Vietnam GM captures crown; PH's Paragua, Gomez joint 3rd

Final Standings:
7.5 points---GM Le Quang Liem (Vietnam)
7.0 points---GM Lu Shanglei (China)
6.5 points---GM Zhou Jianchao (China), GM Mark Paragua (Philippines),GM Ferenc Berkes (Hungrary), GM    Li Shilong (China), GM    Yu Ruiyuan (China), IM    Zeng Chongsheng (China), GM Zhou Weiqi (China), GM John Paul Gomez (Philippines)
6.0 points---GM Oliver Barbosa (Philippines), GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (Vietnam),  IM Nguyen Huynh Minh Huy (Vietnam), IM    Lou Yiping (China), IM    Oliver Dimakiling (Philippines)

Top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam split the point with second seed GM Ferenc Berkes of Hungrary to capture the title even as Filipino GMs Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez finished a fighting third in the  3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, over the weekend.

Le, the highest-rated player in the field with an ELO of 2709, halved the point with Berkes with an ELO of 2702 after 31 moves of Queen's Pawn Game in the final round to clinch the title with 7.5 points on six wins and three draws.

GM Lu Shanglei of China toppled GM Oliver Barbosa of the Philippines after 37 moves of Caro-kann defense settled for runner-up honors with seven points.

Paragua, meantime drew with GM Zhou Weiqi of China after 31 moves of another Queen's Pawn skirmish while Gomez crushed IM Nguyen Duc Hoa of Vietnam after 44 moves of Queen's Indian defense to finish in a eight-way tie for third place with Weiqi, Berkes, GMs Zhou Jianchao,  Li Shilong,  Yu Ruiyuan and IM Zeng Chongsheng of China with 6.5 points each.

Barbosa setback remains at 6.0 points, the same output of IM Oliver Dimakiling, who upset GM Tu Hoang Thong of Vietnam after 28 moves of Trompovsky Opening.

Other Filipino bets in the US$30,000 Nine Round Swiss-system tournament are no.25 GM Darwin Laylo (5.5 points), no.28 GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (5.5 points), no.35 FM Paulo Bersamina (5.0 points), no. 37 FM Haridas Pascua (5.0 points), no.38 GM Richard Bitoon (5.0 points), no.68 NM Stewart Manaog (4.0 points), no.89 NM Nelson Villanueva (3.0 points) and no.91 Jimson Bitoon (3.0 points).

The Filipino woodpushers Vietnam campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Grass Roots Development Program Head and Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.        -Marlon Bernardino-

Pangasinan hosts final leg of age group chess

 
THE province of Pangasinan headed by chess supporter Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. hosts the final leg of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines' (NCFP) nationwide quest for fresh talents at the culmination of the National age-group chess championships held Saturday at the air-conditioned Pangasinan Training and Development center (PTDC) in Lingayen, Pangasinan. 

A total of 226 players from all over the country participated in this final qualifying event of the four-stage competition organized by NCFP and sponsored by Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel with the coordination of Congressman Neri Javier Colmenares of Bayan Muna Party-list group.

No other than NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. graced the opening program who commended the 100 percent support of the province of Pangasinan in grassroots chess development. He also mentioned the officers and members of the Lingayen Chess League headed by Juan Vicente Sison for their effort. 

According to Sison, the chess league is the most active chess club in region I. it is responsible for the continuous staging of the many year-round chess activities including the Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup, Pangasinan Age-group, Pangasinan Open, Bangus Chess Festival and the Pista'y Dayat Chess Festival.

Meanwhile Pangasinan LGU is pleased with the turnout of the participants. "We are hosting this event to provide wholesome recreation for the youth" said Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan speaking in behalf of Gov. Espino who missed the event due to earlier commitment.

The Visayas leg finished last January 9-12 in Cadiz City; the Mindanao Qualifying event concluded last January 31-February 3 and the Luzon leg elimination was held in Malolos City in Bulacan last March 3-6.

Each champion in different age-categories will advance to the grand finals on April 6-14, 2013 in Taguig City, Metro Manila.     -Marlon Bernardino-

Paragua stays in joint Vietnam Chess Cup lead

Filipino Grandmaster Mark Paragua split the point with Chinese International Master Wei Yi to create a four-way tie for first place in the fifth round  of the 3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Paragua, who beat IM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam in the fourth round to gain a share of the lead along with Wei and GM Zhou Jianchao of China and top seed GM Le Quang Liem (ELO 2709) of Vietnam who totes 4.5 points in five outings. Le bested countryman IM Zeng Chongsheng while Zhou upset second seed GM Ferenc Berkes (ELO 2702) of Hungrary.

" Maganda nilalaro ni (GM) Mark (Paragua) at makikita mo mayron siyang naitalang Rating Performance 2766 sa matapos ang Round 5. Ang Elo rating ni Mark ay 2539 at naniniwala ako kaya niya muling mag 2600 Elo rating points," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

In the sixth round; Paragua takes on Le on Board 1 and Wei opposite Zhou on Board 2.

GMs Oliver Barbosa, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo of the Philippines defeated their respective rivals to notch 4.0 points and was tied at 5th to 11th places. Barbosa edged compatriot FM Haridas Pascua; Gomez subdued FM Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam while Laylo WIM Ni Shiqun of China.

Pascua remains at 3.0 points, the same output of GM Richard Bitoon, IM Oliver Dimakiling and NM Stewart Manaog. GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and FM Paulo Bersamina tallied 2.5 points, NM Nelson Villanueva scored 2.0 points and Jimson Bitoon notch 1.5 points. A total of $30,000 cash prize awaits to the winners with the champion getting the lion share of $10,000.

The Filipino woodpushers Vietnam campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Grass Roots Development Program Head and Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.        -Marlon Bernardino-

Barbosa, Paragua remains on top in Vietnam chess

FILIPINO Grandmasters Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua toppled their respective rivals to create a four-ay tie for first places along with IM Wei Yi of China and IM Nguyen Duc Hoa of Vietnam in the third round of the 3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa defeated IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Vietnam; the Bulacan ace Paragua edged countryman FM Haridas Pascua; Wei outplayed GM Bui Vinh of Vietnam and Duc Hoa crushed WGM Wang Jue of China.

Earlier, Barbosa toppled IM Mikhail Vasilyev of Ukraine in the opening round then dealt FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam in the second round.

Paragua, meantime nipped WIM Le Kieu Thien Kim of Vietynam and FM Pitra Andika of India in order; Wei trounced countryman WFM Le Hoang Tran Chau and NM Stewart Manaog of the Philippines while Duc Hoa dismantled WIM Ni Shiqun of China and CM Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam.

"So far so good, maganda ang inilalaro nina Oliver (Barbosa) at Mark (Paragua) sana mahawakan nila ang kanilang momentum," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

In the fourth round; Wei takes on Barbosa on Board 1 while Duc Hoa opposite Paragua on Board 2. Meanwhile, GM Darwin Laylo of the Philippines beat IM Duong The Anh of Vietnam to lead the huge group of 2.5 pointers that includes  compatriots GM John Paul Gomez and GM Richard Bitoon who ended their game into a fighting draw in the third round. A total of $30,000 cash prize awaits to the winners with the champion getting the lion share of $10,000.

The Filipino woodpushers Vietnam campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Grass Roots Development Program Head and Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.       -Marlon Bernardino-

Docena, Samantila cop Malolos chess crowns

MALOLOS CITY---THE Philippines' brighest hope Jerad Docena completed his rise from a kiddies champion to a junior king as he bested older rivals to capture the crown in the Boys Under-20 division while Daryl Unix Samantila bagged the Boys’ Under -14 title via tiebreaks in the  just ended Luzon leg of the 2013 National age-group chess championship here at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Malolos City, Bulacan on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old Pasay City resident Docena, a habitue of Spare and Strike in Bangkal, Makati City, won his first five matches then drew with Paul Robert Evangelista of Bolinao, Pangasinan in the sixth and final round after 40 moves of Modern defense handling the white pieces, to finish with 5.5 points in six outings to enroute the coveted title.

"Magulo laro namin ni Paul Robert (Evangelista), bagama't quality up ako pero lamang siya sa posisyon. Sa bandang huli nga ay tumagilid pa ako buti na lamang naka perpetual check po tayo," said Docena, who duplicated GM Wesley So’s feat in the early 2000s when the then whiz kid dominated the juniors division as a kiddie participant in the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships. So became the country’s top player and is now one of the world’s leading young GMs.

The Antequera, Bohol native Docena, whose local and international chess competition supported by  National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and sportsman Daniel "Daddy Boy" Francisco of Bangkal, Makati City. 

" Rd5 lamang ay panalo na kaso pareho kaming time pressure ni Jerad eh," added Evangelista, top player of Far Eastern University, the reigning UAAP Junior champion who finish second with 4.5 points.

Rounding up to the top eight (8) finishers who notch 4.0 points each were No.3 Marc Christian Nazario of Quezon City, No.4 Lennon Heart Salgados of Cagayan de Oro City, No.5 Vince Angelo Medina of Quezon City, No.6 Christian Nanola of San Pablo City, Laguna, No.7 Jan Francis Mirano of Aklan and No.8 Paul Benjamin Casiano of Pulilan, Bulacan.

The Tonsuya, Malabon City pride Samantila, meanwhile, drew with Brylle Gever Vinluan of San Fabian, Pangasinan in the final round to finish with 5.0 points. Samantila, top player of Adamson University junior chess team edged Romulo Curioso Jr. of Cabanatuan City in the tiebreak to pocket the crown. Curioso Jr., on the other hand, toppled John Marvin Miciano of Davao City.

Heirry Manaloto of Paniqui, Tarlac (Boys Under-16/ 5.5 points); Carl Anthony Canio of Cavite and Dennis Gutierrez Jr. of Malolos City, Bulacan (Boys Under-12/ 5.0 points); Daniel Quizon of Taytay, Rizal (Boys Under-10/ 6.0 points) and Jerish John Velarde of Lapu-Lapu City (Boys Under-8/6.0 points).

Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel thru the initiative of NCFP Committee Chairman for Grassroots Development and Promotions Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, the Luzon age-group chess event is a qualifying tournament to select the country's representative in the ASEAN Age-group plus in Bangkok, Thailand in June. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while IA Gene Poliarco is the Chief Arbiter.    -Marlon Bernardino-

Docena Posts Back-to-Back Wins, Nears Malolos Chess Title

MALOLOS CITY---THE Philippines brighest hope Jerad Docena secures back-to-back win to stay in title hunt in the on-going  Luzon leg of the 2013 National age-group chess championship here at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Malolos City, Bulacan.

The 15-year-old Pasay City resident Docena, a habitue of Spare and Strike in Bangkal, Makati City defeated Lennon Heart Salgados of Cagayan de Oro City in the fourth then subdued Marc Christian Nazario of Quezon City in the fifth round to remain on top with 5.0 points in five outings in the Boys under 20 categories.

"Mahirap y'ung laro ko po kina Lennon Heart (Salgados) at Marc Christian (Nazario), parehong pinilit kong manalo. Buti na lamang matatag ako sa bandang huli," said Docena, whose local and international competition supported by  National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and sportsman Daniel "Daddy Boy" Francisco of Bangkal, Makati City. 

Docena, who hails from Antequera, Bohol will meet Paul Robert Evangelista of Bolinao, Pangasinan in the sixth round. Evangelista, top player of Far Eastern University, the reigning UAAP Junior champion occupied solo second spot with 4.0 points. He beat Jan Francis Mirano of Aklan in the fourth and Christian Nanola of San Pablo City, Laguna in the fifth round.

Also with perfect five markers in their respective categories are Dennis Gutierrez Jr. (Malolos City, Bulacan and San Fabian,  Pangasinan); Daniel Quizon (CDO) and  Jerish John Velarde (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu).

Gutierrez Jr. nipped Francis Roi Parro and Juan Miguel del Prado in the Boys Under-12, Quizon waylaid Marco Alas Ragadio and Jose Marie Dagasdas in the Boys Under-10 and Velarde subdued John Michael Castillo and Anthony Feliciano in the Boys Under-8.

Meanwhile, Heirry Manaloto of Paniqui, Tarlac toppled John Christopher Inoncillo of National Capital Region in the fourth then held into a draw with Hans Christian Balingit of Angeles City, Pampanga in the fifth round to still on top in the Boys under 16 with 4.5 points, half point ahead over Balingit and Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar of Malabon City, whom he beat in the third round.

Daryl Unix Samantila of Malabon City is also lording the Boys Under-14 brackets with 4.5 points. He bested  Jhoemar Mendiogarin and John Marvin Miciano, in order.

Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel thru the initiative of NCFP Committee Chairman for Grassroots Development and Promotions Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, the Luzon age-group chess event is a qualifying tournament to select the country's representative in the ASEAN Age-group plus in Bangkok, Thailand in June. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while IA Gene Poliarco is the Chief Arbiter.

Showing the way in the distaff side are Mikee Charlene Suede of Makati City and Rowelyn Joy Acedo of Davao City, both tallied 4.5 points in the Girls Under-20, Shanie Mae Mendoza of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna who notch 4.5 points in the Girls Under-16, Alexis Anne Osena of Muntinlupa City who scored 5.0 points in the Girls Under-14, Jesca Docena of Antequera, Bohol, 5.0 points output in the Girls Under-12, Jessiel Marino of San Pedo, Laguna, 3.0 points in three games in Girls Under-10 and Jerlyn Mae Sandiego of Dasmarinas, Cavite, 4.0 points in five games in Girls Under-8.    -Marlon Bernardino-

Top GMs to compete in Candon Rapid Open Chess

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s top rated grandmasters are set to compete in the 2013 Candon Rapid Open Chess Championship this weekend.

Among the expected participants are Grandmasters (GMs) Oliver Barbosa, Darwin Laylo, Richard Bitoon, John Paul Gomez and Mark Paragua, the last year's champion.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and Mayor Allen Singson will be guest of honor during the opening ceremony set at 9 am on March 9 at the Candon Civic Center in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The two (2) day event (Saturday and Sunday), which is open to all ages and genders, is sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Other participants include International Masters (IMs) Oliver Dimakiling, Rolando Nolte, Ronald Dableo, and Emmanuel Senador, among others.

Prizes at stake are as follows

(Open section):

• First place P15,000

• Second place P10,000

• Third place P7,000

• Fourth place P5,000

• Fifth place P3,000

• Sixth to 10th place P2,000 each

(16-Under)

• First place P3,000

• Second place P2,000

• Third place P1,000

• Fourth place P700

• Fifth place P600

• Sixth to 10th place P500 each

(12-Under)

• First place P2,500

• Second place P1,500

• Third place P1,000

• Fourth place P700

• Fifth place P600

• Sixth to 7th place P500 each

Organizing Committee Chairman Jerry Malamion and NM Edmundo Gatus (0939-865-5151) can be contacted for more event details. -Marlon Bernardino-

Docena, Manaloto grab solo lead in Malolos age-group chessfest

Malolos City---JERAD DOCENA and Heirry Manaloto clobbered their respective opponents to grab the solo lead in the on-going  Luzon leg of the 2013 National age-group chess championship 

here at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Malolos City, Bulacan.

The 15-year-old Docena, who hails from Antequera, Bohol subdued Jeazzir Kline Surposa of General Santos City in the second round before finishing Virgen Gil Ruaya of Antipolo City in the third round to lead the Boys under 20 divisions with perfect score of three points. The Pasay City resident Docena, a habitue of Spare and Strike in Bangkal, Makati City earlier clobbered John Eric Margarito of Quezon City in the first round.

"Jerad (Docena) is so talented that he could eventually be one of the Philippine’s best young player" Cebuano Grandmaster Richard Bitoon told National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

 “He has the obvious chess talent, he has the time, and he loves the game.” said Bitoon from Medellin, Cebu. 

Pichay for his part: “He’s a fighter, and he never gives up,” 

Manaloto, meantime the brilliant chess king of Tarlac, dismantled Jehoshapat Lemi of Vigan, Ilocos Sur,  local bet Clymar John Manipon and Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar of Malabon City, respectively to remain on top with 3.0 points in three outings in the Boys under 16 categories.

Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel thru the initiative of NCFP Committee Chairman for Grassroots Development and Promotions Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, the Luzon age-group chess event is a qualifying tournament to select the country's representative in the ASEAN Age-group plus in Bangkok, Thailand in June. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while IA Gene Poliarco is the Chief Arbiter.

Showing the way in the Boys under 12 and Under 14 are Dennis Gutierrez Jr. and Jhoemar Mendiogarin, who totes 3.0 points apiece.

Gutierrez Jr., the pride of Malolos City, Bulacan and San Fabian, Pangasinan defeated  Rafael Galio,  Lander Gabriel Fulcher and  James Michael Erese while the San Antonio, Quezon ace Mendiogarin routed Avel Louise Baldovia, Mark Perez and Carl Terence Valdellon, in order.

Other young woodpushers who tallied perfect 3.0 points are Jerish John Velarde and John Michael Castillo for the Boys under 8, Daniel Quizon for the Boys under 10, Jerlyn Mae San Diego and Princess Louise Ocita for the Girls under 8, Jessiel Marino for the Girls under 10, Jesca Docena for the Girls under 12, Alexis Charlotte Suede and Alexis Anne Osena for the Girls under 14, Shania Mae Mendoza for the Girls under 16 and Mikee Charlene Suede and Mariel Batulan for the Girls under 20.    -Marlon Bernardino