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
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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
SO BEATS BONG IN 50 MOVES OF QUEEN'S GAMBIT
WESLEY SO notched his fifth win after 50 moves of Queen's Gambit over fellow GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor to remain on top Thursday in the eighth round of the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of City State Hotel.
So, who played with the black pieces, improved his tournament-leading total to 6.5 points including three draws in this unique 11 round Swiss-System tournament which offers a top prize of P200,000.
"Krusyal ang nalalabing last three rounds po, hope mahawakan po natin ang momentum," said So, who is eyeing his first round-robin title. His last three round matches against IM Richard Bitoon (round 9), NM OliveBarbosa (round 10) and IM John Paul Gomez (round 11).
Asia's first GM Eugene Torre, So's closest pursuer, failed to keep pace following a draw with National Master Oliver Barbosa.
Torre, who remained undefeated, agreed to split the point after 56 moves of Nimzo Indian. He improved his total to 5.5 points.
Catching Torre at second was International Master Richard Bitoon, who scalped National Master Hamed Nouri after 33 moves of Scotch.
GM Joey Antonio and IM John Paul Gomez were another half-point behind after similar fighting draws.
Antonio, the second highest rated player in the field, halved the point with IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 32 moves of Nimzo Indian while Gomez salvaged a draw against GM Jayson Gonzales after 41 moves of Queen's Gambit Chigorin.
Gonzales appeared to be on his way to his first win in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with pawns on the a-file and b-file. But Gomez cushioned the disadvantage with well-placed rook and bishop.
NM Rolando Nolte continued his steady climb in the leader board by dealing FIDE Master Fernie Donguines another loss after 31 moves of English Opening. His 4.5 points gave him sole possession of sixth place, not bad for a guy who dropped his opening match.
WESLEY SO REMAINS ON TOP
GM Wesley So defeated FM Fernie Donguines after 48 moves of a Sicilian Defense using the black pieces to remain on top after the sixth round late Tuesday in the ongoing Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters.
The 14-year-old So, who was held into a draw with NM Nouri Hamed after 30 moves of a Reti Opening in the fifth round on Monday notch 5.0 points on account of 4 wins and 2 draws in six outings. He is schedule to meet today IM Rolando Nolte for the seventh round.
"Mahirap pa pong magsalita basta gagawin ko lamang ang aking best," said So when this writer asked him if he can win the top prize of P200,000.
" Masuwerte ako ngayon," added So, who had an Elo rating of 2540 in the April 1, 2008 FIDE list. So increased his Elo rating to 2561 Elo rating points because of his
impressive performance in winning the tough Dubai Open Chess and by beating Indon GM Susanto Megaranto in their one-on-one duel.
Meanwhile, GM Eugene Torre continued his impressive showing by beating fellow GM Bong Villamayor after 40 moves of a Pirc Defense last night. kagabi. Torre is coming a draw with IM Rolando Nolte after 43 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense in the fifth round.
Torre now has 4.5 points, the same output of IM John Paul Gomez to tie at 2nd to 3rd placers.
Despite Gomez bowing to Donguines in the fifth round after 117 moves of an Owens Defense, Gomez bounced back in contention by trouncing IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 32 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense.
In other matches saw (sixth round), Nolte beat Hamed; IM Richard Bitoon disposed GM Jayson Gonzales, while IM Oliver Barbosa split the point with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
So, who played with the black pieces, improved his tournament-leading total to 6.5 points including three draws in this unique 11 round Swiss-System tournament which offers a top prize of P200,000.
"Krusyal ang nalalabing last three rounds po, hope mahawakan po natin ang momentum," said So, who is eyeing his first round-robin title. His last three round matches against IM Richard Bitoon (round 9), NM OliveBarbosa (round 10) and IM John Paul Gomez (round 11).
Asia's first GM Eugene Torre, So's closest pursuer, failed to keep pace following a draw with National Master Oliver Barbosa.
Torre, who remained undefeated, agreed to split the point after 56 moves of Nimzo Indian. He improved his total to 5.5 points.
Catching Torre at second was International Master Richard Bitoon, who scalped National Master Hamed Nouri after 33 moves of Scotch.
GM Joey Antonio and IM John Paul Gomez were another half-point behind after similar fighting draws.
Antonio, the second highest rated player in the field, halved the point with IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 32 moves of Nimzo Indian while Gomez salvaged a draw against GM Jayson Gonzales after 41 moves of Queen's Gambit Chigorin.
Gonzales appeared to be on his way to his first win in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with pawns on the a-file and b-file. But Gomez cushioned the disadvantage with well-placed rook and bishop.
NM Rolando Nolte continued his steady climb in the leader board by dealing FIDE Master Fernie Donguines another loss after 31 moves of English Opening. His 4.5 points gave him sole possession of sixth place, not bad for a guy who dropped his opening match.
WESLEY SO REMAINS ON TOP
GM Wesley So defeated FM Fernie Donguines after 48 moves of a Sicilian Defense using the black pieces to remain on top after the sixth round late Tuesday in the ongoing Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters.
The 14-year-old So, who was held into a draw with NM Nouri Hamed after 30 moves of a Reti Opening in the fifth round on Monday notch 5.0 points on account of 4 wins and 2 draws in six outings. He is schedule to meet today IM Rolando Nolte for the seventh round.
"Mahirap pa pong magsalita basta gagawin ko lamang ang aking best," said So when this writer asked him if he can win the top prize of P200,000.
" Masuwerte ako ngayon," added So, who had an Elo rating of 2540 in the April 1, 2008 FIDE list. So increased his Elo rating to 2561 Elo rating points because of his
impressive performance in winning the tough Dubai Open Chess and by beating Indon GM Susanto Megaranto in their one-on-one duel.
Meanwhile, GM Eugene Torre continued his impressive showing by beating fellow GM Bong Villamayor after 40 moves of a Pirc Defense last night. kagabi. Torre is coming a draw with IM Rolando Nolte after 43 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense in the fifth round.
Torre now has 4.5 points, the same output of IM John Paul Gomez to tie at 2nd to 3rd placers.
Despite Gomez bowing to Donguines in the fifth round after 117 moves of an Owens Defense, Gomez bounced back in contention by trouncing IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 32 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense.
In other matches saw (sixth round), Nolte beat Hamed; IM Richard Bitoon disposed GM Jayson Gonzales, while IM Oliver Barbosa split the point with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
WESLEY SO GRABS SOLO LEAD
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 3:(Mens Division)
3.0 points---GM Wesley So,
2.5 points---GM Eugene Torre, IM John Paul Gomez, IM Julio Catalino Sadorra
2.0 points--- GM Rogelio Antonio, IM Richard Bitoon,
1.5 point---FM Fernie Donguines
1.0 point---NM Nouri Hamed,
0.5 point---GM Jayson Gonzales, GM Bong Villamayor, IM Rolando Nolte, NM Oliver Barbosa
GRANDMASTER Wesley So got the better of fellow GM Jayson Gonzales to grab solo leadership after three rounds, Sunday in the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of the City State Hotel in Mabini.
The highest rated Filipino player with 2540 ELO pushed his total to perfect 3.0 points, half point ahead of GM Eugene Torre, IM John Paul Gomez and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra who are in joint second to 5th placers with 2.5 points each.
So, 14, the world's youngest grandmaster prevailed with the black pieces in their English Opening, Symetrical System after 41 moves.
"Medyo pinalad lamang po tayo kay kuya Jayson (Gonzales) kasi pumasok sa preparasyon po natin," said So, who is fresh from winning the tough Dubai Open Chess Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and winning the one-on-one duel with Indon GM Susanto Megranto in Jakarta, Indonesia respectively to increase his ELO from 2540 to 2567.
Torre, on the other hand defeated NM Nouri Hamed to post his second straight win after settling a draw with Gonzales in the opener, Gomez halved the point with IM Richard Bitoon while Sadorra upset fellow Singapore-based GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., meanwhile bounced back in contention in this P200,000 top purse tournament after losing to So in the second round on Saturday, beat IM Rolando Nolte.
"Focus lamang, talagang concentrated tayo sa laro natin kay Nolts (Rolando Nolte), beside talagang magaling na si Wesley (So)," said Antonio, many-times national open champion
In the distaff side, WNM Cila Cua outclassed WIM Beverly Mendoza in 35 moves of the Benoni to keep the solo lead with three straight wins in the women's division.
Shercila's sister, WNMSherily, downed Asian Games bet WNM Jedara Docena in 39 moves of the Sicilian for her second win in three matches.
In other matches, WNM Catherine Pereena subdued WNM Cheradee Chardine Camacho in 36 moves of the Nimzo-Indian; WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales defeated WNM Enerose Magno in 36 moves of the Bird's opening; and WNM Kimberly Jane Cunanan split the point with WNM Aices Salvador.
Two rounds will be played (Monday) starting at 9 a.m.
At stake in the unique, 11-round tournament supported by PAGCOR and City State Hotel are cash prizes with the men's champion getting P200,000 and the women's titlist earning P50,000.
Aside from the champion's purses, the NCFP will also give away P100,000 to the men's runner-up and P70,000 to the men's third placer; and P40,000 to the women's runner-up and P30,000 to the women's third placer.
Other cash prizes are fourth placer, P50,000; fifth placer, P30,000; and sixth placer, P20.000.
In the women's division, the fourth to sixth placers will get P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.
Tournament director is Willie Abalos, while chief arbiter is Elias Lao.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
3.0 points---GM Wesley So,
2.5 points---GM Eugene Torre, IM John Paul Gomez, IM Julio Catalino Sadorra
2.0 points--- GM Rogelio Antonio, IM Richard Bitoon,
1.5 point---FM Fernie Donguines
1.0 point---NM Nouri Hamed,
0.5 point---GM Jayson Gonzales, GM Bong Villamayor, IM Rolando Nolte, NM Oliver Barbosa
GRANDMASTER Wesley So got the better of fellow GM Jayson Gonzales to grab solo leadership after three rounds, Sunday in the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of the City State Hotel in Mabini.
The highest rated Filipino player with 2540 ELO pushed his total to perfect 3.0 points, half point ahead of GM Eugene Torre, IM John Paul Gomez and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra who are in joint second to 5th placers with 2.5 points each.
So, 14, the world's youngest grandmaster prevailed with the black pieces in their English Opening, Symetrical System after 41 moves.
"Medyo pinalad lamang po tayo kay kuya Jayson (Gonzales) kasi pumasok sa preparasyon po natin," said So, who is fresh from winning the tough Dubai Open Chess Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and winning the one-on-one duel with Indon GM Susanto Megranto in Jakarta, Indonesia respectively to increase his ELO from 2540 to 2567.
Torre, on the other hand defeated NM Nouri Hamed to post his second straight win after settling a draw with Gonzales in the opener, Gomez halved the point with IM Richard Bitoon while Sadorra upset fellow Singapore-based GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor.
GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., meanwhile bounced back in contention in this P200,000 top purse tournament after losing to So in the second round on Saturday, beat IM Rolando Nolte.
"Focus lamang, talagang concentrated tayo sa laro natin kay Nolts (Rolando Nolte), beside talagang magaling na si Wesley (So)," said Antonio, many-times national open champion
In the distaff side, WNM Cila Cua outclassed WIM Beverly Mendoza in 35 moves of the Benoni to keep the solo lead with three straight wins in the women's division.
Shercila's sister, WNMSherily, downed Asian Games bet WNM Jedara Docena in 39 moves of the Sicilian for her second win in three matches.
In other matches, WNM Catherine Pereena subdued WNM Cheradee Chardine Camacho in 36 moves of the Nimzo-Indian; WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales defeated WNM Enerose Magno in 36 moves of the Bird's opening; and WNM Kimberly Jane Cunanan split the point with WNM Aices Salvador.
Two rounds will be played (Monday) starting at 9 a.m.
At stake in the unique, 11-round tournament supported by PAGCOR and City State Hotel are cash prizes with the men's champion getting P200,000 and the women's titlist earning P50,000.
Aside from the champion's purses, the NCFP will also give away P100,000 to the men's runner-up and P70,000 to the men's third placer; and P40,000 to the women's runner-up and P30,000 to the women's third placer.
Other cash prizes are fourth placer, P50,000; fifth placer, P30,000; and sixth placer, P20.000.
In the women's division, the fourth to sixth placers will get P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.
Tournament director is Willie Abalos, while chief arbiter is Elias Lao.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
SO, GOMEZ KEEP THEIR HOLD OF THE LEAD
AS BERNALES STUNS MENDOZA
GRANDMASTER Wesley So and International Master John Paul Gomez hurdled their respective rivals to remain on top after round 2 Saturday in the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of the City State Hotel in Mabini.
The 14 year old Wesley So, currently the world's youngest GM, beat GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. after 50 moves of Caro-Kann Defense to notch his second point in the FIDE rated event, organized and sponsored by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. in close cooperation with PAGCOR and City State Hotel.
The country's highest rated player made full use of his knight and bishop to gain positional advantage. Antonio was forced to give up a rook to prevent So's pawn on the c-file from advancing.
"Medyo complicated 'yung laro namin ni Kuya Joey (Antonio), buti nakuha sa tiyaga po," said So, incoming third year student at the St. Francis of Assisi in Bacoor.
Earlier, Gomez upset Singapore-based GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor in 41 moves of Benko Opening. The 21-year-old two-time national junior champion was two pawns up when Villamayor waved the white flag. Gomez also had an unstoppable pawn on the g-file.
Half point behind the co-leaders were GM Eugene Torre, National Master Hamed Nouri and Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon.
Torre outplayed FIDE Master Fernie Donguines after 56 moves of Alekhine while handling the black pieces for the second straight game; Nouri stunned GM-elect Jayson Gonzales after 27 moves of London Opening; and Bitoon downed NM Oliver Barbosa after 41 moves of Sicilian.
IM Julio Catalino Sadorra and NM Rolando Nolte, who both dropped their opener, split the point after 40 moves of French Defense to join the day's losers at 0.5.
In the distaff side, Woman National Master Christine Bernales shocked Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza after 46 moves of Sicilian and registered the biggest upset so far.
"Nakita ko na pag Rh1 ko ay panalo na ako," said Bernales, 3rd year HS student at the University of the East- Manila.
In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena toppled WNM Kimberly Cunanan after 46 moves of Center-Counter; WNM Rulp Ylem Jose beat WNM Enerose Magno after 40 moves of Nimzovitch Defense; WNM Shercila Cua nipped WNM Aices Salvador after 40 moves of French; WNM Catherine Pereña outmaneuvered WNM Jenny Palomo after 31 moves of Bishop Opening; and WNM Sherily Cua scalped WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho after 55 moves of French.
WESLESY SO WINS OPEN IN RP BATTLE OF THE GMs
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---GRANDMASTER Wesley So trounced International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra after 36-moves, Friday at the start of the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of City State Hotel in Mabini, Manila.
Employing the black pieces, So sacrificed a pawn in the middle game to gain the initiative.
Sadorra fell to the bait and So made him pay dearly for it. With So's knight proving to be unstoppable, Sadorra was forced to resign.
"Complicated 'yung middle game namin," related So, currently the youngest GM in the world. "Mas pinili ko na 'yung magbigay ng pawn para makapag-create ng atake."
The 14-year-old sophomore student at St. Francis of Assisi in Bacoor, Cavite was the first player to notch a full point in the FIDE rated tournament.
Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and GM-elect Jayson Gonzales split the point in their Slav encounter.
Gonzales, playing with white, appeared to be on his way to victory with solid center pawns. But Torre managed to force a repetition of moves, leading to a draw after 32 pushes.
" Ok lamang ang draw, para makapag preserba ng lakas sa susunod na round. Beside si Eugene (Torre) din yan," said Gonzales, top player of the Philippine Army.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. said the round-robin event will serve as this year's national championship.
"These players are the strongest we have in the country," said Pichay during the brief opening ceremony which graced by no less than Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William "Butch" Ramirez and NCFP director Wilfredo "Willie" Abalos.
"We need competitive tournaments like this to improve the level of play of our players. Soon enough we will be a force to reckon with again in the international scene." said Pichay.
"Chess is the superior game in all sports, dahil ito ay mental sports." he added. "We have to look super gm 5 years from now." last word of Pichay, who already prdouce three grandmaster under his term.
The other opening round matches pit GM Joey Antonio against National Master Hamed Nouri, GM Bong Villamayor against IM Oliver Barbosa, IM Rolando Nolte against IM John Paul Gomez and IM Richard Bitoon against FIDE Master Fernie Donguines.
In the distaff side, Woman National Master Aices Salvador trunced back WNM Christy Bernales after 22 moves of French while WNM Shercila Cua beat WNM Jedara Docena after 20 moves of Queen's Pawn Game.
The other matches in the women's side pit Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza against WNM Rulp Ylem Jose, WNM Enerose Magno against Jennelyn Paloma Gonzales, WNM Kimberly Cunanan against WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho and WNM Sherily Cua against WNM Catherine Pereña.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
GRANDMASTER Wesley So and International Master John Paul Gomez hurdled their respective rivals to remain on top after round 2 Saturday in the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of the City State Hotel in Mabini.
The 14 year old Wesley So, currently the world's youngest GM, beat GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. after 50 moves of Caro-Kann Defense to notch his second point in the FIDE rated event, organized and sponsored by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. in close cooperation with PAGCOR and City State Hotel.
The country's highest rated player made full use of his knight and bishop to gain positional advantage. Antonio was forced to give up a rook to prevent So's pawn on the c-file from advancing.
"Medyo complicated 'yung laro namin ni Kuya Joey (Antonio), buti nakuha sa tiyaga po," said So, incoming third year student at the St. Francis of Assisi in Bacoor.
Earlier, Gomez upset Singapore-based GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor in 41 moves of Benko Opening. The 21-year-old two-time national junior champion was two pawns up when Villamayor waved the white flag. Gomez also had an unstoppable pawn on the g-file.
Half point behind the co-leaders were GM Eugene Torre, National Master Hamed Nouri and Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon.
Torre outplayed FIDE Master Fernie Donguines after 56 moves of Alekhine while handling the black pieces for the second straight game; Nouri stunned GM-elect Jayson Gonzales after 27 moves of London Opening; and Bitoon downed NM Oliver Barbosa after 41 moves of Sicilian.
IM Julio Catalino Sadorra and NM Rolando Nolte, who both dropped their opener, split the point after 40 moves of French Defense to join the day's losers at 0.5.
In the distaff side, Woman National Master Christine Bernales shocked Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza after 46 moves of Sicilian and registered the biggest upset so far.
"Nakita ko na pag Rh1 ko ay panalo na ako," said Bernales, 3rd year HS student at the University of the East- Manila.
In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena toppled WNM Kimberly Cunanan after 46 moves of Center-Counter; WNM Rulp Ylem Jose beat WNM Enerose Magno after 40 moves of Nimzovitch Defense; WNM Shercila Cua nipped WNM Aices Salvador after 40 moves of French; WNM Catherine Pereña outmaneuvered WNM Jenny Palomo after 31 moves of Bishop Opening; and WNM Sherily Cua scalped WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho after 55 moves of French.
WESLESY SO WINS OPEN IN RP BATTLE OF THE GMs
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---GRANDMASTER Wesley So trounced International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra after 36-moves, Friday at the start of the Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor of City State Hotel in Mabini, Manila.
Employing the black pieces, So sacrificed a pawn in the middle game to gain the initiative.
Sadorra fell to the bait and So made him pay dearly for it. With So's knight proving to be unstoppable, Sadorra was forced to resign.
"Complicated 'yung middle game namin," related So, currently the youngest GM in the world. "Mas pinili ko na 'yung magbigay ng pawn para makapag-create ng atake."
The 14-year-old sophomore student at St. Francis of Assisi in Bacoor, Cavite was the first player to notch a full point in the FIDE rated tournament.
Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and GM-elect Jayson Gonzales split the point in their Slav encounter.
Gonzales, playing with white, appeared to be on his way to victory with solid center pawns. But Torre managed to force a repetition of moves, leading to a draw after 32 pushes.
" Ok lamang ang draw, para makapag preserba ng lakas sa susunod na round. Beside si Eugene (Torre) din yan," said Gonzales, top player of the Philippine Army.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. said the round-robin event will serve as this year's national championship.
"These players are the strongest we have in the country," said Pichay during the brief opening ceremony which graced by no less than Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William "Butch" Ramirez and NCFP director Wilfredo "Willie" Abalos.
"We need competitive tournaments like this to improve the level of play of our players. Soon enough we will be a force to reckon with again in the international scene." said Pichay.
"Chess is the superior game in all sports, dahil ito ay mental sports." he added. "We have to look super gm 5 years from now." last word of Pichay, who already prdouce three grandmaster under his term.
The other opening round matches pit GM Joey Antonio against National Master Hamed Nouri, GM Bong Villamayor against IM Oliver Barbosa, IM Rolando Nolte against IM John Paul Gomez and IM Richard Bitoon against FIDE Master Fernie Donguines.
In the distaff side, Woman National Master Aices Salvador trunced back WNM Christy Bernales after 22 moves of French while WNM Shercila Cua beat WNM Jedara Docena after 20 moves of Queen's Pawn Game.
The other matches in the women's side pit Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza against WNM Rulp Ylem Jose, WNM Enerose Magno against Jennelyn Paloma Gonzales, WNM Kimberly Cunanan against WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho and WNM Sherily Cua against WNM Catherine Pereña.
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison
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