Friday, February 29, 2008

MCC CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

THE Metropolitan Chess Club (MCC) will celebrate its 20th anniversary on March 15-16 at the 3F of St. Francis Square (SFS) located behind SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Founded since March 15, 1988, MCC a non-profit, non-government entity, and the most active chess club in the country, have prepared seven events in the two-day celebration for chess loving people.

The events are Open active; 1950 below active; Kiddies (under-12) rapid; 2050 below; Dalawahan 1950 below; Ladies Open and a simultaneous exhibition matches to be performed by Russian IM Nikolai Andrianov.

Participating members and non-members will be treated to free snacks and drinks during the two-day chessfest. All major cash prizes are guaranteed in all events. Gift certificates will be given to ladies winners courtesy of RTW stall "IKAW KASI, KASI IKAW" located at SFS' third level. Particpants with 50% score will also be awarded gift certificates courtesy of St. Francis Square.

Registration fee is P450 good for two events with free SFS discount card. Registration is accepted at MCC office located at the Upper 2F of SFS. Deadline is set on March 9. For more details, call 974-74-03 or mobile numbers 0916-852-1069 and 0922-822-6319.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

FISCHER ESTATE UP FOR SETTLEMENT

The 7-year old daughter of the late Bobby Fischer may settle for a share of the estate left by the chess icon with Ms. Miyoko Watai, his long-time partner.

Jinky Young's lawyers, Samuel Estimo and Rudy Tacorda, have been talking to
Watai's lawyer, Arni Vilhjalmsson, and prospects are high that a settlement at the Private Administration level of the Probate Division, Office of the Reykjavik District Commissioner, can be forged by Fischers' heirs.

This means that Fischer's daughter and his Japanese intimate friend may split the 1.07 million Brittish Pound deposited in the Landbanski Is., gold deposits and possible royalties from a film soon to be made on the chess legend's life.

Birna Salome Bjornsdottir,Reykjavik Deputy District Commissioner, has confirmed to Estimo that the claims of the heirs can be settled in a private administration to be conducted by her office, after all supporting documents have been submitted..If no agreement has been reached, the matter will be elevated to the courts, which may require digging up Fischer's tomb for possible DNA testing..

" Bobby will not like to get up and play another round of chess after he had already resigned that's why we will settle for a draw in the endgame over his estate," Estimo said.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

TURQUEZA, FRONDA TOP PALARONG NCR CHESS TOURNAMENT

MARI JOSEPH 'MJ" Turqueza of Quezon City and Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila are the winners in their divisions in the 2007 – 2008 Palarong NCR Chess Tournament which was held at the Valenzuela Convention Center last February 18 – 21, 2008.

Turqueza, 3RD year HS student of Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) defeated Joel Pimentel of La Salle Greenhills in the 7TH round and thus earned the right to represent NCR in the yearly Palarong Pambansa this coming April 20 – 26, 2008 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

"MJ has been successful lately because of his full dedication to chess, uttered his father Atty. Gene Turqueza and chess coach NM / IA Erwin Carag of Diliman Preparatory School." Turqueza topped the recent NCFP Executive Tournament, Bgy. Aldana Las Piñas Chess Tournament and the MCC Under-16 Chess Tourney.

Turqueza will be joined in the Palarong Pambansa by RTU bet Richelieu Salcedo of Mandaluyong in the HS boys division. Quezon City also topped the team event, courtesy of MJ Turqueza and Avhix Alfonso. In the HS girls, Jodilyn Fronda and Cherry Mejia both Manila players won the event. In the elementary boys, Melvin Kenneth Baltazar and Homel Cunanan are victorious while in the elementary girls, Arvie Lozano of Makati and Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina are the clear winners.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Saturday, February 23, 2008

AEROFLOT CHESS OPEN - FINAL

FILIPINO GOMEZ BEATS UKRAINIAN GM TO FINISH IN 15TH

FILIPINO International Master John Paul Gomez (2469) shocked Ukrainian Grandmaster Adam Tukhaev (2524) in the ninth and final round last Friday to finish in a tie for 15th to 27th placers at the conclusion of Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival at the Gamma-Delta Hotel in Moscow, Russia

The former four-time Philippine Junior champion Gomez finished with 5.5 points on account of four wins, three draws and two loses and landed at 21st placers after the tie break points was applied.

