Meralco Wins in Power Utility Chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Meralco escaped with a 2-2 draw over the NM Dennis Gutierrez-led National Grid Corporation of the Phils. in the final round and was declared the champion of the 4th TransCo Invitational Chess Tournament.

The distribution company was powered by the electrifying performance of Fide Master and Fide chess trainer Leonardo Carlos and Karl Clarito, who won the  tournament's Best in Boards 1 and 4 honors, respectively. With a line-up decimated by the sudden demise of veteran Abet Casiano and non-availability of UAAP veterans Bernard Templo of UP, and Marvin Colasito of UE, support came from the unlikely trio of Jay Dicen, Darryl Mata, and Rolly Sol Cruz who delivered with 7 wins and 1 draw in 10 games.

NGCP wound up in 2nd Place with 4 match points and 13 board points while host TransCo was 3rd with 3.5 match points and 12.5 board points. Other participating power utility partners are Napocor, Department of Energy, and Energy Regulatory Commission.

Manila's Garcia Bags Two Chess Golds

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino medallists:

International Master (IM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Gold in open under-18 category, Blitz and Standard event, respectively.

Fide Master Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City, Silver-Bronze in open under-16 category, Standard and Blitz event, in order.

Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon Bronze in open under-14 category, Blitz event.

MANILA—International Master (IM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia lived up to his top billing on Wednesday, after halving the point with Ganesan Akash of India in the sixth and penultimate round and beating Eiti Bashir of Syria in the seventh and final round to become the Philippines’ double gold medalist and put a dent on India’s dominance in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2013 in Sari, Iran.

The Manila resident Garcia, top player of Ateneo de Manila University notched a total of 6.5 points on six wins and a draw in seven outings in ruling the open under-18 category, Blitz chess competition.

According to Asian Chess Federation deputy vice president Casto "Toti" Abundo, for 16 players and fewer, they applied Seven rounds Swiss-System.

"Masyado pong mabigat ang field na sumali dito kasama na ang pag-dagsa ng stong Indian contingent, China at former Russian Republics na bansa gaya ng Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan at Kyrgyzstan" the 2011 Subic Asian Youth gold medallist Garcia informed the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under the leadership of it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

Patil Pratik Pravin of India subdued Ismailov Mukhit of Kazakhstan to scored 5.5 points and settled for silver medal. Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam defeated Ganesan Akash of India to scored 5.0 points to went home the bronze medal.

It was the second gold medal of the Philippines' brightest hope Garcia, who also topped the Standard competition after edging Ma Zhonghan of China in a tie break points.

 Other Filipinos who delivered with bronze medals were Fide Master Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City in the open under-16 and Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon  in the open under-14. Bersamina split the point with Das Sayantan of India to climb to 4.5 points, 1.5 points behind gold medallist Tran Tuan Minh of Vietnam (6.0 points) and silver medallist Das (5.0 points).

The pride of Adamson University Samantila drew with Veerappan Aravindh Chithambaram of India to finish with 5.5 points and take third behind gold medallist Veerappan (6.0 points) and silver medallist Murali Karthikeyan of India (5.5 points).

Bersamina posted 6.5 points and also landed second behind eventual champion Koushik Girish Arun of India (7.5 points) in the Standard event.

"This is another major achievement for the NCFP in particular and the country as a whole." said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay  Jr. when informed about the news.

NCFP secretary general and Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. said the success of the young athletes once again proved chess’s lofty record as a certified achiever.

““Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayans won the coveted gold medals in the Blitz and Standard competition as well silver and bronze medal,” said Tolentino, also the Asian Zone 3.3 FIDE President.

Current world youngest Fide Master seven year old Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City is 6th place in the open under-8 in the Blitz event and 7th place in the Standard play.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Bayan Muna Party-list group.

Other member of the team are Istraelito Rilloraza of Las Pinas City (OU12);  Deniel Quizon of Taytay, Rizal (OU10); Woman Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite (G18); Ella Grace Moulic of Davao City (G16); Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan (G14);  Bea Mendoza of Baguio City (G12); Mary Joy Tan of Misamis Oriental (G10) and Jerlyn Mae San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite (G8).

San Diego, Indian ace stay on top; Garcia, Bersamina still kicking in Asian Youth Chess Championship 2013 in Sari, Iran

by Marlon Bernardino

Jerlyn Mae San Diego of the Philippines and Deshmukh Divya Jitendra of India defeated separate rivals in the third round over the weekend to stay on top of the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2013 in Sari, Iran.

San Diego, from Dasmarinas, Cavite subdued Patil Bhagyashree Pravin of India while Jitendra crushed compatriot Ravi Rakshitta to push their total to 3.0 points in three outings in the Girls 8 and under.

World's Youngest Fide Master seven-year-old Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City defeated Shabani Amin of Iran in the third round but fell short to Gao Yuheng of China in the fourth round. Nouri, an incoming grade one pupil of FEU Fern College in Quezon City was stuck at 2.0 points in four outings in the Open 8 and under category.

Meanwhile, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila and FM Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City settled a truce their respective assignments. Garcia, the top player of Adamson University split the point with Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam to create a three-way tie for first with 2.5 points each in three outings in the Open 18 and under class that includes Le and Ma Zhonghan of China, winner over Sattarov Bobir of Uzbekistan. 

Bersamina, meantime halved the point with Koushik Girish Arun of India in the third round and Asgarizadeh Ahmad of Iran in the fourth round. After four games of play in the Open 16 and under division, Bersamina tallied 3.0 points, the same output of  Ahmad, Das Sayantan of India and Lu Chan Hung of Vietnam. Koushik Girish Arun of India is leading the way in the Open 16 and under division with 3.5 points in four outings.

Woman Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite outclassed Atabayeva Gozel of Turkmenistan to raise her total 2.0 points in three outings in the Girls 18 and under class. 

After suffering first two loses, Ella Grace Moulic of Davao City bounced back in contention after crushing Sydykova Akylai of Kyrgyzstan in the third round and Narzikulova Gulkhayo of Uzbekistan in the fourth round in the Girls 16 and under division.

In other Filipino bets results, Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon drew with Atabayev Saparmurat of Turkmenistan in the third round then beat Yakubboev Nodirbek of Uzbekistan in the fourth round for his 2.5 points in four outings in the Open 14 and under; Istraelito Rilloraza of Las Pinas City toppled Do Duc Viet of Vietnam in the third round then bowed to Saydaliev Saidakbar of Uzbekistan in the fourth round. Rilloraza remains at 1.5 points in four outings in the Open 12 and under class.

 Deniel Quizon of Taytay, Rizal nipped Batjargal Irmuuntulga of Mongolia in the third round but was yielded to Abdrashev Arlen of  Kazakhstan in the fourth round. Quizon was stucks at 2.0 points in the Open 10 and under class.

Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan, meantime bowed to Suresh Ananya of India in the third round then routed Jayasundara  HJM Rashmi Maheshika of Sri Lanka in the fourth round for 2.5 points in four outings in the in the Girls 14 and under.

 Bea Mendoza of Baguio City drew with Abdulzahra Sali of Iraq in the third round then smashed Agrawal Archi of India in the fourth round for 2.5 points in four outings in the the Girls 12 and under .

 Mary Joy Tan of Misamis Oriental crushed Nabaa Sami Abbas of Iraq in the third round then but fell short to  Pham Tran Gia Tru of Vietnam in the fourth round. She reamains at 2.5 points in the Girls 10 and under.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Bayan Muna Party-list group.

Pinoy Nolte Finishes 3rd in KL Masters 2013; Misses GM Title Norm

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Rankings:

9.0 points---GM Sergei Tiviakov (Netherlands)

7.5 points---GM Thomas Luther (Germany)

7.0 points---IM Rolando Nolte (Philippines)

5.5 points---GM Niaz Murshed (Bangladesh)

5.0 points---IM Ramnath Bhuvanesh R. (India), IM Goh Wei Ming (Singapore)

4.5 points---IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (Malaysia)

4.0 points---WGM Padmini Rout (India), IM Oliver Dimakiling (Philippines)

3.5 points---IM Aleksandar Wohl (Australia)

0.0 (zero) point ---GM Wong Meng Kong (Singapore)

International Master Rolando Nolte of the Philippines defeated IM Aleksandar Wohl of Australia in the final round to finish third in the DYTM Raja Dr Nazrin Shah Invitational KL Masters 2013 at the Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday.

Nolte tallied 7.0 points on 5 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss in ten outings to pocketed the third prize worth 4,000 Malaysian ringgit. Nolte missed the chance to get his third and final GM norm as he fell short by half point in the 11 round tournament when he had to settle for a draw against Woman Grandmaster Padmini Rout of India in the penultimate round.Nolte needed to win his last two rounds to reach 7.5 points and earn his third and final GM norm. 

"Sa last 2 rounds ay kailangan maipanalo ko ang 2 laro ko po. Tinalo ko sa last round si (IM Aleksandr) Wohl kaso na draw ang laban ko sa penultimate round kay (WGM) Padmini (Rout) na winning pa naman ang posisyon." Nolte informed the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

"Kailangan ko kasi makaiskor ng 7.5 points kaso 7.0 points lamang ako," added Nolte, a former University of Manila mainstay.

Top seed GM Sergei Tiviakov of the Netherlands (ELO 2644), who beat Nolte in the 7th round finish 9.0 points and won the title plus champion's purse worth 10,000 Malaysian ringgit.

 GM Thomas Luther of Germany scored 7.5 points and settled runner-up purse worth 6,000 Malaysian ringgit.

Another Filipino entry IM Oliver Dimakiling, who hails from Davao City scored 4.0 points, the same output of Padmini.

The 11 player's event using the single round robin format organized by Polgar Chess Asia for the Kuala Lumpur Chess Association (KLCA) with support from the Malaysian Chess Federation and Malaysian Intellect Development Foundation. Fide Master Peter Long is the tournament director.

Garcia, Bersamina, San Diego remain perfect in Asian Youth Chess Championship 2013 in Sari, Iran

by Marlon Bernardino

International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila, Fide Master Paulo Bersamina of Pasay and Jerlyn Mae San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite cruised to their second straight wins in the on-going Asian Youth Chess Championship 2013 in Sari, Iran yesterday.

Garcia, defeated Fang Yuxiang of China and Ismailov Mukhit of Kazakhstan in the Open 18 and under; Bersamina toppled  Kalikov Temirlan of Kazakhstan and Mosadeghpoor Masoud of Iran in the Open 16 and under while San Diego routed Altantuya Boldbaatar of Mongolia and Mohanty Aditi of India in the Girls 8 and under.

World's Youngest Fide Master 7-year-old Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City lost to Mahitosh Dey of India but bounced back in contention by demolishing Zamon Bozorali of Tajikistan in the following round of the Open 8 and under class.

Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite lost to Pallathur Venkatachalam Nandhidhaa of India but beat Bagheri taleghani Nadia of Iran in the second round of the Girls 18 and under. However, Ella Grace Moulic of Davo City remains scoreless losing to Dharia Parnali Satej of India and Pegah Ghaem Maghami  of Iran in the Girls 16 and under division.

In other Filipino bets results, Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon was yielded to Veerappan Aravindh Chithambaram of India then split the point with Aibek Isakzhanov of Kyrgyzstan in the Open 14 and under; Istraelito Rilloraza of Las Pinas City halved the point with Erdemdalai Yondonjamts of Mongolia then lost to Saurabh Anand in the Open 12 and under;  Deniel Quizon of Taytay, Rizal lost to Docheshmeh Amirmohamad of Iran lost then beat Jaza Jamal Ahmed of Iran in the Open 10 and under.

Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan, meantime drew with Asana Ghazizadeh  of Iran then waylaid Diana Omurbekova  of Kyrgyzstan in the Girls 14 and under; Bea Mendoza of Baguio City subdued

Azali Tanaz of Iran but bowed to Kalantari Darounkola Sedighe of Iran in the Girls 12 and under and Mary Tan Joy of Misamis Oriental split the point with Tina Sabzi of Iran then outclassed Sultanbek Zeinep of Kazakhstan in the Girls 10 and under.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Bayan Muna Party-list group.

LYCEUM TOPS SPARTAN PHILIPPINE INTER-COLLEGIATE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---THE Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A reigned supreme in the recent Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship at the Library and Media Room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila on Wednesday.

Playing under the watchful eye of head coach eng'r Christopher Cunanan, the Pirates composed by International Master Joel Pimentel, Mark Prince Aquino, Francis Ligon, Jan Francis Mirano and Romy Fagon scored 24.5 points to capture the crown in the men's division.

Tied for second to third place with 22.5 points each are National University of coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. spearheaded by Vince Angelo Medina, Austin Jacob Literatus, John Ray Batucan, Jefferson Mansanero and Virgen Gil Ruaya and San Sebastian College-Recoletos of coach National Master Homer Cunanan led by International Master elect Mari Joseph Turqueza, Adrian Perez, Alexis Maribao, Arvie Jongko and Drexter Saquilayan.

Fourth to fifth place with 21.0 points each are Adamson University of coach Christopher Rodriguez bannred by Mark Kevin Labog, Jerome Villanueva, Ali Guya, Einnar Reyes and John Eric Margarito and Arellano University of National Master Rudy Ibanez comprised by Kevin Arquero, Don Tyrone delos Santos, Jeffrey Ravago, Jaymarc Gutierrez and Michael Nigel Penero.

The straight nine Round Swiss-System tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., hosted by  President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and NCFP Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

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Other participating team were Far Eastern University Team B (20 points); University of Sto. Tomas (19.0 points), Far Eastern University Team A (19.0 points); University of the Philippines (17.5 points); Rizal Technological University (16.0 points); Lyceum of the Philippines University Team B (14.5 points) and University of Batangas (12.5 points).

Adjudged individual top three finishers were the following: Board 1 IM Joel Pimentel of Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A (8/9); Adrian Perez of San Sebastian College-Recoletos (6.5/9) and IM elect Mari Joseph Turqueza of San Sebastian College-Recoletos (6.5/9).

No less than NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Asia’s First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso and International Arbiter Gene Poliarco have presided in giving the awards to the winners during the closing rites.

Frayna Anchors FEU Chess Romp

by Marlon Bernardino

Woman International Master (WIM) elect Janelle Mae Frayna anchoring the Far Eastern University (FEU) Team A triumphant finish in the conclusion of Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship at the Library and Media Room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila on Wednesday.

Backed up by FEU team owner Anton Montinola and Athletic Director Mark Oliver Molina, the Tamaraws amassed 24 points to grab the first prize worth P20,000 plus trophy, plus gold medals.

The straight nine Round Swiss-System tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., hosted by President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and NCFP Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Frayna, who hails from Legaspi City topped the individual women's event with unbeaten 8.0 points record on account of seven wins and two draws in nine outings to enroute P5,000 plus trophy. Enrica Villa chipped in 6.0 points, followed by Nikki Erica Yngayo and Gladys Hazel Romero, both tallied 5.0 points apiece.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami kina Sir Anton Montinola (FEU team owner) at Sir Mark Oliver Molina (Athletic Director) sa full support nila sa FEU chess team,"said Frayna, who is set to play in the upcoming Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) from June 29 to July 6 in Incheon, Korea.

FEU enhance its reputation as a breeding ground of future chess masters who already produced three (3) grandmasters (Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano and Jayson Gonzales), and International Master (Yves Ranola) who also play for the Philippine Team  for the World Chess Olympiad, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games and Asian Indoor Games and other International chess competition.

“The success of FEU players in chess competitions only shows that a solid program can take you to the top,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr. “That’s what we’re trying to establish, a solid program that aims to develop our young players.”

The University of the Philippines coaches by Fide Master/Fide trainer Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master Catherine Perena, spearheaded by Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales, Joanna Vanessa Barbosa, Roxanne Atayde, Arvie Lozano and Ruth Aubrey de Guzman collected 21.5 points to grab the second prize of P15,000 plus trophy, plus silver medals, Adamson University team of coach Christopher Rodriguez led by Eunice Joy Whigan, Mariel Batulan, Crissa Canada, Jon Ira Dela Cruz and Eloisa Sta. Rita piled up 21.0 points to settle for the third place honor worth P8,000, plus trophy, plus bronze medals while the National University of coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. with Jean Karen Enriquez, Lucelle Bermundo, Queenie Lyn Reyes, Quinna Louise Soler and Hiezel Coraje  at the helm accumulated 19.5 points for fourth place finish and pocketed P7,000 cash purse .

No less than NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Asia’s First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso and International Arbiter Gene Poliarco have presided in giving the awards to the winners during the closing rites.

Frayna, Pimentel keep lead in Spartan Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Championship

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---Woman International Master (WIM) elect Janelle Mae Frayna of Far Eastern University (FEU) Team A and International Master Joel Pimentel of Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A continue their impressive showing in the on-going Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship being held at the Library and Media Room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila.

Frayna, who hails from Legaspi City, Albay defeated Eunice Joy Whigan of Adamson University in the sixth round then split the point with Lucelle Bermundo of National University in the seventh round to remained on top in the Individual category of Women's Division. Frayna now has 6.0 points on five wins and two draws after seven games of play. She also help Far Eastern University (FEU) Team A to grabs the lead in the Team competition with a total output of 18.5 points. The other members of the Lady Tamaraws are Enrica Villa (5.0 points), Nikki Erica Yngayo (4.5 points) and Glady's Hazel Romero (3.0 points).

After losing to Frayna in the fifth round, Woman National Master (WNM) Christy Lamiel Bernales of University of the Philippines bounced back in contention after a settling a truce with Bermundo in the sixth round and a crucial win over Quinna Louise Soler of National University in the seventh round.

Bernales raise her total 5.0 points, the same output of Whigan and Villa. The Lady Fighting Maroons of coach Fide Master (FM) and Fide chess trainer Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena accumulated 17.0 points. Also with 17.0 points is The Lady Falcons of coach candidate master Christopher Rodriguez.

The straight nine Round Swiss-System tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., hosted by  President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and NCFP Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, the format calls the combined total score of the top four players of each team, four to count shall constitute the final team standings using the grandprix system. Tournament director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

In the men's play, International Master Joel Pimentel of Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A beat Adrian Perez of San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the sixth round and Kevin Arquero of Adamson University in the seventh round. The Bacolod City native Pimentel notch 6.0 points on five wins and two draws after seven games of play. Mark Kevin Labog of Adamson University at solo second place with 5.5 points. 

In the over-all Team Standings in the men's action, National University of coach candidate master Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. still on top with 18.5 points, followed by Adamson University and Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A of coach engr'. Chris Cunanan, both tallied 17.5 points. At 4th place is San Sebastian College-Recoletos of coach National Master Homer Cunanan with 16.5 points followed by 5th place Arellano University of coach National Master Rudy Ibanez with 16.0 points.

FEU, Adamson lady chessers still kicking on Spartan Philippine Inter-Collegiate chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Team Standings after Round 5:

(Men's Division)

14.0 points---National University

13.0 points---Adamson University, Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A

12.5 points---Arellano University

11.5 points---San Sebastian College-Recoletos

11.0 points---Far Eastern University Team B

10.5 points---University of Sto. Tomas, Rizal Technological University

10.0 points---Far Eastern University Team A

9.5 points---University of the Philippines

6.5 points---Lyceum of the Philippines University Team B

5.5 points---University of Batangas

(Women's Division)

13.0 points---National University, University of the Philippines

12.5 points---Far Eastern University Team A

11.5 points---Adamson University

10.0 points---University of Sto. Tomas

8.5 points--- Far Eastern University Team B

5.0 points---University of Batangas

Manila--- Far Eastern University Team A and Adamson University lady chess team still kicking in the on-going Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship held at the Library and Media room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila.

The Lady Tamaraws composed of Woman International Master (WIM) elect Janelle Mae Frayna, Erika Nikki Yngayo, Enrica Villa and Gladys Hazel Romero riase their total 12.5 points and was enough to climb at solo 3rd spot, full point ahead against 4th place of coach Christopher Rodriguez of Adamson University headed by Eunice Joy Whigan, Mariel Batulan, Crissa Canada, Jon Ira dela Cruz and Elosa Sta. Rita who notch 11.5 points. At 5th place is the team of former Asian Zonal champion GM elect Ronald Dableo of University of Sto. Tomas spearheaded by Loraine Salinas, Michella Concio, Michelle Yaon, Merlene Membrere and Shayxanthe Lois Guico who accumulated 10.0 points.

The National University (NU) chess team of head coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. with Jean Karen Enriquez, Lucelle Bermundo, Quinna Louise Soler, Hiezel Coraje and Queenie Lyn Reyes at the helm and the University of the Philippines of coach Fide Master (FM) / FIDE chess trainer Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena bannered by Woman National Master (WNM) Christy Bernales, Roxanne Atayde, reigning NCR-Shell National Youth Active Chess girls champion Arvie Lozano, Joanna Vanessa Barbosa and Ruth Aubrey de Guzman, both tallied 13.0 points apiece.

Frayna took the top spot in the individual standings after tallying 4.5 points in five outings after beating Bernales.  Whigan, meantime at 2nd place with 4.0 points after crushing Soler.Bernales remains at 3.5 points that includes Bermundo (NU), Atayde (UP) and Enriquez (NU).

In the men's play, the team of head coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. National University led by Vince Angelo Medina, Austin Jacob Literatus, Virgen Gil Ruaya, Jefferson Mansanero and John Ray Batucan 

tallied 14.0 points.

Adamson University of coach Christopher Rodriguez led by Mark Kevin Labog, Ali Guya, Jerome Villanueva, Einnar Reyes and John Eric Margarito and Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A of eng'r. Chris Cunanan which is composed of International Master Joel Pimenetal, Jan Francis Mirano, Mark Prince Aquino, Romy Fagon and Francis Ligon, both tallied 13.0 points.

At 4th place is the team of National Master Rudy Ibanez of Arellano University led by Don Tyrone Delos Santos, Kevin Arquero, Jaymarc Gutierrez, Jeffrey Ravago and Michael Negi Penero who totes 12.5 points. 

 

The straight nine Round Swiss-System tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., hosted by  President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and NCFP Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, the format calls the combined total score of the top four players of each team, four to count shall constitute the final team standings using the grandprix system. Tournament director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

NU, UP keep lead in Spartan Philippine Inter-Collegiate chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Team Standings after Round 3:

(Men's Division)

10.0 points---National University

8.5 points---Arellano University

8.0 points---San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Adamson University

6.5 points---Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A, University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University Team B

6.0 points---University of Sto. Tomas

5.5 points---Rizal Technological University

5.0 points---Far Eastern University Team A, Lyceum of the Philippines University Team B, University of Batangas

(Women's Division)

8.5 points---University of the Philippines, National University

7.0 points--- Adamson University

6.0 points---Far Eastern University Team A

5.5 points--- Far Eastern University Team B

4.5 points---University of Sto. Tomas

4.0 points---University of Batangas

Manila---National University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP) continued to lord it over in their respective division in the the on-going Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship being held at the Library and Media room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila.

Under the tutelage of head coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino, the NU Bulldgos Mens team headed by Vince Angelo Medina, Austin Jacob Literatus, Virgen Gil Ruaya, Jefferson Mansanero and John Ray Batucan raised their total 10.0 points after three games of play to remained on top.

Medina defeated Batucan in Round 2 then drew with International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel of Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A in Round 3.

Literatus toppled Steven James Dacanay of University of Sto. Tomas then drew with Ruaya. Ruaya, earlier beat Jan Francis Mirano of Lyceum of the Philippines University Team A in Round 2.

Mansanero subdued Kritz Albelar of Rizal Technological University then split the point with Kevin Mirano of Far Eastern University Team B.

After losing to Medina, Batucan routed Aldous Roy Coronel of University of the Philippines in Round 3.

The straight nine Round Swiss-System tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., hosted by  President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and NCFP Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, the format calls the combined total score of the top four players of each team, four to count shall constitute the final team standings using the grandprix system. Tournament director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

In the distaff side, playing under the watchful eye of Fide Master (FM) Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena, the UP Lady Fighting Maroons composed of Woman National Master (WNM) Christy Bernales, Roxanne Atayde, reigning NCR-Shell National Youth Active Chess girls champion Arvie Lozano, Joanna Vanessa Barbosa and Ruth Aubrey de Guzman accumulated total 8.5 points.

Also on top with 8.5 points are National University led by Jean Karen Enriquez, Lucelle Bermundo, Quinna Louise Soler, Hiezel Coraje and Queenie Lyn Reyes.

Bernales nipped Loraine Salinas of University of Sto. Tomas in Round 2 then drew with Mariel Batulan of Adamson University in Round 3. Atayde drew with Arvie Lozano of University of the Philippines and Eunice Joy Whigan of Adamson University, respectively. After halving the point with Atayde, Lozano also drew with Soler. Barbosa, meantime drew with Michella Concio of University of Sto. Tomas then beat Jemima Valdez of Far Eastern University Team B, in order. However, De Guzman bowed to Soler in Round 2 and was yielded to Michelle Yaon of University of Sto. Tomas in Round 3.

Enriquez beat Shayxanthe Lois Guico of University of Sto. Tomas then dealt Anna Marie Ocampo of University of Batangas, Bermundo drew with Whigan and Nikki Erica Yngayo of Far Eastern University Team A. Coraje beat Marie Fe De Ocampo of University of Batangas and Enrica Villa of Far Eastern University Team A and Reyes drew with Crissa Canada of Adamson University then nipped Elosa Sta. Rita also from Adamson University.

Spartan Philippine Inter-Collegiate chess: NU, UST, UP off to good start

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---National University (NU), University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and University of the Philippines (UP) got off to a great start in their respective divisions in the opening round of the Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship being held at the Library and Media room of Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila, over the weekend.

The Bustillos-based NU squad, under the tutelage of head coach Jose "Jojo" Aquino opened their bid on a bright note in the Men's Division in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General 7th district Cavite rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

and backed up by Spartan Mining and Development Corporation in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

The NU Bulldgos Mens team headed by John Ray Batucan, Austin Jacob Literatus, Vince Angelo Medina, Virgen Gil Ruaya and Jefferson Mansanero won their respective matches.

Batucan nipped Einnar Reyes of Adamson Univeristy, Literatus subdued Normel de Jesus of University of Sto. Tomas, Medina toppled Arvie Jongko of San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Ruaya routed Jillian Abraham Aguilera of Univiersity of Batangas and Mansanero crushed Allan Jesse Rosales of University of Batangas.

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, the format calls the combined total score of the top four players of each team, four to count shall constitute the final team standings using the grandprix system.

In the women's play, the Espana-based UST squad, under the watchful eye of head coach former Asian zonal 3.2a champion GM elect Ronald Dableo got the full point courtesy of Loraine Salinas, winner over Marie Fe de Ocampo of University of Batangas.

Other member of the UST lady Tigresses woodpushers are Michella Concio , Merlene Membrere, Michelle Yaon and Shayxanthe Lois Guico ended their respective games into a figthing draw.

Concio split the point with Woman International Master (WIM) elect Janelle Mae Frayna, so did Membrere against Janel An Basbas of Far Eastern University Team B, Yaon against Joanna Vanessa Barbosa of University of the Philippines and Guico against Ruth Aubrey de Guzman of University of the Philippines.

The halved the point results of Barbosa and de Guzman help the UP Lady Fighting Maroons handle by their coaches Fide Master (FM) Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master (WIM) Catherine Perena in a wonderful start with Woman National Master (WNM) Christy Bernales, Roxanne Atayde and reigning NCR-Shell National Youth Active Chess girls champion Arvie Lozano score contrasting wins. 

Bernales defeated Hiezel Coraje of National University, Atayde edged Angelina Mortos of FEU Team B and Lozano beat Jon Ira dela Cruz of Adamson University.

No less than President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos, NCFP deputy secretray-general Red Dumuk and NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales led the opening rites.

The participating school are National University, Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Rizal Technological University, Adamson University, Far Eastern University Team, University of the Philippines, University of Sto. Tomas  and University of Batangas.

Nouri Makes Chess History; became the youngest Filipino player to achieve the Fide Master title at the age of 7; Doroy, Revita, Mendoza earn outright Fide Master title in 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess

 
by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---While chess fans were celebrating the victorious Philippine age group chess team, the chess community also noted that a 7-year-old whiz kid became the youngest player to achieve the Fide Master title.

Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City has won an outright Fide Master title by virtue of his excellent showing at the recent 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013 Standard competition at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Thursday.

Nouri, 7, an incoming grade one pupil at the FEU-FERN College in Quezon City, defeated Nguyen Hoang Hiep of Vietnam in the eighth round then subdued Luvsandorj Orgilbold of Mongolia in the final round to finish with 8.0 points and rule the Open 8-under category. With the feat, Nouri is the youngest ever Filipino achieve Fide Master title at the age of 7.

"Alekhine Nouri got his (outright) Fide Master Ttitle at 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships, making the record of the youngest Fide Master of Philippines Chess, thank you Lord for all the blessing," said proud father Fide Master Hamed Nouri.

"Filipino woodpushers have once again shown their excellence in the field of chess," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Like Nouri, Allaney Jia G. Doroy of Agusan del Norte, Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan and Shania Mae Mendoza of Sta. Rosa, Laguna also got their outright Woman Fide Master (WFM) title.

Doroy drew with WFM Vo Mai Truc of Vietnam in the eighth and split the point with Azhar Puteri Munajjah Az-Zahr of Malaysia in the ninth round to finished with 6.5 points, the same output of Vo and Juwita Ardelia Sharfina Menda of Indonesia. The trio shared the gold in the Girls 12-under class.

Revita crushed Nguyen Hong Ngoc of Vietnam in the eighth and repeated the trick over Chandra Vania Vindy of Malaysia in the ninth round to finished 7.0 points. She and fellow 7.0 pointer Nguyen Thi Minh Thu of Vietnam shared the gold in the Girls 14-under division.

Mendoza tallied 6.0 points, the same output of fellow gold medal winners Huynh Ngoc Thuy Linh and WFM Dao Thi Lan Anh of Vietnam in the Girls 16-under class.

“These kids are the young blood, the future of Philippine chess. They want to give not their 99 percent, but their 100 percent all the time. They know what it takes to win," added National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales stood in as the delegation's team while IM Yves Ranola, IM Roderick Nava, FM Hamed Nouri and NM Edmundo Gatus was the group's team coaches.

The Philippines competed with Russia, India, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Hongkong, Singapore, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Iran, Mongolia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Thailand, which drew 389 contestants.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

PH woodpushers win golds in 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013

by Marlon Bernardino

Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City,  Allaney Jia G. Doroy of Agusan del Norte and Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan carried the load for the victorious Philippine age group chess team at the conclusion of 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013 Standard competition at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Thursday.

The 7-year-old Nouri, incoming grade one pupil of FEU-FERN College in Quezon City defeated Nguyen Hoang Hiep of Vietnam in the eight and penultimate round then subdued Luvsandorj Orgilbold on Mongolia in the ninth and final round to finished 8.0 points to topped the Open 8 and under category. Nouri also teaming up with Michael Concio Jr. of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Jerish John Velarde of Lapu-Lapu City and  James Henry Calacday of Antipolo City to bagged the silver medal in the team competition.

Doroy, for her part, drew with WFM Vo Mai Truc of Vietnam in the eight then split the point with Azhar Puteri Munajjah Az-Zahr of Malaysia in the ninth round to finished 6.5 points, the same output of Vo and Juwita Ardelia Sharfina Menda of Indonesia. The triumvirate won each gold medal in the Girls 12 and under class. Doroy togerher with Natori Biazza Diaz of Sagay City, Negros Oriental and Bea Mendoza of Baguio City also won the gold medal in the team event.

Revita, meantime crushed Nguyen Hong Ngoc of Vietnam in the eight then Chandra Vania Vindy of Malaysia in the ninth round to finished 7.0 points. She joined fellow 7.0 pointers Nguyen Thi Minh Thu of Vietnam in the gold medal winners in the Girls 14 and under division. Revita along with Alexis Anne Osena of Quezon province and May Ann Alcantara of Calumpit, Bulacan took the silver medal in the team event.

“These kids are the young blood, the future of Philippine chess. They want to give not their 99 percent, but their 100 percent all the time. They know what it takes to win," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

National Master Alcon John Datu, Fide Master Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem, Pangasinan and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila collected identical 6.0 points each to finished silver medal in the Open 20 and under class. FM Nguyen Van Hai of Vietnam took the individual gold medal with 7.5 points. However, the Pinoy trio went home the gold medal in the team event. 

Meanwhile, WIM elect Janelle Mae Frayna of Legaspi City scored 6.0 points and settled for the silver medal in the Girls 20 and under. Frayna, top player of Far Eastern University joined WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite and WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila for the silver medal finish in the team event.

Other medallist are FM Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City (silver, individual), Bersamina, NM Giovanni Mejia of Labrador, Pangasinan and Jerad Docena of Bohol (silver, team event) in the Open 16 and under class; Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, John Marvin Miciano of Davao City Malabon, Carl Terrence Valdellon of Pasig City and John Merill Jacutina of Caloocan City (bronze, team event) in the Open 12 and under class and CM Stephen Rome Pangilinan of Bulacan, Julius Gonzales of Marikina City and Israelito Rilloraza of Las Pinas City (bronze, team event) in the Open 12 and under class

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).-Marlon Bernardino-

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photo caption:

President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos.

Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship this weekend

by Marlon Bernardino-

Registration in this year's edition of the Spartan Mining Philippine Inter-Collegiate Chess Team Championship is now in full swing as it unfolds on Saturday at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Canteen, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC), Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.), Malate, Manila.

Bankrolled by Spartan Mining and Development Corporation in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) 

 event is open to all Colleges and Universities nationwide which my be represented by one or more teams provided each team pays the corresponding entry fee of P3,000.

Among the teams who signified their intention to join are La Salle, Ateneo, UST, FEU, UP, UE, NU, San Sebastian College, San Beda College, RTU, PUP, PCCR, Holy Angel University (Angeles, Pampanga), Western Mindanao State University, University of San Jose-Recoletos (Cebu), among others.

Each team may be composed of a maximum of five (5) members or a minimum of four (4) who must be member in good standing with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP). Each member must be not be more than 26 years old and enrolled in the current semester in the school they represent and certified by their authorized school representative. Proof of age and school ID's may be required.

"Primary aim of this competition between and among universities and colleges is to determine from among the champions of collegiate leagues the national champion, not to mention its fostering camaraderie among student chess players and instilling in them values for good citizenship." said President and CEO of Spartan Mining and Development Corporation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Director for Finance Luis G. Ramos.

The two-division (Men and Womens) tournament will employ a straight nine-round Swiss system format.

Aside from pocketing the P30,000 plus trophy, gold medals, the College (Men) Champion Team will have the right to represent a city in the coming Asian Inter-Cities Chess Team Tournament which will be held on October 12 to 20 in Tagaytay City.

The second to third placers settle for the cash purse of P20,000 plus trophy, silver medals and P10,000 plus trophy, bronze medals, respectively. Fourth to sixth placers gets P7,000, P6,000, P5,000 while 7th to 10th placers went home P4,000 each.

Meanwhile, the College (Womens) Champion Team will bring home P20,000 plus trophy, gold medals, The second to third placers settle for the cash purse of P15,000 plus trophy, silver medals and P8,000 plus trophy, bronze medals, in order. Fourth to sixth placers gets P7,000, P6,000, P5,000 while 7th to 10th placers went home P3,000 each.

A special award is given to the Individual winners in the Mens and Womens division, P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 plus trophies, in both division.

For more details, call or text International Arbiter Gene Poliarco at 0923-730-9445 or International Arbiter Elias Lao at 0926-237-8876 or email: laoickz@yahoo.com. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

Pinoy woodpushers assured of 3 bronzes in 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino woodpushers on Wednesday assured the Philippines of at least three bronze medals in the 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013, Standard competition at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

They are Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City,  Allaney Jia G. Doroy of Agusan del Norte and Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan.

The 7-year-old Nouri, incoming grade one pupil of FEU-FERN College in Quezon City blasted Nguyen Hoang Hiep of Vietnam in the eight and penultimate round to scored seven points going to the last round of this nine round Swiss format in the Open 8 and under bracket. Chinguun Sumiya of Mongolia catches Nouri on top after demolishing Nguyen Duc Sang of Vietnam.

Doroy, for her part, drew with WFM Vo Mai Truc of Vietnam to create a three-way tie for first place with Vo and Juwita Ardelia Sharfina Menda  of Indonesia after tallying 6.0 points each in the Girls 12 and under class.

Revita, meantime crushed Nguyen Hong Ngoc of Vietnam to raised her total 6.0 points, the same output of WCM Nguyen Thanh Thuy Tien of Vietnam, winner over Indira Nursyamsina Hazimi of Indonesia. Nguyen Thi Minh Thu of Vietnam subdued Vongvatthana Chananchida of Thailand to scored 6.5 points and still on top in the  Girls 14 and under division.

“These kids are the young blood, the future of Philippine chess. They want to give not their 99 percent, but their 100 percent all the time. They know what it takes to win," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.