under), Alcon Datu, Loren Brigham Laceste and Narquingden Reyes (Boys 16 and under), Prince Mark Aquino, Jan Nigel Galan (Boys 14 and under), Vince Medina Angelo, John Batucan, Christian Nanola and Carl Angelo Perez (Boys 12 and under), Paulo Bersamina, Elijah Aliam, and Daryl Unix Samantila (Boys 10 and under), Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, Haince Patrick de Leon and John Danile Lemi (Boys 8 and under).
In the girls' division, QATAR ASIAD bet Woman NM Jedara Docena will carrying the good fight for the Filipina pawnpushers along with Nikki Apinpin and Akiko Chairmaine Suede in the Girls' 16 and under.
In the Girl's 18 and under our representative are Woman NM Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Lovelyn Medina and Ronna Rei Ner Senora.
Here's other list of our representatives for the distaff side,Girls' 14 and under---Judith Pineda, Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi, Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Ann Mejia, and Chardine Cheradee Camacho, Girls' 12 and under---Rowely Joy Asedo, Maria Ysabelle Joyce Semillano, Jean Karen and Enriquez, Girls' 10 and under---Marie Antoinette San Diego, Samantha Glo Revita and Cyamir Villanueva III and, Girls' 8 and under---Danica Ablang, Alexis Charlotte Suede and Alexis Anne Osena.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
JAYSON GONZALES BREAKS 2500-ELO BARRIER, IS RP'S 9TH GM
JAYSON GONZALES, who hails from V. Luna, Quezon City had something to cheer about after he received his GM title this month.
This after Gonzales finished nine points on six wins and six draws, enough for his current ELo to jump from 2490 to 2520, thus breaking the 2500-ELo barrier. Gonzales also lifted the RP team to a 46.5 points victory over visiting Myanmar's 25.5 points over the weekend in the first "RP-Myanmar Dual Match" chess tournament at the Lake Garden Hotel in Tagaytay City.
However, Gonzales needed to wait till July 1, 2008 for the FIDE rating list to be released to formally claim his GM title.
In the April1, 2008 FIDE rating list, Gonzales had a 2468 which does not include the 22 points he earned after topping the Subic Chess Open last month, thus his 2468 rating jumped to 2490.
Gonzales, a member of the Philippine Army Chess Team joined the elite group of Filipino GM's with Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio Jr., Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and the late Rosendo Balinas.
"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Cong (Butch) Pichay dahil hindi siya tumigil sa pagsuporta sa akin mapa local at internasyunal para matupad ang pangarap kong makuha ang GM title," said Gonzales.
His childhood friend and fellow V. Luna, Quezon City resident Atty. Ariel Inton, also Majority Floor Leader of the Quezon City Council congratulated him for his feat.
" Napakagandang ehemplo si Jayson (Gonzales) sa lungsod Quezon lalung-lalu na sa mga kabataan," Inton referring the upcoming Mari Jose "MJ" Turqueza also from V. Luna, Quezon City din, the son of Atty. Gene Turqueza.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
This after Gonzales finished nine points on six wins and six draws, enough for his current ELo to jump from 2490 to 2520, thus breaking the 2500-ELo barrier. Gonzales also lifted the RP team to a 46.5 points victory over visiting Myanmar's 25.5 points over the weekend in the first "RP-Myanmar Dual Match" chess tournament at the Lake Garden Hotel in Tagaytay City.
However, Gonzales needed to wait till July 1, 2008 for the FIDE rating list to be released to formally claim his GM title.
In the April1, 2008 FIDE rating list, Gonzales had a 2468 which does not include the 22 points he earned after topping the Subic Chess Open last month, thus his 2468 rating jumped to 2490.
Gonzales, a member of the Philippine Army Chess Team joined the elite group of Filipino GM's with Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio Jr., Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and the late Rosendo Balinas.
"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Cong (Butch) Pichay dahil hindi siya tumigil sa pagsuporta sa akin mapa local at internasyunal para matupad ang pangarap kong makuha ang GM title," said Gonzales.
His childhood friend and fellow V. Luna, Quezon City resident Atty. Ariel Inton, also Majority Floor Leader of the Quezon City Council congratulated him for his feat.
" Napakagandang ehemplo si Jayson (Gonzales) sa lungsod Quezon lalung-lalu na sa mga kabataan," Inton referring the upcoming Mari Jose "MJ" Turqueza also from V. Luna, Quezon City din, the son of Atty. Gene Turqueza.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
CAMINONG TOPS CAAP CHESS; FORMER CHESS OLYMPIAN DIES
FORMER Philippine Christian University (PCU) top player Chester Caminong trounced Verth Alora in the eight and final round to dominate the just concluded CAAP 2000 Rapid Chess Tournament at the Ramon Magsaysay High School, EDSA-Cubao, Quezon City, over the weekend.
Caminong finished with a total 7.5 points on account of seven wins and a draw in eight outings to bag the top prize of P4,000 in the event organized by Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines supervised Gatz Luz, Raul Cruz, Ferdie Reyes, Milo Samaniego and Danny Villanueva.
At solo second place is Ricardo Jimenez with 7.0 points, half point ahead of John Alcon Datu, Joel Cocjin and Stephen Manzanero with 6.5 points each.
Jimenez pocketed P2,000 while Datu, Cocjin and Manzanero received P800 each.
Meanwhile, the entire Philippine Chess Community is saddened by the death of former Olympian and NM Celestino Cain due to colon and abdominal complications. "I remember Celes (Cain) as one of our best chess player in the early 80's and also one of the few who succeeded in chess coaching," said chess trainer NM/IA Erwin Carag. Cain's remains was flown to Bicol by his relatives.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison.
Caminong finished with a total 7.5 points on account of seven wins and a draw in eight outings to bag the top prize of P4,000 in the event organized by Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines supervised Gatz Luz, Raul Cruz, Ferdie Reyes, Milo Samaniego and Danny Villanueva.
At solo second place is Ricardo Jimenez with 7.0 points, half point ahead of John Alcon Datu, Joel Cocjin and Stephen Manzanero with 6.5 points each.
Jimenez pocketed P2,000 while Datu, Cocjin and Manzanero received P800 each.
Meanwhile, the entire Philippine Chess Community is saddened by the death of former Olympian and NM Celestino Cain due to colon and abdominal complications. "I remember Celes (Cain) as one of our best chess player in the early 80's and also one of the few who succeeded in chess coaching," said chess trainer NM/IA Erwin Carag. Cain's remains was flown to Bicol by his relatives.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison.
ROSAUPAN TOPS DAVAO NAT'L FIDE RATED OPEN CHESS; GAINS NM TITLE
FORMER University of Sto. Tomas standout Carlo Magno Rosaupan split the point with National Master Elwin Retanal in the ninth and final round to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2008 Davao National Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship at the Gaisano South Citimall in Davao City.
Rosaupan finished with 7.5 points in this 9-round tournament organized by NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto and backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., to bag the top purse of P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy.
Infiesto added that Rosaupan also gained his long-over due Naional Master Title because of his superb performance in this event which attracted 88 players.
Retanal on the other hand notched 7.0 points to finish in a tie for 2nd to 5th placers along with Johnnel Balquin, US Master Pedro Tidoy and top seed NM Alex Lupian.
In other matches, Balquin upset NM Prospero Cruz, Tidoy waylaid NM Levi Mercado while Lupian nipped Werner Priete.
Rounding up to the top nine finishers were Priete, Jerwell Andoy, Ruel Nuttal and Reynald Quinonez with 6.5 points each.
Ferdinand Leysa, meanwhile defeated John Ray Batucan to score 6.0 points and bested seven players after the tie break points was applied to occupy No.10 spot.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Rosaupan finished with 7.5 points in this 9-round tournament organized by NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto and backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., to bag the top purse of P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy.
Infiesto added that Rosaupan also gained his long-over due Naional Master Title because of his superb performance in this event which attracted 88 players.
Retanal on the other hand notched 7.0 points to finish in a tie for 2nd to 5th placers along with Johnnel Balquin, US Master Pedro Tidoy and top seed NM Alex Lupian.
In other matches, Balquin upset NM Prospero Cruz, Tidoy waylaid NM Levi Mercado while Lupian nipped Werner Priete.
Rounding up to the top nine finishers were Priete, Jerwell Andoy, Ruel Nuttal and Reynald Quinonez with 6.5 points each.
Ferdinand Leysa, meanwhile defeated John Ray Batucan to score 6.0 points and bested seven players after the tie break points was applied to occupy No.10 spot.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
ANDOY, NUTAL, GIANT KILLERS IN DAVAO CHESS
JOSE MARIA COLLEGE standout Jerwell Andoy and little-known Ruel Nuttal hurdled their respective rivals to continue their giant-killing ways and create a five-way tie after the third round of 2008 Davao National Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship held at the Gaisano South Citimall in Davao City.
Aside from Andoy and Nuttal, other woodpushers who kept undefeated records with perfect 3.0 points were Johnnel Balquin, Rodrigo Catayas, and Werner Priete.
Andoy toppled fellow Dabaueño tournament favorite and former RP Junior champion NM Alex Lupian in the second round then nipped NM Levy Mercado of Cagayan de Oro City in the third round while Nuttal defeated NM Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City and Jake Gonzales of Cagayan de Oro City, in order.
In other third round results are: Balquin beats Nazario Ubanan, Catayas crushed Neptali Batucan while Priete outplayed Napoleon Recososa.
The 9-round Swiss System format offers P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy in this event backed up by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
After settling a draw in the 2nd round, No.2 pick former RP Junior Champion NM Elwin Retanal defeated Perkins Bayron in the 3rd round to lead a huge group of 2.5 pointers to climbed into a for 6th to 15th placers.
Lupian, meanwhile bounced back in contention by beating Sherwin Orbeta to raise total 2.0 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Aside from Andoy and Nuttal, other woodpushers who kept undefeated records with perfect 3.0 points were Johnnel Balquin, Rodrigo Catayas, and Werner Priete.
Andoy toppled fellow Dabaueño tournament favorite and former RP Junior champion NM Alex Lupian in the second round then nipped NM Levy Mercado of Cagayan de Oro City in the third round while Nuttal defeated NM Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City and Jake Gonzales of Cagayan de Oro City, in order.
In other third round results are: Balquin beats Nazario Ubanan, Catayas crushed Neptali Batucan while Priete outplayed Napoleon Recososa.
The 9-round Swiss System format offers P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy in this event backed up by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
After settling a draw in the 2nd round, No.2 pick former RP Junior Champion NM Elwin Retanal defeated Perkins Bayron in the 3rd round to lead a huge group of 2.5 pointers to climbed into a for 6th to 15th placers.
Lupian, meanwhile bounced back in contention by beating Sherwin Orbeta to raise total 2.0 points.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Saturday, May 24, 2008
GONZALES BEATS ANDADOR, COPS SUBIC OPEN CHESS TITLE
Final standings:
7 points -- J. Gonzales
6.5 -- W. So, Y. Kuzubov (Ukraine), E. Torre, B. Villamayor
6 -- R. Andador
5.5 -- O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), H. Mas (Malaysia), S. Megaranto (Indonesia), D. Ballecer, R. Olay, R. Bitoon, J. Sadorra, C. Garma, O.K. Nay (Myanmar), S. Irwanto ((Indonesia), J. Gomez, Tirto (Indonesia), A. Novita (Indonesia), C. Kosasish (Indonesia), R. Antonio, K. Yang (China), Y. Wan (China), B. Nadera.
5 -- D. Sonjaya (Indonesia), R. Tolentino, R. Nava, N. Alisangco, A. Wahomo (Indonesia), S. Siyuan (China), J. Salubre.
AFTER waiting ten years, newly-installed GM-elect Jayson Gonzales won his first international title, in his native land.
Gonzales, an enlisted member of the Philippine Army trounced compatriot and former RP junior champion NM Rolando Andador in the ninth and final round to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2008 Subic Open International Chess Championship at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, on Friday.
Gonzales, who nailed his third and final GM norm in the Asean Master Chess Circuit GMT category B event last January in Tarakan, Indonesia prevailed with the white pieces after 43 moves of a Slav Defense.
"Sa wakas," said the soft-spoken Gonzales in a long distance interview with this writer yesterday.
Gonzales became the first Filipino to win the Subic Open International Chess Championship. For this fete, he gets the top prize of US$5,000 from NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Gonzales.
" Napakasarap kasi ako ang unang Filipino player na nagkampeon sa Subic Chess at timing na timing ganito din ako noong 1998 na kauna-unahang Filipinong nagkampeon sa Southern California International Open Chess," said Gonzales, who will spearhead the Filipino contingent in a goodwill match against visiting team-Myanmar on Monday in Tagaytay City.
"Salamat sa pagtitiwalang binigay ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, siya kasi ang tumutulong sa local at international chess campaign ko," said Gonzales, who is best remembered for winning the tough 1998 Southern California International Open Chess which attracted world renowned wood pushers.
The Quezon City based Gonzales, currently No.8 in the April 2008 Fide rating list with 2468, increase his rating to 2490 after getting a plus 22 points because of his superb performance in Subic. He only needs 10 Elo rating points to formally bag his GM title.
Meanwhile, four players--- tournament favorite Ukrainian GM Yuriy Kuzubov and Filipino grandmasters Wesley So, Eugene Torre and Bong Villamayor were tied at 2nd to 5th placers with identical 6.5 points apiece.
So and Kuzubov agreed a quick 11 moves draw of their Sicilian encounter while Torre and Villamayor hurdled their last round assignments.
Torre defeated IM IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar after 44 moves of a King's Indian Defense, while Villamayor crushed former national junior champion Oliver Barbosa after 64 moves of Reti Opening.
So, at 14 the world's youngest GM, finished second -overall due to higher tiebreak score. Kuzubov (ELO 2603) came in third, followed by Torre and Villamayor.
So, Kuzubov, Torre and Villamayor received US$2,625 each.
Andador, a mainstay of the Philippine National Police who barely missed a GM norm, settled for sixth place with six points and pocketed US$1,000. Andador, however, earned an IM norm.
Twenty players, led by Barbosa and IM-candidate Rolando Nolte, finished in a tie for seventh to 26th places with 5.5 points. They pocketed US$ 675 each.
Nolte halved the point with GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia. GM Rogelio " Joey" Antonio Jr., the country's third highest-rated player behind So and GM Mark Paragua with an ELO of 2529, subdued Hamed Nouri to also finish with 5.5 points. The pride of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, however, finished in 23rd place due to lower tiebreak score.
Sharing the limelight were Karl Victor Ochoa ( 4.5 points) and Kimberly Jane Cunanan (four points), who emerged as top junior and top female players, respectively. Haridas Pascua came in second, while Alcon John Datu wound up third.
Joining Cunanan for a podium finish were Jedara Docena and Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who finished second and third, respectively.
Other players who earned IM norms were Barbosa, Nolte, Dino Ballecer, Rustum Tolentino, Reggie Olay and Deni Sonjaya of Indonesia.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
7 points -- J. Gonzales
6.5 -- W. So, Y. Kuzubov (Ukraine), E. Torre, B. Villamayor
6 -- R. Andador
5.5 -- O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), H. Mas (Malaysia), S. Megaranto (Indonesia), D. Ballecer, R. Olay, R. Bitoon, J. Sadorra, C. Garma, O.K. Nay (Myanmar), S. Irwanto ((Indonesia), J. Gomez, Tirto (Indonesia), A. Novita (Indonesia), C. Kosasish (Indonesia), R. Antonio, K. Yang (China), Y. Wan (China), B. Nadera.
5 -- D. Sonjaya (Indonesia), R. Tolentino, R. Nava, N. Alisangco, A. Wahomo (Indonesia), S. Siyuan (China), J. Salubre.
AFTER waiting ten years, newly-installed GM-elect Jayson Gonzales won his first international title, in his native land.
Gonzales, an enlisted member of the Philippine Army trounced compatriot and former RP junior champion NM Rolando Andador in the ninth and final round to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2008 Subic Open International Chess Championship at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, on Friday.
Gonzales, who nailed his third and final GM norm in the Asean Master Chess Circuit GMT category B event last January in Tarakan, Indonesia prevailed with the white pieces after 43 moves of a Slav Defense.
"Sa wakas," said the soft-spoken Gonzales in a long distance interview with this writer yesterday.
Gonzales became the first Filipino to win the Subic Open International Chess Championship. For this fete, he gets the top prize of US$5,000 from NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., and NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Gonzales.
" Napakasarap kasi ako ang unang Filipino player na nagkampeon sa Subic Chess at timing na timing ganito din ako noong 1998 na kauna-unahang Filipinong nagkampeon sa Southern California International Open Chess," said Gonzales, who will spearhead the Filipino contingent in a goodwill match against visiting team-Myanmar on Monday in Tagaytay City.
"Salamat sa pagtitiwalang binigay ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, siya kasi ang tumutulong sa local at international chess campaign ko," said Gonzales, who is best remembered for winning the tough 1998 Southern California International Open Chess which attracted world renowned wood pushers.
The Quezon City based Gonzales, currently No.8 in the April 2008 Fide rating list with 2468, increase his rating to 2490 after getting a plus 22 points because of his superb performance in Subic. He only needs 10 Elo rating points to formally bag his GM title.
Meanwhile, four players--- tournament favorite Ukrainian GM Yuriy Kuzubov and Filipino grandmasters Wesley So, Eugene Torre and Bong Villamayor were tied at 2nd to 5th placers with identical 6.5 points apiece.
So and Kuzubov agreed a quick 11 moves draw of their Sicilian encounter while Torre and Villamayor hurdled their last round assignments.
Torre defeated IM IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar after 44 moves of a King's Indian Defense, while Villamayor crushed former national junior champion Oliver Barbosa after 64 moves of Reti Opening.
So, at 14 the world's youngest GM, finished second -overall due to higher tiebreak score. Kuzubov (ELO 2603) came in third, followed by Torre and Villamayor.
So, Kuzubov, Torre and Villamayor received US$2,625 each.
Andador, a mainstay of the Philippine National Police who barely missed a GM norm, settled for sixth place with six points and pocketed US$1,000. Andador, however, earned an IM norm.
Twenty players, led by Barbosa and IM-candidate Rolando Nolte, finished in a tie for seventh to 26th places with 5.5 points. They pocketed US$ 675 each.
Nolte halved the point with GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia. GM Rogelio " Joey" Antonio Jr., the country's third highest-rated player behind So and GM Mark Paragua with an ELO of 2529, subdued Hamed Nouri to also finish with 5.5 points. The pride of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, however, finished in 23rd place due to lower tiebreak score.
Sharing the limelight were Karl Victor Ochoa ( 4.5 points) and Kimberly Jane Cunanan (four points), who emerged as top junior and top female players, respectively. Haridas Pascua came in second, while Alcon John Datu wound up third.
Joining Cunanan for a podium finish were Jedara Docena and Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who finished second and third, respectively.
Other players who earned IM norms were Barbosa, Nolte, Dino Ballecer, Rustum Tolentino, Reggie Olay and Deni Sonjaya of Indonesia.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Monday, May 12, 2008
LI CHAO BEATS WESLEY
Standings after nine rounds:
6.5 points – C. Li (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam)
6 – W. Zhou (China), D. Liu (Indonesia)
5.5 – R. Antonio, B. Villamayor, R. Nolte , E. Maghami (Iran), S. Megaranto (Indonesia), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), M. Mahjoob (Iran), S. Irwanto (Indonesia)
5 – W. So, R. Bitoon, J. Sadorra, J,. Gomez, D. Elorta, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), D.T. Hai (Vietnam), L. Wang (China), X. Zhang (China)
Chinese GM Li Chao inflicted Filipino GM Wesley So's second defeat in three days to gain a share of the lead with Vietnamese GM Le Quang Liem in the eighth round of the US$40,000-Philippine Open chess championship at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center late Monday.
Li, who is best remembered by local fans for winning the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup last year, prevailes only 30 moves of the Sicilian Duel to move into a two-way tie for the lead with Le, who bested erstwhile pacesetter another Chinese ace Weiqi Zhou.
Li became the second Chinese player to win a game over So in the tournament, following up the earlier triumph by Zhou in the fifth round.
Top GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Buenaventura "Bong" Vilamayor and NM Rolando Nolte belonged the honor of keeping Filipino hopes alive in this tough, 11-round tournament organized by the national Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under president Prospero "Butch" Pichay and secretary-general Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Antonio, Villamayor and Nolte all have 5.5 points, a full point behind Li and Le with still three rounds remaining in this 76-player tournament which attracted 11 GMs, 17 IMs and three FMs.
Antonio, who was dislodged by So as the country's highest-ranked player in the recent FIDE list for April, outplayed compatriot IM Barlo Nadera.
Villamayor, who left a high-paying job as a chess instructor in Singapore to resume his playing career, trounced Xiu Deshun of China, while Nolte, one of the most underrated players in the country's deep pool of talents, dumped Yang Kaiqi of China.
Tied with Antonio, Vilamayor and Nolte with 5,5 points are top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, GM Susanto megaranto of Indonesia, GM Nguyen Anh Dun of Vietnam, GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran and IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia.
So dropped into a a tie for 13 th to 21 st places with only five points.
IM Julio Catalino Sadorra crushed WGM Zhang Jilin ofChina, David WElorta whipped Yu Lie of China, Reggie Olay humbled FM Lin Naing Kyaw of Mynamr and Arlan Cabe demolished Xu Tong of China to provide the other victories for the Filipino side.
Not as fortunate were IM Richard Bitoon, who succumbed to GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran; Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who bowed to IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar, Emmanuel Senador, who lost to Wang Yunguo of China, Nelson Villanueva, who fell to IM Danny Juswanto of Indonesia, and Roderick naca, who lost to IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia.
In other eighth-round matches, Hamed Nouri downed Cristy Berlanes, Rolando Andador outplayed Karl Victor Ochoa, Efewn Bagamasbad nipped Aices Salvador, FM Adrian Pacis stopped Catherine Perena and Victor Lluch overwhelmed IM Chito Garma.
A total of US$40,000 are up for grabs in the prestigious tournamenrt, with the champion pocketing the grand prize of US$6,000, the runner-up getting US$5,000 and the third placer eanring US$4,000.
Cash prizes are distributed up to the 32nd placers.
The top three women and top three junior will also receive cash prizes of US$500, US$300 and US$200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
6.5 points – C. Li (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam)
6 – W. Zhou (China), D. Liu (Indonesia)
5.5 – R. Antonio, B. Villamayor, R. Nolte , E. Maghami (Iran), S. Megaranto (Indonesia), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), M. Mahjoob (Iran), S. Irwanto (Indonesia)
5 – W. So, R. Bitoon, J. Sadorra, J,. Gomez, D. Elorta, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), D.T. Hai (Vietnam), L. Wang (China), X. Zhang (China)
Chinese GM Li Chao inflicted Filipino GM Wesley So's second defeat in three days to gain a share of the lead with Vietnamese GM Le Quang Liem in the eighth round of the US$40,000-Philippine Open chess championship at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center late Monday.
Li, who is best remembered by local fans for winning the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup last year, prevailes only 30 moves of the Sicilian Duel to move into a two-way tie for the lead with Le, who bested erstwhile pacesetter another Chinese ace Weiqi Zhou.
Li became the second Chinese player to win a game over So in the tournament, following up the earlier triumph by Zhou in the fifth round.
Top GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Buenaventura "Bong" Vilamayor and NM Rolando Nolte belonged the honor of keeping Filipino hopes alive in this tough, 11-round tournament organized by the national Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under president Prospero "Butch" Pichay and secretary-general Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.
Antonio, Villamayor and Nolte all have 5.5 points, a full point behind Li and Le with still three rounds remaining in this 76-player tournament which attracted 11 GMs, 17 IMs and three FMs.
Antonio, who was dislodged by So as the country's highest-ranked player in the recent FIDE list for April, outplayed compatriot IM Barlo Nadera.
Villamayor, who left a high-paying job as a chess instructor in Singapore to resume his playing career, trounced Xiu Deshun of China, while Nolte, one of the most underrated players in the country's deep pool of talents, dumped Yang Kaiqi of China.
Tied with Antonio, Vilamayor and Nolte with 5,5 points are top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, GM Susanto megaranto of Indonesia, GM Nguyen Anh Dun of Vietnam, GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran and IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia.
So dropped into a a tie for 13 th to 21 st places with only five points.
IM Julio Catalino Sadorra crushed WGM Zhang Jilin ofChina, David WElorta whipped Yu Lie of China, Reggie Olay humbled FM Lin Naing Kyaw of Mynamr and Arlan Cabe demolished Xu Tong of China to provide the other victories for the Filipino side.
Not as fortunate were IM Richard Bitoon, who succumbed to GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran; Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who bowed to IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar, Emmanuel Senador, who lost to Wang Yunguo of China, Nelson Villanueva, who fell to IM Danny Juswanto of Indonesia, and Roderick naca, who lost to IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia.
In other eighth-round matches, Hamed Nouri downed Cristy Berlanes, Rolando Andador outplayed Karl Victor Ochoa, Efewn Bagamasbad nipped Aices Salvador, FM Adrian Pacis stopped Catherine Perena and Victor Lluch overwhelmed IM Chito Garma.
A total of US$40,000 are up for grabs in the prestigious tournamenrt, with the champion pocketing the grand prize of US$6,000, the runner-up getting US$5,000 and the third placer eanring US$4,000.
Cash prizes are distributed up to the 32nd placers.
The top three women and top three junior will also receive cash prizes of US$500, US$300 and US$200 each.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
Sunday, May 11, 2008
WESLEY BOUNCES BACK
Standings after six rounds:
5.5 points – W. Zhou (China)
5 – C. Li (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam)
4.5 – W. So, R. Nolte, E. Maghami (Iran), S. Megaranto (Indonesia)
4 – R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, D. Ballecer, J. Sadorra, B. Nadera, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), , M. Mahjoob (Iran), X. Zhang (China), S. Irwanto (Indonesia), D. Liu (Indonesia).
A DAY after losing to Weiqi Zhou of China, GM Wesley So bounced back in contention by demolishing Haoxiang Jia of China after the six rounds in the US$40,000-Philippine Open international chess championship at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center late Saturday.
With the win, So tied for fourth to seventh places with compatriot NM Rolando Nolte, top seed Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran and GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia Weiqi, on the other hand remain on top with a masterful win over Megaranto with 5.5 points on account of five wins and one draw.
Li bounced back from a sorry loss to Megaranto in the fifth round as he whipped GM-candidate Julio Catalino Sadorra in the following round to share second to third places with GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam with five points.
Le, one of the three Vietnamese seeing action in this 76-player, six-nation championship, subdued GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in another marquee match watched by a sizable weekend crowd which included NCFP president Prospero "Butch' Pichay.
So, the reigning Dubai Open champion, and NM Rolando Nolte are the highest-placed Filipinos with 4.5 points in the tough, 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Nolte continued his surprisingly strong showing when he halved the point with Maghami.
Nolte, who is seeking his second GM norm, held his ground against foreign opponents. He won over GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vetnam and IM Dede Liu of Indonesia and drew with Le and Xiaohui Wang of China.
IM Richard Bitoon outclassed Emmanuel Senador, IM Barlo Nadera toppled GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam and Dino Ballecer split the point with IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar to join Antonio, Sadorra and six foreign players in a big group with four points.
Fast-rising Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Ateneo and Karl Victor Ochoa of Bulacan State University also pulled minor reversals by beating their older and more experienced rivals.
Garcia shocked IM Chito Garma, while Ochoa bested Victor Lluch to improve to three points.
In all-female encounters, national women's champion Cristy Bernales trounced WIM Irine Sukandar of Indonesia and Catherine Perena beat Kimberly Jane Cunanan.
In other notable sixth-round results, IM John Paul Gomez overpowered Efren bagamasbad, IM Ronald Bancod dumped Arlan Cabe, Xu Deshun of China downed Reggie Olay, IM Salor Sitanggang outplayed Rustum Tolentino, NM Adrian Pacis stopped Haridas Pascua, Fernandito Pialan repulsed Hamed Nouri, and Aices Salvador toppled IM Aung Aung of Myanmar.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
5.5 points – W. Zhou (China)
5 – C. Li (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam)
4.5 – W. So, R. Nolte, E. Maghami (Iran), S. Megaranto (Indonesia)
4 – R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, D. Ballecer, J. Sadorra, B. Nadera, Z.H. Wynn (Myanmar), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), , M. Mahjoob (Iran), X. Zhang (China), S. Irwanto (Indonesia), D. Liu (Indonesia).
A DAY after losing to Weiqi Zhou of China, GM Wesley So bounced back in contention by demolishing Haoxiang Jia of China after the six rounds in the US$40,000-Philippine Open international chess championship at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center late Saturday.
With the win, So tied for fourth to seventh places with compatriot NM Rolando Nolte, top seed Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran and GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia Weiqi, on the other hand remain on top with a masterful win over Megaranto with 5.5 points on account of five wins and one draw.
Li bounced back from a sorry loss to Megaranto in the fifth round as he whipped GM-candidate Julio Catalino Sadorra in the following round to share second to third places with GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam with five points.
Le, one of the three Vietnamese seeing action in this 76-player, six-nation championship, subdued GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in another marquee match watched by a sizable weekend crowd which included NCFP president Prospero "Butch' Pichay.
So, the reigning Dubai Open champion, and NM Rolando Nolte are the highest-placed Filipinos with 4.5 points in the tough, 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Nolte continued his surprisingly strong showing when he halved the point with Maghami.
Nolte, who is seeking his second GM norm, held his ground against foreign opponents. He won over GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vetnam and IM Dede Liu of Indonesia and drew with Le and Xiaohui Wang of China.
IM Richard Bitoon outclassed Emmanuel Senador, IM Barlo Nadera toppled GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam and Dino Ballecer split the point with IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar to join Antonio, Sadorra and six foreign players in a big group with four points.
Fast-rising Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Ateneo and Karl Victor Ochoa of Bulacan State University also pulled minor reversals by beating their older and more experienced rivals.
Garcia shocked IM Chito Garma, while Ochoa bested Victor Lluch to improve to three points.
In all-female encounters, national women's champion Cristy Bernales trounced WIM Irine Sukandar of Indonesia and Catherine Perena beat Kimberly Jane Cunanan.
In other notable sixth-round results, IM John Paul Gomez overpowered Efren bagamasbad, IM Ronald Bancod dumped Arlan Cabe, Xu Deshun of China downed Reggie Olay, IM Salor Sitanggang outplayed Rustum Tolentino, NM Adrian Pacis stopped Haridas Pascua, Fernandito Pialan repulsed Hamed Nouri, and Aices Salvador toppled IM Aung Aung of Myanmar.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
WEIQI ZHOU STOPS WESLEY SO AMAZING RUN IN SUBIC INT'L CHESS
Round 5: Standings after five rounds:
4.5 points – S. Megaranto (Indonesia), W. Zhou (China)
4 – R. Antonio, J. Sadorra, R. Nolte, E. Maghami (Iran), Q.L. Le (Vietnam), C. Li (China)
3.5 – W. So, D. Ballecer, Z. H. Wynn (Myanmar), H. Jia (China), M. Mahjoob (Iran), D. Liu (Indonesia), J. Zhang (China)
CHINESE WEIQI ZHOU stopped the winning streak of Filipino GM Wesley So after 32 moves of a French Defense to share the lead with Indon GM Susanto Megaranto after five rounds in the 2008 Philippine Open international chess championship yesterday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
Megaranto, meanwhile toppled erstwhile solo leader GM Li Chao of China in 34 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf to take charge the 11-man Indonesian team seeing action in this tough, 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Subic Bay Management Administration (SBMA).
Both Zhou and Megaranto have 4.5 points out of a possible five.Games of the top players can be viewed live daily at www.ncfphilippines.org
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. bounced back from a heartbreaking fourth-round setback to Li to subdue compatriot NM Emmanuel Senador in their Three Knights Duel to stay in contention for the US$6,000 grand prize with four points.
Antonio, ever so eager to regain the country's top ranking from So, is tied with fellow Filipinos IM Julio Catalino Sadorra and NM Rolando Nolte, top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and Li.
Sadorra humbled WIM Xiaowen Zhang of China, Nolte crushed GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam, Maghami outplayed IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia and Le whipped IM Barlo Nadera.
Little-known Dino Ballecer subdued IM Hafizulhelmi Mas of Malaysia to join So and five other foreign players with 3.5 points going into the sixth round late Saturday.
Tied with So and Ballecer with 3.5 points are GM Mahjoob Morteza of Iran, IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar, IM Dede Liu of Indonesia and untitled Haoxiang Jia of China,
The beginning of end for the white-playing So came with a weak pawn push on the 18th move, which allowed his 21-year-old Chinese opponent to launch a razor-sharp queen-rook-bishop attack and left the Filipino champion with no option but to resign 14 moves later.
Zhou, a two-time member of the Chinese national team in the World Under-16 Olympiad ( 2000, 2002) who made headlines when he finished in a tie for first place in the 2008 Aeroflot Open in Moscow early this year, sealed the outcome with 31… Re3, a potent rook move that forced the Filipino to resign or face mate in two moves.
It was So's first setback in the tough, 11-round tournament – and only his second since winning the 10th Dubai Open in United Arab Emirates and the "One-on-One Duel" with Megaranto in Jakarta last month.
The 14-year-old high school student at St. Francis College (Bacoor) hurdled his first three matches against FM Roderick Nava, IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia and Reggie Olay before drawing with Li in the fourth round late Friday night.
World age-group campaigner Karl Victor Ochoa also pulled a major surprise when he beat IM Aung Aung of Myanmar.
In other notable fifth-round results, GM Buenaventura "Bong" Vilamayor bested Rusutm Tolentino; GM Win Lay Zaw of Myanmar outclassed FM Adrian pacis; GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam outplayed Kaiqi Yang of China; IM Tirto of Indonesia downed Tong Xu of China; Tiles Aris of Indonesia toppled IM Ronald Bancod; Arlan Cabe stopped Panru Li of China; and WIM Irene Sukandar of Indonesia downed Jedara Docena.
At stake in the prestigious tournament is a guaranteed cash prize of US40,000, with the champion bringing home the lion's share of US $6,000 and an elegant trophy from NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr..
The runner-up and the third placers will receive US$5,000 and US$4,000, respectively.
Cash prizes will be given up to the 32nd placers.
After the tournament, the NCFP will hold the Subic International Open starting May 16 with more foreign players expected to come.
At stake is US$30,000, with the champion pocketing the top prize of US $5,000.
Tournament director is Willie Abalos, while chief arbiter is Toti Abundo.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
4.5 points – S. Megaranto (Indonesia), W. Zhou (China)
4 – R. Antonio, J. Sadorra, R. Nolte, E. Maghami (Iran), Q.L. Le (Vietnam), C. Li (China)
3.5 – W. So, D. Ballecer, Z. H. Wynn (Myanmar), H. Jia (China), M. Mahjoob (Iran), D. Liu (Indonesia), J. Zhang (China)
CHINESE WEIQI ZHOU stopped the winning streak of Filipino GM Wesley So after 32 moves of a French Defense to share the lead with Indon GM Susanto Megaranto after five rounds in the 2008 Philippine Open international chess championship yesterday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
Megaranto, meanwhile toppled erstwhile solo leader GM Li Chao of China in 34 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf to take charge the 11-man Indonesian team seeing action in this tough, 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Subic Bay Management Administration (SBMA).
Both Zhou and Megaranto have 4.5 points out of a possible five.Games of the top players can be viewed live daily at www.ncfphilippines.org
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. bounced back from a heartbreaking fourth-round setback to Li to subdue compatriot NM Emmanuel Senador in their Three Knights Duel to stay in contention for the US$6,000 grand prize with four points.
Antonio, ever so eager to regain the country's top ranking from So, is tied with fellow Filipinos IM Julio Catalino Sadorra and NM Rolando Nolte, top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and Li.
Sadorra humbled WIM Xiaowen Zhang of China, Nolte crushed GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam, Maghami outplayed IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia and Le whipped IM Barlo Nadera.
Little-known Dino Ballecer subdued IM Hafizulhelmi Mas of Malaysia to join So and five other foreign players with 3.5 points going into the sixth round late Saturday.
Tied with So and Ballecer with 3.5 points are GM Mahjoob Morteza of Iran, IM Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar, IM Dede Liu of Indonesia and untitled Haoxiang Jia of China,
The beginning of end for the white-playing So came with a weak pawn push on the 18th move, which allowed his 21-year-old Chinese opponent to launch a razor-sharp queen-rook-bishop attack and left the Filipino champion with no option but to resign 14 moves later.
Zhou, a two-time member of the Chinese national team in the World Under-16 Olympiad ( 2000, 2002) who made headlines when he finished in a tie for first place in the 2008 Aeroflot Open in Moscow early this year, sealed the outcome with 31… Re3, a potent rook move that forced the Filipino to resign or face mate in two moves.
It was So's first setback in the tough, 11-round tournament – and only his second since winning the 10th Dubai Open in United Arab Emirates and the "One-on-One Duel" with Megaranto in Jakarta last month.
The 14-year-old high school student at St. Francis College (Bacoor) hurdled his first three matches against FM Roderick Nava, IM Tirta Purnama of Indonesia and Reggie Olay before drawing with Li in the fourth round late Friday night.
World age-group campaigner Karl Victor Ochoa also pulled a major surprise when he beat IM Aung Aung of Myanmar.
In other notable fifth-round results, GM Buenaventura "Bong" Vilamayor bested Rusutm Tolentino; GM Win Lay Zaw of Myanmar outclassed FM Adrian pacis; GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam outplayed Kaiqi Yang of China; IM Tirto of Indonesia downed Tong Xu of China; Tiles Aris of Indonesia toppled IM Ronald Bancod; Arlan Cabe stopped Panru Li of China; and WIM Irene Sukandar of Indonesia downed Jedara Docena.
At stake in the prestigious tournament is a guaranteed cash prize of US40,000, with the champion bringing home the lion's share of US $6,000 and an elegant trophy from NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr..
The runner-up and the third placers will receive US$5,000 and US$4,000, respectively.
Cash prizes will be given up to the 32nd placers.
After the tournament, the NCFP will hold the Subic International Open starting May 16 with more foreign players expected to come.
At stake is US$30,000, with the champion pocketing the top prize of US $5,000.
Tournament director is Willie Abalos, while chief arbiter is Toti Abundo.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
SO BEATS OLAY
SHARES LEAD WITH THREE OTHERS
Standings after three rounds:
3 points – W. So, R. Antonio, C. I (China), S. Megaranto (Indonesia)
2.5 – R. Nolte (RP), E. Maghami (Iran), W. Zhou (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam), M. Mahjoob (Iran), H. Jia (China)
2 – B. Villamayor, R. Bitoon, J. Gomez, J. Sadorra, R. Bancod, E. Senador, N. Villanueva, ,D. Elorta, R. Nava, E. Olay, Z. H. Wynn (Myanmar), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), T.H. Dao (Vietnam), T. Xu (China), K. Yang (China), L. Ye (China), X. Zhang (China), T. Purnama (Indonesia).
GM Wesley So of Bacoor, Cavite beat NM Reggie Olay of Davao City after 64 moves of a Nimzo Indian Defense to score his third straight win in as many rounds and share the lead with three others after three rounds in the 2008 Philippine Open international chess championship at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center late Thursday.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., also notched his third straight victory by crushing three-time national junior champion John Paul Gomez in only 28 moves of the French defense and looking his first international tiara this year.
GM Li Chao of China and GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia hurdled their respective assignments to remain unbeaten with perfect 3.0 points in this 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Subic Bay Management Administration (SBMA).
Li subdued IM Ronald Bancod, while Megaranto nipped GM Nguyen Anh Dung to join So and Antonio in the lead.
All four players will mix it up in the pivotal fourth round with So taking on Megaranto and Antonio battling Li at center stage.
Top games can be viewed live everyday thru website www.ncfphilippines.org
"Magandang laban po ito, lalo na magaling din talaga siya (Megaranto)," said So, the 14-year-old high school junior from St. Francis College (Bacoor) who holds the distinction as the world's youngest GM.
It will mark the first time that So and Megaranto will clash since their much-publicized "One-on-One Duel" held in Jakarta, Indonesia last April 17-20 where the young Filipino champion won, 4-2 (three wins, two draws and one loss).
Equally exciting is the Antonio-Li match, one of four RP-China showdowns lined up for the day.
"Mabigat kalaban ang mga Chinese, pero gagawin natin ang makakaya natin para manalo," said Antonio, referring to his fourth-round match against Li, who earned the respect of Filipino players when he ruled the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall last year.
NM Rolando Nolte made short work of IM Dede Liu of Indonesia to lead five highly-rated foreign players with 2.5 points.
Tied with Nolte with 2.5 points apiece are top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran, GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and Weiqi Zhou and Haoxiang Jia of China.
Maghami outwitted IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, Mahjoob whipped Xiaohui Wang of China, Le crushed Dino Ballecer, Weiqi bested Hamed Nouri and Haoxiang toppled GM Wynn Zaw Htun of Myanmar.
Comebacking GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor and IM Richard Bitoon led a big group of players with two points.
Villamayor, who left a high-paying job as chess instructor in Singapore to resume his playing career, drew his match against Nelson Villanueva, while Bitoon, who finished in a two-way tie for second place with GM Eugene Torre in the recent "Battle of GMs", outplayed compatriot NM Rustum Tolentino.
Last year's Sinulog Open champion NM Manny Senador, who pulled the only major surprise in the first round when he upset GM Zaw Win Lay of Myanmar, halved the point with IM Wynn Zaw Htun of Maynamar to join the group of two-pointers.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Standings after three rounds:
3 points – W. So, R. Antonio, C. I (China), S. Megaranto (Indonesia)
2.5 – R. Nolte (RP), E. Maghami (Iran), W. Zhou (China), Q.L. Le (Vietnam), M. Mahjoob (Iran), H. Jia (China)
2 – B. Villamayor, R. Bitoon, J. Gomez, J. Sadorra, R. Bancod, E. Senador, N. Villanueva, ,D. Elorta, R. Nava, E. Olay, Z. H. Wynn (Myanmar), A.D. Nguyen (Vietnam), T.H. Dao (Vietnam), T. Xu (China), K. Yang (China), L. Ye (China), X. Zhang (China), T. Purnama (Indonesia).
GM Wesley So of Bacoor, Cavite beat NM Reggie Olay of Davao City after 64 moves of a Nimzo Indian Defense to score his third straight win in as many rounds and share the lead with three others after three rounds in the 2008 Philippine Open international chess championship at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center late Thursday.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., also notched his third straight victory by crushing three-time national junior champion John Paul Gomez in only 28 moves of the French defense and looking his first international tiara this year.
GM Li Chao of China and GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia hurdled their respective assignments to remain unbeaten with perfect 3.0 points in this 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Subic Bay Management Administration (SBMA).
Li subdued IM Ronald Bancod, while Megaranto nipped GM Nguyen Anh Dung to join So and Antonio in the lead.
All four players will mix it up in the pivotal fourth round with So taking on Megaranto and Antonio battling Li at center stage.
Top games can be viewed live everyday thru website www.ncfphilippines.org
"Magandang laban po ito, lalo na magaling din talaga siya (Megaranto)," said So, the 14-year-old high school junior from St. Francis College (Bacoor) who holds the distinction as the world's youngest GM.
It will mark the first time that So and Megaranto will clash since their much-publicized "One-on-One Duel" held in Jakarta, Indonesia last April 17-20 where the young Filipino champion won, 4-2 (three wins, two draws and one loss).
Equally exciting is the Antonio-Li match, one of four RP-China showdowns lined up for the day.
"Mabigat kalaban ang mga Chinese, pero gagawin natin ang makakaya natin para manalo," said Antonio, referring to his fourth-round match against Li, who earned the respect of Filipino players when he ruled the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall last year.
NM Rolando Nolte made short work of IM Dede Liu of Indonesia to lead five highly-rated foreign players with 2.5 points.
Tied with Nolte with 2.5 points apiece are top seed GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami and GM Morteza Mahjoob of Iran, GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and Weiqi Zhou and Haoxiang Jia of China.
Maghami outwitted IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, Mahjoob whipped Xiaohui Wang of China, Le crushed Dino Ballecer, Weiqi bested Hamed Nouri and Haoxiang toppled GM Wynn Zaw Htun of Myanmar.
Comebacking GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor and IM Richard Bitoon led a big group of players with two points.
Villamayor, who left a high-paying job as chess instructor in Singapore to resume his playing career, drew his match against Nelson Villanueva, while Bitoon, who finished in a two-way tie for second place with GM Eugene Torre in the recent "Battle of GMs", outplayed compatriot NM Rustum Tolentino.
Last year's Sinulog Open champion NM Manny Senador, who pulled the only major surprise in the first round when he upset GM Zaw Win Lay of Myanmar, halved the point with IM Wynn Zaw Htun of Maynamar to join the group of two-pointers.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Thursday, May 8, 2008
GM TORRE OPENS INTON CHESS CUP
MAJORITY Floor Leader and Quezon City Councilor Ariel Inton opens the
Grand Finals of 2008 Ariel Inton Chess Cup dubbed as Quezon City Inter-Barangay Chess Tournament with the usual ceremonial moves with Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre (left) yesterday at the Entertainment Plaza of SM North Edsa in Quezon City in the sports tourism event which is the brainchild of Inton and backed up by mayor Sonny Belmonte, Eurotel, SM City North Edsa, Federal Land, Fianchetto Construction Corporation, Shell, Gold Edge's Realty Development Corporation, Informatics and Trans Equipt Motor Sales.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Grand Finals of 2008 Ariel Inton Chess Cup dubbed as Quezon City Inter-Barangay Chess Tournament with the usual ceremonial moves with Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre (left) yesterday at the Entertainment Plaza of SM North Edsa in Quezon City in the sports tourism event which is the brainchild of Inton and backed up by mayor Sonny Belmonte, Eurotel, SM City North Edsa, Federal Land, Fianchetto Construction Corporation, Shell, Gold Edge's Realty Development Corporation, Informatics and Trans Equipt Motor Sales.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
CRISOLOGO-CALALAY CHESS CUP GETS GOING
THE Crisologo and Calalay Cup Chess 1850 Tournament gets underway on May 18, 8:00am at the Barangay Damayan Multi-Purpose Hall in Quezon City.
The champion will be receiving P3,000 plus trophy, the runner-up gets P2,000 plus trophy and third placer will pocketed P1,000 plus trophy. Fourth to tenth placers will likewise to receive P200 plus medal. Free Registration fee in the first-come-first serve basis.
Frisco Chess Club president Des Quisumbing said that said chessfest is open to all woodpushers with an average rating of 1850 and open to all bonafide resident of District I in Quezon City in the event backed up by representative Bingbong Crisologo and councilor Boy Calalay. For inquiries, contact Frisco Chess Club president Des Quisumbing at 0920-479-8160 for complete details.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The champion will be receiving P3,000 plus trophy, the runner-up gets P2,000 plus trophy and third placer will pocketed P1,000 plus trophy. Fourth to tenth placers will likewise to receive P200 plus medal. Free Registration fee in the first-come-first serve basis.
Frisco Chess Club president Des Quisumbing said that said chessfest is open to all woodpushers with an average rating of 1850 and open to all bonafide resident of District I in Quezon City in the event backed up by representative Bingbong Crisologo and councilor Boy Calalay. For inquiries, contact Frisco Chess Club president Des Quisumbing at 0920-479-8160 for complete details.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
GM TORRE OPENS INTON CHESS CUP
NO less than Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre is invited to do the traditional ceremonial moves and schedule to give inspirational message when the Grand Finals of 2008 Ariel Inton Chess Cup dubbed as Quezon City Inter-Barangay Chess Tournament takes its first moves tomorrow, May 8 at the Entertainment Plaza of SM North Edsa in Quezon City.
The three-day (May 8, 9 and 10) chess team tourney will showcase the top five finishers from District I---Ramon Magsaysay, San Antonio, Salvacion, Project 6 and St. Peter; District II---Nova Proper, Balon Bato, Culiat, Commonwealth and Bagong Silangan; District III---Socorro, Quirino 3-A, Marilag, Libis and Loyola Heights and District IV---Mariana, Old Capitol Site, Santol, Tatalon and Dona Aurora, which aims to discover future masters in the grass roots-level.
Tournament director Tito Estaris and tournament secretary Dimple Dagasdas said that the champion team will go home the top purse of P20,000, the runner-up pocketed P10,000 while the third placer receive P5,000 in this sports tourism project event, brainchild of Inton which is backed up by QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte and Eurotel.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The three-day (May 8, 9 and 10) chess team tourney will showcase the top five finishers from District I---Ramon Magsaysay, San Antonio, Salvacion, Project 6 and St. Peter; District II---Nova Proper, Balon Bato, Culiat, Commonwealth and Bagong Silangan; District III---Socorro, Quirino 3-A, Marilag, Libis and Loyola Heights and District IV---Mariana, Old Capitol Site, Santol, Tatalon and Dona Aurora, which aims to discover future masters in the grass roots-level.
Tournament director Tito Estaris and tournament secretary Dimple Dagasdas said that the champion team will go home the top purse of P20,000, the runner-up pocketed P10,000 while the third placer receive P5,000 in this sports tourism project event, brainchild of Inton which is backed up by QC mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte and Eurotel.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
WESLEY SO SEEKS TO CONTINUE HIS HOT STREAK IN SUBIC INT'L CHESS
WESLEY SO seeks to continue his hot streak as the world's youngest grandmaster mixes up with top woodpushers in the 2nd Subic International Open Chess Championships that kicks off tomorrow, May, 7-14 at the Lounge Area, Subic Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo, Zambales, Province.
The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite, also the highest rated Filipino player with 2540 Elo rating is fresh from winning the just concluded Philippine Battle of the GMs Chess Championships over the weekend at the Bayside Hall of City State Hotel in Mabini St. corner Padre Faura in Manila.
It was the third straight championship for So in two months this year. Earlier, So ruled the prestigious 10th Dubai Open Chess Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the So-Susanto Megaranto One-on-One Showdown in Jakarta, Indonesia last month.
" I hope I could continue my good performance here in Subic Open," said So, who is eyeing to surpass compatriot Mark Paragua's 2621 Super GM rating two years ago.
"Target ko maging Super GM," he added.
But the player known in the chess world as "Little but Terrible Pawn" will have to be at his best right at the opening of this eight-day National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) tournament headed by it's president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. He will face world renowned players in the likes of GM Zhang Zhong of Singapore, GM Li Chao of China, GM Ghaem Maghami and IM Mahjoob Morteza of Iran, GMs Dao Thien Hai, Nguyen Anh Dung and Le Quang Liem of Vietnam, and IM Zaw Win Lay of Myanmar.
Joining So to carry the good fight for the Filipinos are countryman and fellow GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Eugene Torre, Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor, and Jayson Gonzales, GM candidates John Paul Gomez, Julio Catalino Sadorra, Richard Bitoon, Rolando Nolte, Fernie Donguinez, Chito Garma, Emmanuel Senador, and Roderick Nava among others.
Up for grabs is a total prize purse of US$42,000 with the winner receiving the lion's share of $6,000.
FIDE delegate Casto "Toti" Abundo is the chief arbiter in the said affair while NCFP director Wilfredo "Willie" Abalos is the tournament manager.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite, also the highest rated Filipino player with 2540 Elo rating is fresh from winning the just concluded Philippine Battle of the GMs Chess Championships over the weekend at the Bayside Hall of City State Hotel in Mabini St. corner Padre Faura in Manila.
It was the third straight championship for So in two months this year. Earlier, So ruled the prestigious 10th Dubai Open Chess Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the So-Susanto Megaranto One-on-One Showdown in Jakarta, Indonesia last month.
" I hope I could continue my good performance here in Subic Open," said So, who is eyeing to surpass compatriot Mark Paragua's 2621 Super GM rating two years ago.
"Target ko maging Super GM," he added.
But the player known in the chess world as "Little but Terrible Pawn" will have to be at his best right at the opening of this eight-day National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) tournament headed by it's president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. He will face world renowned players in the likes of GM Zhang Zhong of Singapore, GM Li Chao of China, GM Ghaem Maghami and IM Mahjoob Morteza of Iran, GMs Dao Thien Hai, Nguyen Anh Dung and Le Quang Liem of Vietnam, and IM Zaw Win Lay of Myanmar.
Joining So to carry the good fight for the Filipinos are countryman and fellow GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Eugene Torre, Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor, and Jayson Gonzales, GM candidates John Paul Gomez, Julio Catalino Sadorra, Richard Bitoon, Rolando Nolte, Fernie Donguinez, Chito Garma, Emmanuel Senador, and Roderick Nava among others.
Up for grabs is a total prize purse of US$42,000 with the winner receiving the lion's share of $6,000.
FIDE delegate Casto "Toti" Abundo is the chief arbiter in the said affair while NCFP director Wilfredo "Willie" Abalos is the tournament manager.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Sunday, May 4, 2008
WESLEY SO IS PHILIPPINES TOP GM
EYES INT'L CHESS TILT
Final point standings: Men
8.5 - W. So
7.5 – E. Torre, R. Bitoon
7.0 – J. Gomez
6.5 – R. Antonio
5.5 – R. Nolte
5 – J. Sadorra
4.5 – F. Donguines, O. Barbosa
3.5 – H, Nouri, B. Villamayor
2.5 – J. Gonzales
Women
8.0 – C. Perena
7.5 – Sherily Cua, C., Camacho
7.0 – Shercila Cua
6.5 – A. Salvador
6.0 – Y. Jose
4.5 – C. Bernales, B. Mendoza
4.0 – E. Magno, J. Docena
3.5 – K. Cunanan
3.0 – J. Palomo
GM Wesley So added another feather on his cap by winning the "Battle of GMs" chess championship over the weekend at the Bayside Hall of City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
The 14-year-old So, currently world youngest GM pocketed the P200,000 top prize for his feat. He settled for a truce with three-time national junior champion Jon Paul Gomez in 30 moves of the French to finish the tough, 12-player tournament with 8.5 points on six wins and five draws.
He finished a full point ahead of Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and IM Richard Bitoon.
So's next target is the 2nd Philippine Open International Tournament on May 6 to 15 at the La Legenda Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport followed immediately by the 3rd Philippine Open on May 15 to 24 May in nearby Pampanga.
Actually, the former Promil Kid child prodigy is in on a roll. He also won the tough Dubai Chess Championships and beat Indon GM Susanto Megaranto in their one-on-one duel in Jakarta.
" Dream ko maging super GM ngayong taon. Alam ko na makukuha ko 'yun kasi full support sina Cong (Butch) Pichay, Mayor (Bambol) Tolentino, Sir Chito (Tagaysay) at Sir Reginald (Tee) sa aking local at international campaign," said So.
"Masayang-masaya po ako dahil hindi nasayang ang mga pagsisikap ko," said So, an incoming third year high school student at St. Francis College (Cavite), who dedicate his triumph to his parents, William and Lenny So.
Torre, meanwhile halved the point with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in only 20 moves of the Caro Kann, while Bitoon outduelled comebacking GM Buenevanetura "Bong" Villlamayor in 35 moves of the Queen's Indian to share second to third places with 7.5 points.
Gomez finished in solo fourth place with seven points, followed by Antonio in fifth place with 6.5 points and NM Rolando Nolte in sixth place with 5.5 points.
In the women's division, Catherine Perena bagged the title and the P50,000 top prize. Perena drew with Kimberly Cunana in 43 moves of the Queen's Indian to finish with eight points, half a point ahead of Sherily Cua and Cheradee Camacho.
Cua stopped Jenny Palomo in 36 moves of the King's Indian, while Camacho upset Shercila Cua in 35 moves of the French.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners, assisted by NCFP secretary-general Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, NCFP vice-president Val Rosabal, NCFP director Willie Abalos and FIDE honorary lifetime president Florencio Campomanes..
In the Battle of GMs, So won five matches over IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, in the first round Antonio in the second round, GM Jayson Gonzales in the third round, FM Fernie Donguines in the sixth round, Villamayor in the eighth round and Bitoon in the ninth round..
His four other draws came against Torre in the fourth round, NM Hamed Nouri in the fifth round, Nolte in the seventh round and NM Oliver Barbosa in the 10th round.
The 56-year-old Torre also finished unbeaten in the tournament, posting four wins and seven draws. Bitoon, the pride of Southwestern University, had six wins, three draws and two losses.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Final point standings: Men
8.5 - W. So
7.5 – E. Torre, R. Bitoon
7.0 – J. Gomez
6.5 – R. Antonio
5.5 – R. Nolte
5 – J. Sadorra
4.5 – F. Donguines, O. Barbosa
3.5 – H, Nouri, B. Villamayor
2.5 – J. Gonzales
Women
8.0 – C. Perena
7.5 – Sherily Cua, C., Camacho
7.0 – Shercila Cua
6.5 – A. Salvador
6.0 – Y. Jose
4.5 – C. Bernales, B. Mendoza
4.0 – E. Magno, J. Docena
3.5 – K. Cunanan
3.0 – J. Palomo
GM Wesley So added another feather on his cap by winning the "Battle of GMs" chess championship over the weekend at the Bayside Hall of City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
The 14-year-old So, currently world youngest GM pocketed the P200,000 top prize for his feat. He settled for a truce with three-time national junior champion Jon Paul Gomez in 30 moves of the French to finish the tough, 12-player tournament with 8.5 points on six wins and five draws.
He finished a full point ahead of Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and IM Richard Bitoon.
So's next target is the 2nd Philippine Open International Tournament on May 6 to 15 at the La Legenda Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport followed immediately by the 3rd Philippine Open on May 15 to 24 May in nearby Pampanga.
Actually, the former Promil Kid child prodigy is in on a roll. He also won the tough Dubai Chess Championships and beat Indon GM Susanto Megaranto in their one-on-one duel in Jakarta.
" Dream ko maging super GM ngayong taon. Alam ko na makukuha ko 'yun kasi full support sina Cong (Butch) Pichay, Mayor (Bambol) Tolentino, Sir Chito (Tagaysay) at Sir Reginald (Tee) sa aking local at international campaign," said So.
"Masayang-masaya po ako dahil hindi nasayang ang mga pagsisikap ko," said So, an incoming third year high school student at St. Francis College (Cavite), who dedicate his triumph to his parents, William and Lenny So.
Torre, meanwhile halved the point with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in only 20 moves of the Caro Kann, while Bitoon outduelled comebacking GM Buenevanetura "Bong" Villlamayor in 35 moves of the Queen's Indian to share second to third places with 7.5 points.
Gomez finished in solo fourth place with seven points, followed by Antonio in fifth place with 6.5 points and NM Rolando Nolte in sixth place with 5.5 points.
In the women's division, Catherine Perena bagged the title and the P50,000 top prize. Perena drew with Kimberly Cunana in 43 moves of the Queen's Indian to finish with eight points, half a point ahead of Sherily Cua and Cheradee Camacho.
Cua stopped Jenny Palomo in 36 moves of the King's Indian, while Camacho upset Shercila Cua in 35 moves of the French.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners, assisted by NCFP secretary-general Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, NCFP vice-president Val Rosabal, NCFP director Willie Abalos and FIDE honorary lifetime president Florencio Campomanes..
In the Battle of GMs, So won five matches over IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, in the first round Antonio in the second round, GM Jayson Gonzales in the third round, FM Fernie Donguines in the sixth round, Villamayor in the eighth round and Bitoon in the ninth round..
His four other draws came against Torre in the fourth round, NM Hamed Nouri in the fifth round, Nolte in the seventh round and NM Oliver Barbosa in the 10th round.
The 56-year-old Torre also finished unbeaten in the tournament, posting four wins and seven draws. Bitoon, the pride of Southwestern University, had six wins, three draws and two losses.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
Saturday, May 3, 2008
WESLEY SO TOPS RP'S BATTLE OF THE GMs
Standing after ten rounds: Men
8 points – W. So
7 points – E. Torre
6.5 points – J. Gomez, R. Bitoon
6 points- R. Antonio
4.5 points- O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, J. Sadorra
4 points-F. Donguines
3.5 points-H. Nouri, B. Villamayor
2.5 points-J. Gonzales
Women
8 – C. Perena
7-Sherily Cua
6.5 – Shercila Cua, C. Camacho
6 – A. Salvador
5.5-R. Jose
4.5- C. Bernales
4-B. Mendoza
3.5- E. Magno
3 – K. Cunanan, J. Palomo, J. Docena
GM Wesley So split the point with NM Oliver Barbosa after 52 moves of a Queen's Indian Defense using the black pieces in the tenth and penultimate round to emerge over-all champion despite one round to go in the 2008 "Battle of GMs" chess championship at the 11th floor, Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner notched 8.0 points on six wins and four draws in this 11 round unique tournament which offers P200,000 to the champion.
"Anuman maganap kay Wesley (So) sa last round ay champion pa din siya sa tie break," said Wesley's spokesman and businessman Reginald Tee.
So, will face former three-time RP junior champion IM John Paul Gomez in the final round.
Asia's First GM Eugene Torre took solo second place with 7.0 points after beating IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 44 moves of King's Indian Defense.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. who shared Torre in the second spot in the ninth round meanwhile bowed to GM Jayson Gonzales to remain at 6.5 points but dropped to fourth place.
IM Richard Bitoon, on the other hand disposed NM Rolando Nolte after 50 moves of Sicilian Defense to share third and fourth place with Gomez with 6.5 points. Gomez defeated NM Hamed Nouri after 68 moves of Philidors Defense.
Meanwhile, GM Bong Villamayor toppled FM Fernie Donguines after 31 moves of Queens Gambit skirmish.
In the women's division, Catherine Pereña halved the point with fellow WNM Shercila Cua after 36 moves of a Slav Defense to keep a one–point lead over Shercila younger sister WNM Sherily Cua after ten rounds of play.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
8 points – W. So
7 points – E. Torre
6.5 points – J. Gomez, R. Bitoon
6 points- R. Antonio
4.5 points- O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, J. Sadorra
4 points-F. Donguines
3.5 points-H. Nouri, B. Villamayor
2.5 points-J. Gonzales
Women
8 – C. Perena
7-Sherily Cua
6.5 – Shercila Cua, C. Camacho
6 – A. Salvador
5.5-R. Jose
4.5- C. Bernales
4-B. Mendoza
3.5- E. Magno
3 – K. Cunanan, J. Palomo, J. Docena
GM Wesley So split the point with NM Oliver Barbosa after 52 moves of a Queen's Indian Defense using the black pieces in the tenth and penultimate round to emerge over-all champion despite one round to go in the 2008 "Battle of GMs" chess championship at the 11th floor, Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner notched 8.0 points on six wins and four draws in this 11 round unique tournament which offers P200,000 to the champion.
"Anuman maganap kay Wesley (So) sa last round ay champion pa din siya sa tie break," said Wesley's spokesman and businessman Reginald Tee.
So, will face former three-time RP junior champion IM John Paul Gomez in the final round.
Asia's First GM Eugene Torre took solo second place with 7.0 points after beating IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 44 moves of King's Indian Defense.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. who shared Torre in the second spot in the ninth round meanwhile bowed to GM Jayson Gonzales to remain at 6.5 points but dropped to fourth place.
IM Richard Bitoon, on the other hand disposed NM Rolando Nolte after 50 moves of Sicilian Defense to share third and fourth place with Gomez with 6.5 points. Gomez defeated NM Hamed Nouri after 68 moves of Philidors Defense.
Meanwhile, GM Bong Villamayor toppled FM Fernie Donguines after 31 moves of Queens Gambit skirmish.
In the women's division, Catherine Pereña halved the point with fellow WNM Shercila Cua after 36 moves of a Slav Defense to keep a one–point lead over Shercila younger sister WNM Sherily Cua after ten rounds of play.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
WESLEY SO BEATS RICHARD BITOON
Standing after nine rounds: Men
7.5 points – W. So
6 – R. Antonio, E. Torre
5.5 – J. Gomez, R. Bitoon
4.5 – R. Nolte
4 – O. Barbosa, J. Sadorra
3.5 – H. Nouri, F. Donguines
2 – B. Villamayor
1.5 – J. Gonzales
Women
7.5 – C. Perena
6.5 – Sherily Cua
6 – Shercila Cua
5.5 – Y. Jose, C. Camacho
5 – A. Salvador
4.5 – C. Bernales
3.5 – B. Mendoza, E. Magno
3 – K. Cunanan, J. Palomo
2 – J. Docena
GM Wesley So trounced IM Richard Bitoon in 68 moves of the Sicilian in their ninth-round showdown to take a commanding one-and-a half point lead over GMS Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Eugene Torre with only two rounds remaining in the 2008 "Battle of GMs" chess championship at the 11th floor, Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
Overall, the 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner So has 7.5 points on six wins and three draws.
So, only needs a draw in one of his two remaining matches against NM Oliver Barbosa in the 10th round or IM John Paul Gomez in the final round to formally capture the title and pocket the top prize of P200,000 in this 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Antonio subdued FM Fernie Donguines in only 25 moves of the Owen's Defense to catch up with Torre for second to third places with six points.
Torre settled for a draw with Gomez in 65 moves of the Queen's Pawn game.
Mathematically, only Antonio and Torre can still catch up with So at the end of the tournament.
So, however, won over Antonio in the second round and drew with Torre in the fourth round.
Gomez and Bitoon share fourth to fifth places with 5.5 points.
Sadorra outplayed GM Jayson Gonzales in 54 move sof the Queen's Gambit Accepted, while comebacking GM Buenaventura Bong" Villamayor crushed NM Rolando Nolte in 64 moivs of the Center Counter in other ninth-round matches.
In the women's division, Catheirne Perena halved the point with Cristy Lamiel Bernales in marathon 79 moves of the Nimzo-Indian to keep a one–point lead over Sheriyl Cua after nine rounds of play.
Cua drew with older sister Shercila Cua in 36 moves of the English.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
7.5 points – W. So
6 – R. Antonio, E. Torre
5.5 – J. Gomez, R. Bitoon
4.5 – R. Nolte
4 – O. Barbosa, J. Sadorra
3.5 – H. Nouri, F. Donguines
2 – B. Villamayor
1.5 – J. Gonzales
Women
7.5 – C. Perena
6.5 – Sherily Cua
6 – Shercila Cua
5.5 – Y. Jose, C. Camacho
5 – A. Salvador
4.5 – C. Bernales
3.5 – B. Mendoza, E. Magno
3 – K. Cunanan, J. Palomo
2 – J. Docena
GM Wesley So trounced IM Richard Bitoon in 68 moves of the Sicilian in their ninth-round showdown to take a commanding one-and-a half point lead over GMS Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Eugene Torre with only two rounds remaining in the 2008 "Battle of GMs" chess championship at the 11th floor, Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.
Overall, the 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner So has 7.5 points on six wins and three draws.
So, only needs a draw in one of his two remaining matches against NM Oliver Barbosa in the 10th round or IM John Paul Gomez in the final round to formally capture the title and pocket the top prize of P200,000 in this 11-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
Antonio subdued FM Fernie Donguines in only 25 moves of the Owen's Defense to catch up with Torre for second to third places with six points.
Torre settled for a draw with Gomez in 65 moves of the Queen's Pawn game.
Mathematically, only Antonio and Torre can still catch up with So at the end of the tournament.
So, however, won over Antonio in the second round and drew with Torre in the fourth round.
Gomez and Bitoon share fourth to fifth places with 5.5 points.
Sadorra outplayed GM Jayson Gonzales in 54 move sof the Queen's Gambit Accepted, while comebacking GM Buenaventura Bong" Villamayor crushed NM Rolando Nolte in 64 moivs of the Center Counter in other ninth-round matches.
In the women's division, Catheirne Perena halved the point with Cristy Lamiel Bernales in marathon 79 moves of the Nimzo-Indian to keep a one–point lead over Sheriyl Cua after nine rounds of play.
Cua drew with older sister Shercila Cua in 36 moves of the English.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
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