However, compatriot IM Julio Catalino Sadorra suffered his third consecutive loses at the hands of Croatian GM Davor Rogic (2504), to stuck at 3.0 points with 2 wins, 2 draws, 5 loses and landed at 76th placers.

Russian GM Marat Askarov (2521) edges Chinese untitled player Weigi Zhou (2530) in a bucholz tie break points and went home the championships trophy in the A2 division which lured by 92 wood pushers. The duo finished with 7.0 points each, half point ahead with joint third placers---another Chinese untitled player Yunguo Wan (2389), Russian IM Dmitry Kryakvin (2535) and Georgian GM Giorgi Kacheishvili (2544).

In the A1 premiere section, Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2600) split the point with Ukrainian GM Andrei Volokitin (2674) to snare the coveted title with 7.0 points.

GM Alexander Motylev (2644) and GM Alexey Dreev (2633) of Russia, both agreed a silent draw to finish identical 6.5 points apiece for second and third placers.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

INTON CHESS CUP

BRGY. QUIRINO 2-B "A" TOPS INTON CHESS CUP

BARANGAY Quirino 2-B "A" blanked Barangay San Roque "A", 4-0, in the seventh and final round to emerge over-all topnotcher in the just concluded Quezon City Inter Barangay District III Chess Team Tournament dubbed as Ariel Inton Chess Cup was held at the Barangay Quirino covered court last Feb. 17 in Quezon City.

The Barangay Quirino 2-B "A" which compose of Julius Sinangote, Gary Legaspi, Jason Rojo, Macapagal Paquital and Jose Aquino finished with total 21.5 points, two full points ahead of runner-up Barangay Socorro (19.5 points) and 2.5 points ahead of third placer Quirino 2-B "B" (19 points).

The fourth and fifth placers went to Quirino 3A with 18.5 points and Marilag with 17.5 points.

Inton, also the Majority Floor Leader, presented the trophy and cash prizes to the top five finishers, assisted by tournament director Tito Estaris and chief arbiter IA Gene Poliarco.

Completing the top 10 finishers were Loyola Heights, sixth with 15.5 points, West Kamias-A, seventh with 15.5 points, Libis, eight with 15 points, Quirino 2-A, ninth with 15 points and San Roque-A, tenth with 13.5 points.

The top five barangays earned the right to participate in the grand finals scheduled May 17-18 at the Amoranto Theathers Arts along Scout Chuatoco St. in Brgy. Paligsahan.

At stake in the grand championships are trophies and cash prizes put up by Inton, with the champion getting the lion's share of P20,000 trophy. The runner-up will receive P10,000 plus trophy and the third placer will pocket P5,000.

Last Jan.19, Barangay Mariana topped the District IV elimination with 22.5 points.

Four other Barangays-- Old Capitol Site (20.5 points), Santol (19.0 points), Tatalon (17.5 points) and Dona Aurora (17.0 points)-also made in to the tournament proper.

Also scheduled are eliminations in District II on March 15-16 at the Novaliches District Plaza; and District I eliminations on April 22-23 at the QC Hall Path Walk.

Call/text tournament director Tito Estaris at mobile no. 0927-966-8522 or Dimple Dagasdas at tel no. 922-2913 for complete details.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Thursday, February 21, 2008

CANNES CHESS RESULTS

CEBUANO SANCHEZ EARNS HIS FIRST GM RESULTS IN CANNES CHESS

Final Standings: (108 player's field, 11 GM, 16 IM, 9 FM)

7.0 points---GM Christian Bauer (France), GM Ruben Felgaer (Argentina), IM Joseph Sanchez (PHILIPPINES)

6.5 points---GM Hichem Hamdouchi (Morocco), GM Ognjen Cvitan (Croatia), IM Gergely Antal (Hungrary), IM Oleg Gladyszev (Russia), GM Miroljub Lazic (Serbia and Montegro)

FINALLY after six year's campaigning it, Europe-based Joseph Sanchez earned his first Grandmaster results/ norms in the recently concluded 2008 Festival International Des Jeux last Feb. 13 to 17 in Cannes, France.

The Cebuano-native Sanchez, a protégé of NM Matias "Bombi" Aznar, finished with 7.0 points on account of six wins, two draws and a loss after nine games of play and equivalent total performance of 2634 and enough to nail his coveted first GM results according to the Fide (World Chess Federation) Handbook rules.

It was one of the annual tough events in France chess which attracted 108 player's field, a total of 11 GMs, 16 IMs and 9 FMs seeing in action.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. elated big win of Sanchez in the Euro Chess Circuit.

"He (Joseph Sanchez) made the country proud, in behalf of the NCFP we would like to congratulate him for his feat," said Pichay.

Aznar, former president of the defunct Philippine Chess Federation (PCF) and president of the South Western University said, "Proud na proud kaming mga Cebuano sa napakagandang performance ni Joseph (Sanchez) sana magtuloy-tuloy na," he added.

Actually, Sanchez ended in a tie for fist with GM Christian Bauer of France and GM Ruben Felgaer of Argentina, however, Bauer who inflicted the only loss of Sanchez in the seventh round took the title virtue of a higher 53.5 buchol'z tie break bested Felgaer's 52.5 and Sanchez's 52.

"Yes, nakuha ko ang GM norm sa Cannes Open," Sanchez told to this writer yesterday.

Among Sanchez victims that includes WFM Anne Muller, Nicolas Maleki, IM Charles Lamoreux, GM Ruben Felgaer, GM Manuel Apicella and Vladimir Doncea. His draw against Sebastian Midoux, and GM Hichem Hamdouchi.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

AEROFLOT OPEN ROUND-8

GOMEZ WINS, SADORRA FALLS

FILIPINO International Master John Paul Gomez (2469) defeated Russian FM Andrey Okara (2402), however compatriot IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2423) succumbed to Russian GM Aleksandr Rakhmanov (2524) after the Thursday's eight round of Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival at the Gamma-Delta Hotel in Moscow, Russia

The 24-year-old Gomez, a former four-time Philippine Junior champion from La Salle-Taft raised his total 4.5 points and move into a tie for 25th to 37th placers in the company of ninth round opponent Ukrainian GM Adam Tukhaev (2524), winner over Chinese untitled player Chen Lin (2378). While the 21-year-old Singapore-based Sadorra remains at 3.0 points and dropped into a tie for 69th to 79th placers. Sadorra next assignment is Croatian GM Davor Rogic (2504), who beat Turkmenistan IM Mert Erdogdu (2434).

Meanwhile, Russian GM Marat Askarov (2521) notch his second straight draw over countryman IM Dmitry Kryakvin (2535) but still on top with 6.5 points with one round to go. Kryakvin along with GM Stanislav Novikov (2545) of Russia, Weigi Zhou (2530) and Yunguo Wan (2389) of China joints in second placers with 6.0 points each.

In the A1 premiere section, Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2600) toppled Vietnamese GM Le Quang Liem (2540) to grabs the solo leadership board with 6.5 points. GM Alexey Dreev (2633) and GM Alexander Motylev (2644) share second to 3rd placers with 6.0 points each.

Dreev made a quit draw over GM Gadir Guseinov (2617) of Azerbaijan while Motylev beat GM Maxin Rodshtein (2614) of Israel.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

UPDATE ON AEROFLOT CHESS OPEN

SADORRA, GOMEZ SETTLED FOR A DRAW IN ROUND-6 OF MOSCOW TILT

FILIPINO International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra (2423) settled for a draw with Russian GM Igor Yagupov (2491) even as compatriot IM John Paul Gomez (2469) split the point with untitled Chinese Ju Wenjun (2360) after the sixth round of Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival at the Gamma-Delta Hotel in Moscow, Russia late Tuesday.

With the results of the draw, both, Sadorra and Gomez,both in the 37th to 56th placers, raised their total to 3.0 points. They both had a tough situation and needed to sweep all three remaining assignments to clinch their second GM results and norms according to chess benefactor Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., also the president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

It is the first time that the Philippines is represented in the event, one of the most prestigious in the world. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under Pichay decided to send two of the country's leading players for the experience and to give them a chance to earn a GM norm.

"Mahirap na talaga, prayer na lamang talaga at himala ang kailangan dahil kailangan nilang matalo ang kanilang nalalabing kalaban sa posibleng second GM results," said Pichay, who produce three grandmasters under his term---Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and Jayson Gonzales.

"Pero kung hindi man makuha nila (Gomez at Sadorra) ay ok na din kasi experience din y'ung pagsali nila sa Aeroflot," added Pichay, who is hoping two more grandmasters to produce before end of the year in the likes of Sadorra and Gomez.

In the Wednesday's seventh round, Sadorra will meet Russian GM Aleksandr Rakhmanov (2524), who beat Armenian FM Samvel Sahakyan-Ter (2369) while Gomez will square off with Chinese untitled Siyuan Shen (2339), who held into a draw with Russian GM Sergei Beshukov (2458).

The A2 division, which is lured by 92 woodpushers is open to players with a Fide rating of less than 2550 but higher than 2399. At stake in the category are cash prizes, with the champion getting the lion's share of $12,000, the runner-up $8,000, the third placer $5,000, the fourth placer $2,500 and the fifth placer $1,500.

Meanwhile, Marat Askarov (2521) crushed fellow Russian GM Evgeny Vorobiov (2537) to remain on top with 5.5 points, one point head to the closes rival.

In the A1 premiere section, Alexey Dreev (2633) bounced back in contention by beating compatriot Russian Super-GM Artyom Timofeev (2664) to share on top with Russian Super-GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2600) and Israeli Super-GM Maxin Rodshtein (2614) with 5.0 points each. The duo (Nepomniachtchi and Rodshtein) ended their game in a draw.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Saturday, February 16, 2008

PAMPANGA OPEN 2000 CHESS TOURNAMENT

SIGN UP FOR PAMPANGA OPEN 2000 CHESS GETS GOING

REGISTRATION for the much awaited Pampanga Open 2000 Chess Tournament is now in full swing at the Robinson's Plaza in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.

The champion will get the lion's share of P6,000, the runner-up P4,000, the third placer P2,000, fourth placer P1,000 and fifth placer P800 with all trophies.

Sixth place receives P700 plus medals while 7th to 10th placers gets P500 each plus medals.

Other prizes that includes top elementary, high school, college, lady and 55-years-old and above likewise receive P500 each plus medals.

A joint project of J.J.Memorial Chess Club and Good Move Chess Club, open to all player with a local rating 2000 below which kick off on March 8, 2008, Saturday.

The registration fee is P300 for non-Pampanga players while P200 for Pampanga players.

For inquiries, call or text Vic Noel Salomia at mobile no. 0916-437-6102 and Andy Dizon at 0917-354-1086 for complete details.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

PINOYS LOSE IN OPENING OF AEROFLOT CHESS

MOSCOW CHESS: DOUBLE BLACK EYE FOR RP CHESSERS DUE TO FATIGUE

A lowly FIDE Master but dangerous player from Armenia shocked Filipino International Master John Paul Gomez at the start of the Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival in Moscow late Thursday.

Gomez, former two-time Philippine Junior champion, who is rated 2469, 100 ELO rating points higher bowed to Samvel Ter-Sahakyan who totes ELO of 2369.

It was a double black eye for the Philippines when compatriot International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra (2423) also lost to Russian IM Konstantin Maslak (2510).

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is hoping that the two Filipino campaigners will bounce back in the next round.

"Pagod sa biyahe sina JP (Gomez) at Ino (Sadorra) kaya natalo sila sa 1st round, pero kumpiyansa ako na makakabawi sila sa next round tutal nagsisimula pa lamang ang laban at malayo pa," Pichay said yesterday, who funded the Filipinos' participation.

Gomez and Sadorra, both dropped their opening matches using the disadvantageous black pieces, aiming to obtain their second Grandmaster results in the A2 division confined to players with ELO ratings of less than 2550 but higher than 2399.

In the second round late Friday, Gomez takes on IM Andrei Purtov of Russia (2403) while Sadorra opposite IM Abdullah Hassan of United Arab Emirate (2328).

Meanwhile, top seed Russian GM Semen Dvoirys (2549) trounced Armenian IM Davit Petrosian (2459) to open his bid in a high note. However, No.2 pick Alexei Iljushin (2549) forced a fighting draw with fellow Russian GM Sergei Beshukov (2458).

The A2 division champion gets $12,000, the runner-up $8,000, the third placer $5,000, the fourth placer $2,500 and the fifth placer $1,500.

In the A1 division, tournament favorites Armenian Super-GM Vladimir Akopian (2700) also held into a draw with Azerbaijan GM Rauf Mamedov (2583) while second seed Ukrainian Super-GM Andrei Volokitin (2674) was yielded to Armenian GM Artashes Minasian (2578), one of the upset so far.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

AEROFLOT CHESS OPEN 2008

SADORRA VS RUSSIAN IM; GOMEZ TAKES ON ARMENIAN FM

FILIPINO International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra will meet Russian IM Konstantin Maslak while IM John Paul Gomez takes on Armenian Fide Master Samvel Ter-Sahakyan at the start of Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival in Moscow, Russia on Thursday.

Both, Sadorra and Gomez eyeing their second GM norm in the A2 division according to Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., who financed their trip, also the president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

According to the tournament's official website yesterday, the Singapore-based Sadorra is ranked 65 here in Aeroflot Chess tilt with an ELO of 2423 while Maslak totes an ELO of 2510 and is ranked 19.

Gomez, on the other hand, is ranked 40 with an ELO of 2469 while Sahakyan is No.86 with 2369.

Gomez replaced compatriot Grandmaster Mark Paragua, who failed to show up during pre-departure proceedings according to NCFP, the sole governing chess body.

"I'm very confident that Ino (Sadorra) and JP (Gomez) will perform well in Aeroflot Chess and I hope both of them get their GM norms," said Pichay, who produced three GMs---Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and Jayson Gonzales under his term.

Russian GMs Semen Dvoirys and Alexei Iljushin, are both the top two seed in A2 division with ELO of 2549 while Armenian GM Vladimir Akopian is the tournament favorite in A1 division with ELO of 2700 followed by No.2 Ukrainian GM Andrei Volokitin with ELO of 2674.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Saturday, February 9, 2008

PARAGUA, SADORRA TO COMPETE IN MOSCOW CHESS TILT

GRANDMASTER (GM) Mark "Mac-mac"Paragua and IM Julio "Ino" Catalino Sadorra are vying for the Tough Aeroflot Open 2008 International Chess Festival set on February 13-23 at the Hotel Gamma-Delta (Tourist Complex of Ismailovo) in Moscow, Russia.

This will be the first time that the 23-year-old Paragua and the 21-year-old Sadorra will be competing in the prestigious annual tournament which is bankrolled by Aeroflot, the Russian Airlines.

Paragua, the 2003 Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete with three gold, ranked third in the country with an Elo of 2521, and Sadorra, rated 17th with Elo of 2423, are both entered in the Division B which is open to players with a Fide rating of less than 2550 but higher than 2399.

"Magbigat ang laban po dito at I hope makapag perform tayo ng maganda, saka ok na experience na din ito," said Paragua, who is fresh from winning the Grandsmaster (GM) B close tournament of the inauguration of ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit in Tarakan, Indonesia last month.

At stake in the category are cash prizes, with the champion getting the lion's share of US$12,000, the runner-up pocketing US$8,000, the third placer earning US$5,000, the fourth placer getting US$2,500 and the fifth placer US$1,500.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very confident that the two woodpushers will perform well.

"Maganda ang pinakikita nina Mac-mac at Ino (Paragua and Sadorra) sa mga nakalipas na event, kaya natitiyak ko na maganda din ang magiging performance nila sa Aeroflot bagama't alam natin kung gaano kabigat ang field," said Pichay, who bankrolled the trip of Paragua and Sadorra.

Under the leadership of Pichay, the former representative from second district of Surigao del Sur, already produced three grandmasters---Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and Jayson Gonzales.

"Hopefully dalawang GM pa ma produce natin sa taong ito," Pichay referring to Sadorra and John Paul Gomez, former national junior champion.


CHESS ARBITERS TOURNEY BEGINS TOMORROW

THE Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines (CAAP) will hold "Chess Arbiters Tournament", February 10, 2008, tomorrow, Sunday 10:00am at Ramon Magsaysay High School, infront of Nepa Q-Mart, Cubao, Quezon City.

The 5 rounds Swiss System 15/15min per players Blitz Chess Tournament is open to all Active/Inactive Club Arbiters, Regional Arbiters and National Arbiters in the Philippines. The Top 5 Players will receive trophies and gift items each which is sponsored by Mary Grace Asanion of the Royale Business Club. Entry Fee is P100.00 only.

Part of the activity is holding the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines (CAAP) its annual Election of Officers which was announce by CAAP current President NA Rey Colitoy as approved by its Board of Directors in their meeting held last month.

For inquiries text NA Rey. Colitoy at cell#0917-5380022 and NA Gatz Luz at cell#09226373365.

OTHER NEWS:

PAEZ BARES CHESS PLANS

AFTER the successful 4th UPLB Chess Tourney, Dr. Alfredo Paez, President of Laguna Chess Association (LCA), bared the chess programs of LCA for the entire 2008.

These are the following events: March 9 - 3rd Chancellor's Cup in University of the Philippines Los Banos; March 23-26 - 1st Laguna Junior & Kiddie Chess Championships in Sta. Rosa City.; April 20 - 1st Cavinti Rapid Non-Master in Cavinti, Laguna ; May 4 - 2nd Gov. Lazaro Chess Cup in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; June 15 - 2nd Letran-Calamba Rapid Non-Master at Letran-Calamba. ; July 4-6 -1st Laguna FIDE-Rated Invitational Chess Tournament in Calamba City.; August 2-3 - 6th Gov. Lazaro Inter-Town Chess Team Championships in Cabuyao, September 21 - 1st Laguna Executive Chess Tournament in Binan, Lagnua .; October 25-26 - 2nd Sta.Rosa City Inter-Commercial Team Tourney in Sta. Rosa City.; November 30 - 3rd Dr. Paez Chess Cup in Cabuyao, Laguna. December 28 - 2nd Joseph Nelson Kiddie Chess Tournament in Cabuyao, Laguna.

" We hope that we can hold a National Chess Event in 2009 and an International Chess Tourney in 2010. We also hope to make Laguna as the chess model province of the country" Dr. Paez said.

All Articles Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

PROGRESS IN CLAIMING BOBBY FISCHER'S ESTATE

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Prospects are getting brighter for Jinky Young, Bobby Fischer's 7- year old child, to recover the deceased chess icon's estate deposited in an Icelandic bank estimated at 1.07 million pounds.

Lawyers Samuel Estimo and Rudy Tacorda, representing Jinky's mother, Marilyn, have completed their documentary and object evidences in support of the claim. They include two handwritten notes sent to Jinky last year where the chess legend affixed the word, "Daddy," and acknowledged her as his child.

The estate of Fischer could include stockholdings in companies in Iceland. According to Marilyn, Fischer left her instruction to get in touch with a chess Grand master- friend who possibly holds the key to these assets. Grandmaster Eugene Torre is now helping Marilyn locate this person to whom Fischer supposedly entrusted several details about his estate.

Its public knowledge how Fischer kept secrets, some of which he might have brought to his grave. Little is known about his own secret "guerilla" burial which he had arranged before his death. Not even the minister in whose churchyard the grave was dug in secret under cover of darkness knew about Fischer's last getaway.
"Marilyn is a kind- hearted woman and she is willing to share Fischer's estate with Miyoko Watai , the late chess great's alleged widow. She knows Miyoko was very close to Fischer,"Estimo said.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

FISCHER HEIR GOES AFTER ESTATE

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---NCFP executive director lawyer Sammy Estimo of the Tacorda & Associates law firm has been chosen by Marilyn Young, 29, mother of the 7-year old daughter of the late chess legend Bobby Fischer, to recover the 140m Icelandic kronur (£ 1.07m) estate left by the chess genius.

The deal was arranged yesterday with the help of GM Eugene Torre, long-time friend of Fischer.

Marilyn produced the birth and baptism certificates of Fischer's daughter, Jinky, who was born on May 21, 2001 in Baguio City. She also turned over to Estimo the child's passport, her fotos with Fischer and their child with signed notes, and the latest bank remittance by Fischer of 1,500 Euros to her daughter on December 4, 2007.

According to Marilyn, she and her child went to Iceland in September, 2005 and stayed with Fischer for 3 weeks. That was the last time, however, that mother and daughter saw the chess legend. But Marilyn said she and Fischer texted each other everyday. The last time they talked to each was on January 16, at 11:00 in the evening. The next day, Fischer died at the hospital where he was confined.

Estimo has started the paper work for the recovery of Fischer's estate. Opposition, however, is expected to come from Miyoko Watai, the alleged Japanese wife of Fischer and from his brother-in-law, Russel Tang and his two sons.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO

Sunday, February 3, 2008

QUEZON CITY DISTRICT 3 CHESSFEST SET



THE registration of District 3 elimination round of Quezon City Inter Barangay Chess Team Tournament is now on full swing at the office Quezon City majority floor leader and councilor Ariel Inton.

Barangay Quirino will host the district 3 meet on February 16-17 in Quezon City.

" We're encouraging and inviting all barangays in District III to take part in this event, which is held as part of Sports Tourism program of the City," said Inton, a well known sports advocate.

Inton added that the top five barangays in District III will join the top finishers in the other three districts in the tournament proper scheduled May 17-18 at the Amoranto Theather Arts along Sgt. Chuatoco St., Quezon City.

At stake in the grand championships are trophies and cash prizes put up by Inton in close cooperation with QC mayor Sonny Belmonte and Eurotel, with the champion team getting the lion's share of P20,000 plus trophy.

The runner-up will receive P10,000 and trophy and the third placer will pocket P5,000.

Last January 19, Barangay Mariana under chair Regina San Miguel topped the district IV elimination with 22.5 points.

Four other barangays—Old Capitol (20.5), Santol (19), Tatalon (17.5), and Dona Aurora (17)-also made it to the tournament proper. All five barangays also earned P2,000 each.

For inquiries, call/text tournament director Tito Estaris at mobile no. 0927-966-8522 or Dimple Dagasdas at tel no. 922-2913.

Contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO