Tuesday, January 29, 2008

PINERO TOPS UPLB CHESS TOURNEY

ARNEL PINERO defeated Rodolfo Panopio in the seventh and final round to score 6.5 points and emerged as the solo champion in the 4th UPLB Rapid Chess Tournament held at Student Union Bldg., University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, over the weekend.

Pinero, winner of this event in 2006, received a P5,000 cash and a trophy. Tied for 2nd to 4th places were Sta. Rosa City pride Nathaniel Cruz, former PCU stalwart John Perzeus Orozco and top Calamba player Ireneo Gonzales. They equally divided the total cash prizes amounting to P6,000.

Rounding up the top 10 were Panopio, Michael Concio, Raffy Oliveros, Philip Cadiao, Generoso Salmorion and Rico Belecina.

Adjudged category winner were Christian Nanola (top kiddie-male), Alexis Anne Osena (top kiddie-female), Mark Tanamor (top junior), Irene Rivera (top lady), and Wilfredo Bituin (top senior).Organized by the UPLB Chess Club and Laguna Chess Association, the event attracted 89 Laguna players.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

BAGUIO CITY CHESS TOURNEY GETS UNDERWAY

THE Second City Camp Proper non-master chess tournament will officially start on February 9-10 at the Barangay City Camp Proper in Baguio City.

Organized by Mr. Jun Laberino in close cooperation with SK of City Camp Proper, Brgy. Captain Aurora G. Abellera, SK chairman Fatima Dacumos and Chairman Committee Sports Isabelito Angara, at stake are cash prizes with the champion receiving P10,000, the runner-up getting P5,000 and third placer pocketing P3,000.

Fourth to fifth placers will be receiving P2,000, and P1,000 respectively while sixth to eight placers gets P500 each.

The tournament is open to all non-master players and will be a seven-round Swiss System event which offers 45 minutes time control for both players.

In the kiddies division, the champion receive P1,500, the second placer gets P1,000 while P800 for third placers. Fourth to fifth placers likewise receive P500 each.

Adjudged category winners for top junior, top lady and top senior will each receive P1,000.

Registration pegged off P250 for the non-master section while P100 for the kiddies section.

For inquiry, please call or text tournament organizer Mr. Jun Laberino at mobile no.0927-938-8861 for complete details.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Sunday, January 27, 2008

NEWS: BAGUIO CITY CHESS + BOBBY FISCHER

BAGUIO CITY CHESS TOURNEY GETS UNDERWAY

THE Second City Camp Proper non-master chess tournament will officially start on February 9-10 at the Barangay City Camp Proper in Baguio City.

Organized by Mr. Jun Laberino in close cooperation with SK of City Camp Proper, Brgy. Captain Aurora G. Abellera, SK chairman Fatima Dacumos and Chairman Committee Sports Isabelito Angara, at stake are cash prizes with the champion receiving P10,000, the runner-up getting P5,000 and third placer pocketing P3,000.

Fourth to fifth placers will be receiving P2,000, and P1,000 respectively while sixth to eight placers gets P500 each.

The tournament is open to all non-master players and will be a seven-round Swiss System event which offers 45 minutes time control for both players.

In the kiddies division, the champion receive P1,500, the second placer gets P1,000 while P800 for third placers. Fourth to fifth placers likewise receive P500 each.

Adjudged category winners for top junior, top lady and top senior will each receive P1,000.

Registration pegged off P250 for the non-master section while P100 for the kiddies section.

For inquiry, please call or text tournament organizer Mr. Jun Laberino at mobile no.0927-938-8861 for complete details.



BOBBY FISCHER LOVES BALUT SAYS EUGENE TORRE

THE new breed of chess players and sports fans may know Robert James "Bobby" Fischer only by refutation as a maverick, a rebel and an eccentric.

But for Eugene Torre, Asia's first ever Grandmaster, Fischer was more than just a chess genius. He was a good friend.

"Hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi pa din ako makapaniwala na wala na si Bobby (Fischer), dumb founded ako at very sad," said the 56-year-old long-time vanguard of RP chess, who gave an inspirational message at the closing rites of the 20th season SCUAA-NCR men's and women's chess competition last Thursday at the PhilSCA campus in Pasay City. "Wish ko kay Bobby, Rest in Peace and may he (Fischer) receive the loved he missed here in earth there in heaven," he added.

According to Torre, Fischer frequently visits the country to visit him and feast on "balut" and sinigang.
"Mga lima hanggang anim na balut ang kaya ni Bobby sa isang kainan lahat yun ha (kasama 'yung ulo), mahilig din siya sa Sinigang na Isda gaya ng bangus," said Torre, who recalled a memorable experience when he brought "balut" for Fischer in Belgrade, Hungrary in 1993. "Sabi sa akin ng immigration officer ano daw 'yung dala ko. Ang sabi ko ay balut at binuksan ko at nag offer ako sa kanya kung gusto n'ya, ayaw naman," said Torre, Hall of Famer of PSA.

According to electronic mail "weekender", Fischer died of kidney failure, not in hospital as previously reported but at his home in the suburbs of Reykjavik, "the site of his greatest triumph" in 1972 when, single-handedly, he wrested the world crown from champion Boris Spassky, who had the support of the Soviet Union and its massive chess resources.

Torre also said he has no idea that Fischer was ill because one of Fischer's daily routine was a two-or-three hour walk.

"Kaya nga surprise ako na wala na si Bobby kasi health buff 'yun eh," he said.

Torre is the second/ partner of Bobby in the 1992 epic rematch Fischer-Spassky that took place in Yugoslavia. Fischer beat Spassky, 10-5, the said match.

"Sa tingin ko ay y'ung "trust" sa akin ni Bobby (Fishcer) kaya ako ang kinuha niyang second/ trainer sa rematch nila ni Spassky noong 1992 sa Yugoslavia. Baka kasi may mag spy," said Torre.

BOBBY IS A SUPER GENIUS

Torre also revealed yesterday how Bobby is a super genius. "Grabe ka genius si Bobby, mga late 70's naisip niya na ang pagkakaroon ng isang chess clock na hindi mananalo ang player sa oras lamang at that time ay mechanical chess clock pa lamang ang ginagamit, I mean magkakaroon ng increment o madagdagan ng minuto kasi nawawala na ang quality ng game pag sa oras ka lamang nanalo, sinabi niya sa akin iyan ng 80's pero na introduce yan noong 1992 sa rematch nila ni Spassky na pinangalan sa kanya, Fischer clock (digital chess clock)," Torre said.

TORRE WILL CONTINUE TO PROMOTE FISCHER CHESS RANDOM; You can kill a good men but you cannot kill a good idea---Fischer

Torre also said that he will comtinue to promote the Fischer Chess Random.

"Itutuloy ko ang promosyon ni Bobby sa Fisher Random, maganda kasi eh," said Torre, who is schedule to face Argentine champion in the introduction of Fischer Chess random in the 1996 Buenos Aires Fischer Chess Random but failed to materialize to varying reason.

" Naalala ko pa ang sinabi ni Bobby (You can kill a good men but you cannot kill a good idea)

Chess960, also called Fischer Random Chess, is a chess variant produced by former World Champion Bobby Fischer by modifying the rules of Shuffle Chess so that castling possibilities exist for all starting positions. It was originally announced on June 19 , 1996, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fischer's goal was to create a chess variant in which chess creativity and talent would be more important than memorization and analysis of opening moves. His approach was to create a randomized initial chess position, which would thus make memorizing chess opening move sequences far less helpful. The initial position is set up in a special way and there are 960 such positions, thus the name 'Chess960'.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Thursday, January 24, 2008

SCUAA-NCR CHESS

RTU CLAIMES ITS 15TH CONSECUTIVE TITLE

Team Standings after round 4: (Game points, Single round-robin format)

Men's division:
15.5 points—RTU; 5.5 points— PHILSCA, EARIST; 4—TUP; PUP—1.5 points

Women's division
11.5 points—RTU; 8.5 points—EARIST; 4 points— PHILSCA; 3.5 points—TUP; 3 points—PUP

RIZAL Technological University (RTU) blanked Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), 4-0, to claim its 15th consecutive men's chess title in the 20th season of State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association-National Capital Region (SCUAA-NCR) was held at the 2nd floor Conference Room in Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) Campus in Pasay City on Wednesday.

Despite one round to go, the Blue Thunder are already assured to retain their men's chess title after finishing a total 15.5 points, 10 points ahead with Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Technology (EARIST) and host school Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA), both with 5.5 points each. Earist took a bye in the fourth round while philSCA whitewashed Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), 3-1.

RTU woodpusher which are composed of Edsel Montoya, Paulo James Florendo, Richelieu Salcedo and Randolf Dalauta also routed PUP, 4-0, Earist, 4-0, last Tuesday then beat PhilSCA, 3.5-0.5, Wednesday morning session.

"Our victory in the men's chess competition again we are dedicated to our beloved (RTU) president Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug and most especially to God Almighty," said RTU men's coach engineer Dennis Mejia, the 1997 Las Vegas, Nevada North American Open Chess runner-up.

In the fifth and final round, RTU took a bye, PUP opposite TUP while Earist goes up against PhilSCA.

Engineer Mejia along with fellow coach Hernani Quillenguen and 1994 Moscow Olympian NM Mauro Yasay produced chess master under their watchful eyes in the likes of GM candidate Roland Salvador, 1996 Philippine Junior Champion and national masters (NMs) Roberto Suelo, Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Romeo Alcodia, Nicomedes Alisangco, Robert Arellano, Nelson Villanueva and Julius Sinangote and heavy-weight non-masters such as Edwin Llamo, Cesar Apalla, Jose Aquino, Rainier Labay, Ronnie Tamares, Christopher Tan, Rector Abinal and Eduardo Campos, among others.

In the distaff side, RTU women's team edges TUP, 2.5-1.5, to raise their total 11.5 points, 3 points head with Earist with 8.5 points. philSCA beat PUP, 2.5-1.5.
However, RTU bye in the last round needed to pray that Earist will loss to PhilSCA in the last round to retain their women's title.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Monday, January 21, 2008

GM PARAGUA TOPS ASEAN MASTER CHESS




PHOTO CAPTION: courtesy of indochess.com

The top three winners in the grandmaster (GM) B category: GM Mark Paragua of the Philippines (left), IM Ashot Nadanian of Armenia (center) and newly-installed GM Jayson Gonzales (right).


GM PARAGUA FLIES TO MOSCOW, RUSSIA TO COMPETE IN AEROFLOT OPEN CHESS

Final Standings: (Single round-robin format/ three division)

Group A

9 points—Z. Zhong (Singapore); 8 — Tirto (Indonesia);7.5 —S. Megaranto (Indonesia); 7—W. So (RP); 6.5 — E. Torre (RP); 6— C. Purnama (Indonesia); 4.5 —N. Ginting (Indonesia), M. Hafizulhelmi (Malaysia); 4.— H. Nouri (RP); 3.5 —C. Kosasih (Indonesia), N. Situru (Indonesia);2—B. Nadera (RP)

Group B

9 points—M. Paragua (RP); 7.5— A. Nadanian (Armenia), J. Gonzales (RP); 7— R. Nolte (RP); 6.5—S. Mahmud (Indonesia), S. Prayitno (Indonesia); 5—O. Barbosa (RP), S. Sitanggang (Indonesia); 4.5—C. Barus (Indonesia); 4— H. Ardiansyah (Indonesia); 3—T.M. Mk (Malaysia); 0.5—I.Sukandar (Indonesia)

WIM

10 points—I. Sadikin (Indonesia); 8.5—E. Handoko (Indonesia); 7.5— G. Chua (Singapore); 7— E. Lindiawati (Indonesia); 6.5— T.M. Hung (Vietnam), J. Tay (Singapore); 5— B.Mendoza (RP); 4.5— C.Bernales (RP); 3— V. Chan (Singapore), T. Handayani (Indonesia), N. Verdiana (Indonesia); 1.5—D. Citra (Indonesia)

GM MARK Paragua is this year's inaugural ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit grandmaster (GM) B event Champion was held in the Indonesian city of Tarakan in East Kalimantan (Borneo) on Sunday.

The 1998 World Rapid Disneyland, France champion finish with a total 9.0 points, including his eleventh and final round draw over Indon GM Cerdas Barus.

As a reward for his feat, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is planning to send the 23-year-old Quezon City based in the tough and world's strongest Open chess tournament in Moscow Russia dubbed as Aeroflot Open 2008 which is slated on February 13 to 23.

Aside from Paragua, currently world's youngest GM and 14-year-old Wesley So also competing according to Pichay.

This is the first time in RP chess history that two Filipino chess player will compete in the land of chess genius and known to be the home of the super chess power—Moscow, Russia.

"I'm planning to send Mark (Paragua) and Wesley (So) in the tough Aeroflot Open Chess in Moscow, Russia," said Pichay, who produce three grandmasters in his term---So, Darwin Laylo and Jayson Gonzales.

"Magandang event y'un (Aeroflot) at alam kong mahahasa sila at mapapasabak sa magagaling na player. Beside karamihang kasali ay mga Russian GM." added Pichay, also the biggest contribution in the RP chess aside producing grandmaster, staging numerous international tournament are cleansing and minimizing the "allegedly" rampant networking and game fixing that circulated from the non-master tournaments up to the higher-level.

"Yang networking at game fixing ay talagang top priority ko para malinis na natin ang RP chess, hindi kasi tayo mag go grow pag bigayan at nagtutulungan na lamang ang mga player. The "real" chess ay 'yung laban talaga walang bigayan." added Pichay, also warned the player who will do again such nasty things.

"Kahit top player pa natin wala tayong sasantuhin, para sa kanila din naman ito at ikabubuti nila." Pichay's referring no sacred cow.

Engineer Ricardo Paragua, coach/ manager of the young amiable Paragua is very happy with the plan of the Chess Federation boss.

"I'm very thankful to Cong. (Butch) Pichay for giving a chance to my son (Mark Paragua) to play in the Aeroflot 2008 in Moscow, Russia. But I hope na hindi mag conflict sa second leg ng Asean Master Chess Circuit next month sa Vung Tau, Vietnam, sayang kasi dahil may ranking points," the older Paragua referring the grand prix points of Asean Master Chess Circuit which opens in Indonesia then fly to Vietnam then goes to Singapore before wind off in the Philippines.

"Pero gustong-gusto talaga ni Mark (Paragua) na maglaro sa Aeroflot," added engineer Ric.

The (Asean Master Chess Circuit) Grand Prix Points formula is the number of stars of a tournament multiple by the individual Grand Prix Points awarded to a player. There will be an overall fund of Grand Prix Fund of US$ 25,000, and to qualify, players must participate in at least 3 or 50% minus one of the total number of legs.

Pichay, meanwhile are sending Gonzales, GMs Eugene Torre and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., GM candidate Julio Catalino Sadorra and former RP junior champion John Paul Gomez in the second leg of Asean Master Chess Circuit next month in Vungtau, Vietnam.

Tournament favorites GM Zhang Zhong (2671) of Singapore settled for a truce with GM Torre in the final round to dominate the grandmaster (GM) A category finishing with 9.0 points.

Indon IM Sadikin Irwanto, on the other hand clobbered compatriot Dewi AA CITRA to clinch the Women International Master (WIM) division crown with 10.0 points.


BRGY. MARIANA TOPS QC DISTRICT IV ELIMS MEET


PETER LIM and Vic Neil Villnueva hurdled their respective rivals to lift Barangay Mariana into a 2.5-1.5. victory over Barangay Sto. Nino in the seventh and final round to emerge over-all toptnocher in the Quezon City Inter Barangay District IV Chess Team Tournament was held at the Amoranto Sports SB Gym in Quezon City last Sunday.

Lim demolished Gerry Avila on board one while Villanueva trounced Santy Pacia on board four. Samson Lim held into a draw with Gracito Guarino on board three while Obet Labonera score's full point for Barangay Sto. Nino after shocking former Philippine junior champion Reinier Ternura on board three.

Barangay Mariana finish with 22.5 points to took the District IV title in this event sponsored by the office of Quezon City Majority Floor Leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton in close cooperation with QC mayor Sonny Belmonte and supervised by Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines (CAAP) headed by international arbiter Gene Poliarco and media man Gatpayo Luz.

Barangay Mariana advanced in the championship round slated this year along with Barangays Old Capitol Site (20.5 points), Santol (19.0 points), Tatalon (17.5 points) and Dona Aurora (17.0 points).

Quezon City Majority Floor Leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton and Amoranto Sports Complex Administrator Andy Apostol led the closing rites. Youngest participant is 7-year-old Samson Lim III also from Barangay Mariana.

The tournament is open to all non-master players from Quezon City with a rating of 1900-below, is one of the sports tourism project of Majority Floor Leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton in close cooperation with QC mayor Sonny Belmonte.

The top five teams advancing to the championship round after the district elimination round. The finalists are guaranteed of at least P2,000. The other elimination schedules are as follows: District 3 on Feb. 16-17 at the Barangay Covered Court; District 2 on March 16-17 at the NDC Plaza; and District 1 on April 22-23 at the Quezon City Hall Path Walk. For inquiries, contact 0927-9668522 or 922-2913.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Saturday, January 19, 2008

ASEAN MASTERS CHESS

GONZALES GETS GM NORM; NOLTE EARNS LAST IM NORM IN ASEAN MASTER CHESS

Individual Standings after round 10: (Single round-robin format/ three division)
Group A
8.5 points—Z. Zhong (Singapore); 7 — Tirto (Indonesia); 6.5 —W. So (RP), S. Megaranto (Indonesia); 6 — E. Torre (RP); 5— C. Purnama (Indonesia); 4.5 — M. Hafizulhelmi (Malaysia); 4.— H. Nouri (RP); 3.5 —N. Ginting (Indonesia), C. Kosasih (Indonesia); 3—N. Situru (Indonesia);2—B. Nadera (RP)
Group B
8.5 points—M. Paragua (RP); 7— J. Gonzales (RP); 6.5— A. Nadanian (Armenia); 6— R. Nolte (RP), S. Mahmud (Indonesia); 5.5—S. Prayitno (Indonesia); 5—O. Barbosa (RP); S. Sitanggang (Indonesia); 4—C. Barus (Indonesia); 3.5— H. Ardiansyah (Indonesia); 2.5—T.M. Mk (Malaysia); 0.5—I.Sukandar (Indonesia)
WIM
9 points—I. Sadikin (Indonesia); 8—E. Handoko (Indonesia); 7— G. Chua (Singapore); 6.5— E. Lindiawati (Indonesia); 5.5— T.M. Hung (Vietnam), J. Tay (Singapore); 4.5— B.Mendoza (RP), C.Bernales (RP); 3— N. Verdiana (Indonesia); 2.5— T. Handayani (Indonesia), V. Chan (Singapore); 1.5—D. Citra (Indonesia)

DESPITE a setback in the tenth and penultimate round, Jayson Gonzales, member of the multi-titlist Philippine Army Chess Team, already earned his third grandmaster (GM) norm while compatriot Roland Nolte, playing under the banner of the Philippine Airforce Chess Team also earned his third International Master (IM) norm plus including his first GM norm in the process.

The news broke yesterday by Gonzales through this writer in a long distance call.

"Ngayon ko lamang nalaman (yesterday) na finally nakuha ko na ang 3rd at final GM norm ng makaiskor ako ng 7.0 points sa round 9 habang si (Rolando) Nolte ay nakuha din ang kanyang 3 rd at final IM norm at 1st GM norm ng makaiskor naman siya ng 6.0 points sa round 9." Explained Gonzales to this writer going to the final round yesterday of inaugural ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit in the Indonesian city of Tarakan in East Kalimantan (Borneo).

"Pero kung hindi ko ma meet ang 7/9 requirements p'wede ko ding makuha sa 8.5/11 requirements." Added Gonzales, whose stint here is supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William "Butch" Ramirez and businessman Reginald Tee.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCF) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.lauded Gonzales and Nolte's feat in the Asean Master Chess Circuit.

" Magandang inspirasyon sa ating mga kababayan at sa mga kabataan ang magandang hated na balita nina Jayson (Gonzales) at Rolando (Nolte). Bagong GM at IM ng Pilipinas. I hope marami pang player natin na makakuha ng title norms sa taong ito," Pichay referring to GM candidate Julio Catalino Saddora, who had a good showing in the past international tournament here in the country.

Gonzales and Nolte, both long-time resident of Quezon City caught the attention of QC majority floor leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton who will past a resolution to the QC council given citation to the two Quezon City resident heroes in the field of chess.

" I pu-push natin sa (QC) council na bigyan ng rekomendasyon kina Jayson (Gonzales) at Rolando (Nolte) bilang pagkilala sa kabayanihang hatid nila sa ating bansa particular na ang Lungsod Quezon," said Inton, a well known sports advocate, who acknowledge and congratulate Gonzales and Nolte in the opening of Quezon City Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament yesterday at the Amoranto SB Gym in Quezon City.

"Actually si Jayson kababata ko yan sa V. Luna from Brgy. Pinyahan at sa inter-barangay ng QC ay sumasali dati din yan at madalas maglaro sa kampo." Explained Inton.

In the ninth round, Gonzales beat countryman FM Oliver Barbosa after 25 moves of a Nimzovitch Defense but succumbed to Armenian IM Ashot Nadanian after 74 moves of a Kings Indian Defense in the tenth round.

"Grabe pinilit kong manalo kasi winning na ako kay (Ashot) Nadanian kaso natalo pa," said Gonzales, who got his first GM norm came in the 2004 Calvia Open in Calvia, Spain where he finished third with 7.0 points in nine rounds and earned his second GM norm in the Asian Zonal elims in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September 2005.

Nolte, on the other hand, upset Indon GM Herman Ardiansyah after 33 moves of a Sicilian Defense in the ninth round but yielded to Indon FM Syarif Mahmud after 34 moves of another Sicilian Duel in the tenth round.

GM Mark Paragua still lording Group B (GM) category with a 34 moves triumph over Malaysian FM Tze Meng Kok in their Modern Defense clash to raise his total 8.5 points, 1.5 points head to his closest-rival Gonzales with 7.0 points, followed by Nadanian with 6.5 points and Nolte with 6.0 points.

In the Group A (GM) category, GM Wesley So fought a hard fighting draw over Malaysian IM Mas Hafizulhelmi after 54 moves of a Sicilian Ritzer Rauzer Attack to raise his total 6.5 points and share Indon GM Susanto Megaranto for third to fourth placers. Megaranto, the brightest hope of Indonesia beat FM Hamed Nouri after46 moves of a Sicilian Defense. Another GM entry Eugene Torre, meanwhile held into a draw with FM Cecep Kosasih after 77 moves of a Giuco Piano Opening to score 6.0 points and move solo fifth placers.

Top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2671) of Singapore halve the point with IM Barlo Nadera after 37 moves of a Nimzo Indian Defense to remain on top with 8.5 points, 1.5 points head with Indon IM Tirto with 7.0 points.

In the Women International Master (WIM) section, IM Irwanto Sadikin and GM Edhi Handoko of Indonesia and FM Graham Chua of Singapore) hurdle their respective rivals to remain on top.

Sadikin beat Vietnam WFM Nguyen Thi May Hung, Handoko beat WIM Beverly Mendoza while Chua nipped WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Monday, January 14, 2008

ASEAN MASTER CHESS CIRCUIT - UPDATE

GM MARK PARAGUA STILL ON TOP

Individual Standings after round 6: (Single round-robin format/ three division)

Group A
5 points— Z. Zhong (Singapore); 3.5— W. So (RP), Tirto (Indonesia), S. Megaranto (Indonesia), E. Torre (RP); 3.0 —H. Nouri (RP), M. Hafizulhemi (Malaysia), N. Situru (Indonesia); 2.5— N. Ginting (Indonesia), C. Purnama (Indonesia); 2—C. Kosashi (Indonesia); 1—B. Nadera (RP).

Group B
5.5 points—M. Paragua (RP); 4.5— J. Gonzales (RP), R. Nolte (RP); 4—A. Nadanian (Armenia); 3—H. Ardiansyah (Indonesia), S. Sitanggang (Indonesia), S. Mahmud (Indonesia); 2.5— O. Barbosa (RP), C. Barus (Indonesia); 1.5—T.M. Mk (Malaysia), S. Prayitno (Indonesia); 0.5—I.Sukandar (Indonesia)
WIM
5.5 points—I. Sadikin (Indonesia); 4.5—E. Handoko (Indonesia), 3.5—C . Bernales (RP),T.M. Hung (Vietnam), G. Chua (Singapore), E. Lindiawati (Indonesia); 3— B.Mendoza (RP); 2.5—T. Handayani (Indonesia), J. Tay (Singapore); 2—V. Chan (Singapore); 1.5—N. Verdiana (Indonesia); 0.5—D. Citra (Indonesia)


FILIPINO GM Mark Paragua trounced Indonesian Sugeng Prayitno to remain on top after the sixth round of first ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit late Monday in Tarakan, Indonesia.

The 23-year-old Paragua prevailed using the disadvantageous black pieces after 32 pushes of a Queens Pawn Game.

The undefeated Paragua whose stint here is being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) headed by chairman William "Butch" Ramirez Jr. improved his record with five wins and a draw to raise total 5.5 points after six games of play in the 12 man field Grandmaster (GM) B closed tournament applying the single round-robin format.

IM Jayson Gonzales, the country's top scorer in the 2004 Mallorca World Chess Olympiad, who is bidding his third and final GM norm also won his match against Indon IM Salor Sitanggang after 47 moves of an English Opening using the white pieces to join countryman FM Roland Nolte in 2 nd to 3rd places after tallying identical 4.5 points. Nolte, who also aiming his third and final IM norm crushed compatriot and fellow FM Oliver Barbosa after marathon 54 moves of a Spanish Game using the white pieces.

Armenian IM Ashot Nadanian upset Indon GM Cerdas Barus to climbed at solo 4th place with 4.0 points. Indon GM H. Ardiansyah bested Indon WIM

Irine Kharisma Sukandar to score 3.0 points and create a three-way tie for 5th to 7 th placers along with Sitanggang and Indon FM Syarif Mahmud, who yielded to Malaysian FM Mok Tze Meng.

In GM (grandmaster) A closed tournament, top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2617) of Singapore smashed Malaysian IM Mas Hafizulhelmi after 55 moves of a Closed Sicilian Skirmish using the white pieces to remain on top with four wins and two draw to raise his total 5.0 points.

Employing the white pieces, vintage Eugene Torre, Asia's First Grandmaster, toppled Indon FM Tirta Chandra Purnama after 37 moves of an Irregular Opening to score 3.5 points and was tied at 2nd to 5th placers with GM Wesley So, GM Susanto Megaranto and IM Tirto of Indonesia.

So, 14, currently youngest GM in the world made a quick 11 moves draw with Tirto using the black pieces in their Sicilian encounter while Megaranto successfully handle the white pieces to nipped Indon IM Nasib Ginting after 37 moves of another Sicilian Game.

IM Barlo Nadera split the point with FM Hamed Nouri in just 17 moves of Kings Indian Defense, while Indon FM Cecep Kosasih waylaid Indon IM Nathaniel Situru.

In the Women International Master (WIM) section, Indon IM Irwanto Sadikin halved the point with Indon GM Edhi Handoko after 17 moves of a Queens Pawn Game using the white pieces. Sadikin is still lording with 5.5 points, full point ahead with solo second place Handoko (4.5 points).

Woman NM Christy Lamiel Bernales absored her second straight loss this time to WFM Nguyen Thi May Hung of Vietnam after 41 moves of a Queens Pawn Game. The 14-year-old daughter of former taxi driver from Nueva Ecija was stuck at 3.5 points but still at No.3 position in the company of WFM Hung, FM Graham Chua of Singapore and Evi Lindiawati of Indonesia.

Another Filipino entry WIM Beverly Mendoza ended her match in a 60 move-fighthing draw with the black pieces over WFM Jeslin Tay of Singapore in their Dutch Defense encounter.

In other matches, Chua bowed to Singaporean WFM Victoria Chan, Lindiawati settled for a truce with Indon Tri Handayani while Indon Dewi AA Cirta also drew her match over compatriot Norasa Verdiana.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Sunday, January 13, 2008

ASEAN MASTER CHESS CIRCUIT

PARAGUA, BERNALES CONTINUES WINNING WAYS

Individual Standings: (Single round-robin format/ three division)
Group A
3.5 points— Z. Zhong (Singapore); 3—N. Situru (Indonesia), M. Hafizulhemi (Malaysia), Tirto (Indonesia); 2.5 points— H. Nouri (RP), C. Purnama (Indonesia), N. Ginting (Indonesia); 2— W. So (RP), S. Megaranto (Indonesia); 1.5—E. Torre (RP); 1—C. Kosashi (Indonesia); 0.5—B. Nadera (RP).
Group B
4 points—M. Paragua (RP); 3— S. Sitanggang (Indonesia), A. Nadanian (Armenia), S. Mahmud (Indonesia), J. Gonzales (RP), R. Nolte (RP); 2.5— C. Barus (Indonesia); 2— H. Ardiansyah (Indonesia), O. Barbosa (RP); 1.5— S. Prayitno (Indonesia); 0.5—I.Sukandar (Indonesia), T.M. Mk (Malaysia)
WIM
5 points—I. Sadikin (Indonesia); 4—E. Handoko (Indonesia), 3.5—C . Bernales (RP), G. Chua (Singapore); 3— E. Lindiawati (Indonesia); 2.5—T.M. Hung (Vietnam); 2— J. Tay (Singapore), T. Handayani (Indonesia); 1.5—B.Mendoza (RP); 1—N. Verdiana (Indonesia), V. Chan (Singapore); 0—D. Citra (Indonesia)

FILIPINO Grandmaster Mark Paragua and Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales hurdled their respective rivals to keep the Filipino hope alive in the first Asean Masters Chess Circuit in Tarakan, Indonesia late Saturday.

The 23-year-old Paragua (Elo 2521), the 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete with three gold, trounced Indonesian Woman International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar (Elo 2266) to post his four consecutive wins in as many round and remain on top in the GM (Grandmaster) B event. Paragua has yet to play his postponed first-round match against countryman FM Oliver Barbosa (Elo 2410). Barbosa lost his match to GM Cerdas Barus (Elo 2479) of Indonesia to remains at 2.0 points.

Paragua, the 1998 Disneyland, France World Rapid Under-14 Champion also won over Armenian IM Ashot Nadanian (Elo 2431) in the second round then nipped Indonesian Fide Master Sharif Mahmud (Elo 2344) in the third round and nipped countryman International Master Jayson Gonzales (Elo 2455) in the fourth round on Friday.
Gonzales, member of the multi-titlist Philippine Army Chess Team on the other hand, bounce back in contention after crushing Indon GM H. Ardiansyah (Elo 2409). Gonzales improve his record with 3.0 points to share 2nd to 6th placers in the company of IM Salor Sitanggang (Elo 2410), Nadanian and Mahmud of Indonesia and countryman FM Rolando Nolte (Elo 2412) who beat Sugeng Prayitno (Elo 2312) of Indonesia.

Gonzales needed to score 8.5 points to earn his third and final GM norm and complete his GM title status.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old Bernales (Elo 1933) took the measure of Tri Handayani (2036) of the host country to raise her total 3.5 points after four games of play in the Womens International Master (WIM) section. She has one unplayed game against compatriot WIM Beverly Mendoza (Elo 2099) in the first round. Mendoza, also from Nueva Ecija suffered another setback at the hands of FM Graham Chua (Elo 2075) of Singapore. Mendoza was stuck at 1.5 points.

Bernales, member of the 2004 Crete, Greece World Youth Chess Championships also won over WFM Victoria Chan (Elo 1876) of Singapore in the second round, split the point with Noreasa Verdiana (Elo 1890) in the third round then upset second seed Indonesian GM Edhi Handoko (Elo 2437) of Indonesia in the fourth round.

Tournament top seed IM Sadikin Irwanto (Elo 2456) of Indonesia smashed Verdiana to still on top with perfect 5.0 points.

The Quezon City based Bernales, daughter of a former taxi driver from Nueva Ecija needed 2 points to secure an outright Woman Fide Master (WFM) title according to Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) who support the Filipino woodpusher trip in Tarakan, Indonesia in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

"We (NCFP) hope that Mark (Paragua) and Christy Lamiel (Bernales) will maintain their momentum in the Asean Master Chess Circuit in Tarakan, Indonesia and Jayson (Gonzales) finally earn his last GM norm," said Pichay, also the chairman of Federation of Schools Sports Association of Philippines (FESSAP) and the newly elected president of Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).

In the GM-A bracket, GM Wesley So (Elo 2526) upset GM Susanto Megaranto (Elo 2563) of Indonesia; FM Nouri Hamed (Elo 2404) toppled IM Nathaniel Situru (Elo 2375) of Indonesia; GM Eugene Torre (Elo 2519) yielded to IM Nasib Ginting (Elo 2393) of Indonesia while IM Barlo Nadera (Elo 2417 bowed to IM Tirto (Elo 2413) of Indonesia.
Top seed GM Zhang Zhong (Elo 2617) on Singapore defeated FM Tirta Chandra Purnama (Elo 2383) of Indonesia to grab the solo leadership board with 3.5 points, half point ahead with Situru, Tirto and IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (Elo 2382) of Malaysia, winner over FM Cecep Kosashi (2408) of Indonesia.



15-YEAR-OLD BOY BEAT FIVE NMs; WINS NCFP CHESS


Final Standings:
1 MJ Turqueza (10 points)
2 NM Stewart Manaoag (8.5 points)
3-4 NM Efren Bagamasbad and NM Randy Segarra (8.0 points)
5 NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (7.0 points)
6 NM Wilfredo Neri (6.0 points)
7 Dr. Jenny Mayor (4.5 points)
8 Leodegario Ricaña (4.0 points)
9-10 NM Samuel Estimo and NM Mario Rebano (3.5 points)
11 Dr. Johnny Corales (3.0 points)
12 Emil Cabagay (zero)

FIFTEEN year-old boy Mari Joseph 'MJ' Turqueza of V. Luna, Quezon City defeated National Master Efren Bagamasbad of Manila in the eleventh and final round to emerge over-all champion in the 10th leg of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals chess challenge at the Greenhouse Grill in Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City on Saturday.

Turqueza prevailed after 50 moves of a Nimzo-Indian Defense using the white pieces to enroute the title.

His last victory to Bagamasbad put him an impressive record---beating a total of---five national masters that includes Stewart Manaoag, Randy Segarra, Wilfredo Neri and Mario Rebano. Only National Masters Samuel Estimo and Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. escaped an axe to Turqueza by settling a draw in the early rounds.

Fondly called MJ in the local circuit, he also beat heavyweight Dr. Jenny Mayor, Dr. Johnny Corales, Leodegario Ricaña and Emil Cabagay.

The undefeated Turqueza, a student of Diliman Preparatory School (DPS), Quezon City under the watchful eye of NM Erwin Carag, finished with nine wins and two draw to compile a total of 10.0 points after eleven games of play in the single round robin format.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Sunday, January 6, 2008

JAYSON GONZALES EYES THIRD GM NORM

WILL COMPETE IN THE ASEAN MASTERS CIRCUIT,

GM Event A, Category IX:
GM Zhang Zhong (Singapore, 2617)
GM Susanto Megaranto (Indonesia, 2563)
IM Wesley So (Philippines, 2526)
GM Eugene Torre (Philippines, 2519)
IM Danny Juswanto (Philippines, 2467)
IM Barlo Nadera (Philippines, 2417)
IM Salor Sitanggang (Indonesia, 2410)
FM Cecep Kosashi (Indonesia, 2408)
IM Nasib Ginting (Indonesia, 2392)
IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (Malaysia, 2382)
IM M. Ivan Situru (Indonesia, 2375)
FM Fernie Donguines (Philippines, 2345)

GM Event B, Category VII:
1. GM Mark Paragua (Philippines, 2521)
2. GM Cerdas Barus (Indonesia, 2479)
3. IM Jayson Gonzales (Philippines, 2454)
4.IM Ashot Nadanian (Armenia, 2436)
5. FM Rolando Nolte (Philippines, 2412)
6. IM Oliver Barbosa (Philippines, 2410)
7. GM Ardiansyah H (Indonesia, 2409)
8.FM Tirta Chandra P (Indonesia, 2383)
9. IM Mok Tze Meng (Malaysia, 2346)
10. FM Syarif Mahmud (Indonesia, 2344)
11. Sugeng Prayitno (Indonesia, 2312)
12. WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (Indonesia, 2266)

INTERNATIONAL Master Jayson Gonzales, the country's top scorer in the 2004 World Chess Olympiad, is eyeing his third and final grandmaster norm as he competes in the inauguration of ASEAN Masters Circuit Chess Championships on January 8 to 20 in Tarakan, Indonesia.

Gonzales, head coach of Far Eastern University (FEU) is eyeing his third and final grandmaster norm to complete his status and join the company of compatriot GMs Eugene Torre, the late Rosendo Balinas, Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Buenaventura "Bong Villamayor", Nelson Mariano II, Mark Paragua, Wesley So and Darwin Laylo.
"I would like to thank to Congressman (Butch) Pichay (NCFP president), chairman (Butch) Ramirez (PSC chairman), Mr. (Mark) Molina (FEU sports director) and the Philippine Army for their undying support of my GM title quest, I will do my very best for flag and country," said Gonzales, member of the multi-titlist Philippine Army chess team.

Gonzales is also invited to play in the GM (grandmaster closed tournament) Event B, Category VII, where he needs to score 8.5 points to became the country's newest grandmaster. He will face tough opposition in his group that includes top seed GM Mark Paragua (Philippines, 2521), GM Cerdas Barus (Indonesia, 2479), IM Ashot Nadanian (Armenia, 2436), FM Rolando Nolte (Philippines, 2412), IM Oliver Barbosa (Philippines, 2410), GM Ardiansyah H (Indonesia, 2409), FM Tirta Chandra P (Indonesia, 2383), IM Mok Tze Meng (Malaysia, 2346), FM Syarif Mahmud (Indonesia, 2344), Sugeng Prayitno (Indonesia, 2312) and WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (Indonesia, 2266).

His first GM norm came in the 2004 Calvia Open in Calvia, Spain where he finished third with 7.0 points in nine rounds. He fell half a point off a norm in the World Chess Olympiad in Majorca, Spain after finishing with 8.0 points in 11 matches. Gonzales placed sixth in the individual classification on Board 4. He earned his second GM norm in the Asian Zonal eliminations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September 2005.

Meanwhile, Asean Masters Circuit are divided into three brackets---GM event A, GM event B and WIM section which aims to produce future world class player.

Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Wesley So, IM Barlo Nadera and Fide Master Fernie Donguines was bracketed in GM event A while Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza and WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales will seeing in action in the WIM section that includes GM Edhi Handoko and IM Irwanto Sadikin of the host country.

After Indonesia, the Asean Masters Circuit will fly to Vietnam, Singapore and Philippines.

Tarakan is an island off the coast of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is a marshy island situated in the eastern Celebes Sea, off the northeastern coast of Borneo. The island occupies an area of 117 square miles (303 km²). Tarakan was the site of battles between Allied and Japanese forces in 1942 and 1945.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

FORMER U.P. STANDOUT WINS RIZAL DAY EXECUTIVE CHESS




FORMER UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES (UP) standout Christopher Castellano of Cainta, Rizal trounced Verth Alora of Anda, Pangasinan in the sixth and final round to rule the just concluded 2nd Rizal Day Executive Chess Championship at the Luneta Chess Plaza in Manila's Rizal Park on Sunday.

The undefeated Castellano, a Musician-Tenor prevailed with the black pieces after 50 moves of a Sicilian-Alapin to pocket the top purse of P7,000 in the one-day event sponsored by Tagaytay City government headed by Mayor Abraham N. Tolentino, who is also the NCFP's secretary general under the leadership of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Castellano finished with 6.0 points after six games of play in the 30 player's field.

Gary Legaspi of Antipolo City and Richie Evangelista of Bolinao, Pangasinan notch identical 5.0 points apiece to finish in a tie for 2 nd to 3rd places. The duo receive P4,000 each.

Rounding up to the top 11 place were No.4 Butch Villavieja (P1,167), No.5 Richard Villaseran (P1,167), No.6 Alora (P1,167), No.7 Ric Portagalera (P1,167), No.8 Dr. Jenny Mayor (P1,167), No.9 Jun Rojano (P1,167), No.10 Dennis San Juan (P500) and No.11 Anatoly Guaniezo (P500).

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

TORRE VS. ANTONIO - THE REMATCH

THE rematch between Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. will take place in Quezon City in March, 2008.

The city government through fourth district councilor and majority floor leader Ariel Inton is helping the organizers in raising the pot money for the highly anticipated duel between the country's chess legends.
"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 that aims to promote Quezon City as the country's sports capital.

The Torre-Antonio II will be a 12-game series with the winner getting P800,000 and the loser going home with P400,000.

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.

"I called up Jerry (Acuzar) and he said he'll help," related Inton. "I will also recommend this event to Mayor SB (Sonny Belmonte)."

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. Quezon City will also host the exhibition match between World Pool Championship winner Daryl Peach of England and runner-up Roberto Gomez. Also lined up in program are women's basketball tournaments, QC inter-barangay chess events, among others.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO