FEU's Gladys Hazelle Romero Qualifies in the 2013 National Chess Championships Finals

by Marlon Bernardino

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY bet Gladys Hazelle Romero earned a slot to the 2013 National Chess Championships finals dubbed as Battle of the Grandmasters after subduing  Krizza Lyn Abasolo in the penultimate round of the 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

With the win, the Tanauan City, Batangas native Romero raised her total 5.0 points in six outings, full point ahead against Jean Karen Enriquez, Arvie Lozano and Shania Mae Mendoza who totes 4.0 points each.

Enriquez split the point with Mendoza while Lozano toppled Lucelle Bermundo. Abasolo, meantime remains at 3.5 points, the same output of  Ynna Sophia Canape, who brought downed Janena Marie Regencia.

Five more slots to be contested with one round to go in the women's division in the event backed up by Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares and DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

According to NCFP Executive Director and Tournament Director GM Jayson Gonzales, the 2013 National Chess Championships finals dubbed as Battle of the Grandmasters gets underway on September.

In the men's division, IM Joel Pimentel defeated NM Ali Branzuela and NM Jony Habla nipped FM Paulo Bersamina to create a five-way tie for first place together with IM Richelieu Salcedo  III, FM Roderick Nava and untitled Narquingden Reyes who notch 5.5 points each after seven games of play with two rounds left. Salcedo drew with Nava while Reyes halved the point with top seed IM Rolando Nolte.

Nolte lead the group of 5.0 pointers that includes IM Emmanuel Senador, NM Onofre Espiritu, NM Raymond Salcedo and Rodolfo Panopio Jr.

Also supporting the FIDE rated event are the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Luz, S. Almeda, Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School principal Linaflor E. Cabildo, Asst. Chief P.E. School Sports Dr. Jocelyn V. Marcial, Director IV Dr. Luz S. Almeda and OIC office of the Asst. Regional Director Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales.

Habla Grabs Solo Lead in National Open Semis Chess Tilt

by Marlon Bernardino

NATIONAL MASTER Jony Habla is showing the form that made him a star in collegiate chess in the ongoing 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships at the  Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

The pride of Novaliches Novelty Chess Club, a former anchor of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in SCUAA-NCR meet in the late 90's, downed International Master Emmanuel Senador to grab the solo lead after fifth rounds in the event backed up by Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares and DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

Habla prevails after 55 pushes of London System Opening using the white pieces to raise his total 4.5 points.

Currently employee at DepEd, Habla earlier beat Ricky Echala and NM Gerry Cabellon, drew with FM Fernie Donguines and upset top seed IM Rolando Nolte, respectively.

Fide Master Paulo Bersamina and Narquingden Reyes climbed to second to seventh place with 4.0 points following their impressive wins.

Bersamina toppled Joseph Navarro after 44 moves of Caro-Kann defense while Reyes routed Efren Arguelles after 28 moves of Sicilian skirmish.

Also with 4.0 points are IM Richelieu Salcedo III, IM Joel Pimentel, FM Roderick Nava and NM Raymond Salcedo.

IM Richelieu split the point with NM Raymond after 31 moves of Pir Defense; Nava and Pimentel halved the point after 30 moves of Slav defense.

In the women's side, top seed Gladys Hazelle Romero stopped the winning run of former solo leader Jean Karen Enriquez after 57 moves of Sicilian defense using the black pieces to create a four-way tie for first place with 3.0 points each that includes Janena Marie Regencia and Krizza Lyn Abasolo after four outings.

Regencia bested Nikki Erica Yngayo after 43 moves of Alekhine defense while Abasolo subdued Arvie Lozano after 67 moves of Modern defense.

Also supporting the FIDE rated event are the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC),  Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Luz, S. Almeda, Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School  principal Linaflor E. Cabildo, Asst. Chief P.E. School Sports Dr. Jocelyn V. Marcial, Director IV Dr. Luz S. Almeda and OIC office of the Asst. Regional Director Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales.

Tournament Director is NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales while Chief Arbiter is IA Gene Poliarco.

NU bet Enriquez Grabs Solo Lead in National Open Semis Chess Tilt

by Marlon Bernardino

National University bet Jean Karen Enriquez grabbed the solo lead in the 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships following an impressive victory over erstwhile undefeated  Janena Marie Regencia at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

The tournament second seed raised her total to 3.0 points in three rounds after 49 pushes of their Birds encounter.

 Enriquez, the reigning 2013 POC-PSC Philippine National Games double gold medal winner earlier beat Venice Vicente and Nikki Erica Yngayo, respectively.

Regencia, meantime dropped into a huge group of chasers with 2.0 points alongside top seed Gladys Hazelle Romero, Nikki Erica Yngayo, Ynna Sophia Canape, Arvie Lozano, Krizza Lyn Abasolo and Lucelle Bermundo.

Romero and Canape halved the point after 59 moves of Budapest Opening; Lozano and Shania Mae Mendoza split the point after 61 moves of Modern defense; Yngayo defeated Hiezel Coraje after 37 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense; Abasolo toppled Quinna Louise Soler after 30 moves of Slav defense; and Bermundo outclassed Villamae Cabrera after 43 moves of Modern defense.

In the men's side, No.1 seed International Master Rolando Nolte beat Rodolfo Panopio after 56 moves of Sicilian defense to scored 2.5 points and gain a share of lead with International Master elect Roderick Nava and Fide Master Haridas Pascua along with 12 others. Nava drew with NM Ronald Llavanes after 41 moves of Center Counter game while Pascua split the point with Emmanuel Emperado after 31 moves of Modern defense. 

The 9-round FIDE rated tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. is supported by  Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali, DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Luz, S. Almeda, Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School  principal Linaflor E. Cabildo, Asst. Chief P.E. School Sports Dr. Jocelyn V. Marcial, Director IV Dr. Luz S. Almeda and OIC office of the Asst. Regional Director Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales in coordination with  the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Pascua, Nava Take Charge in National Chess Championships

by Marlon Bernardino

Fide Master Haridas Pascua and International Master elect Roderick Nava toppled their respective rivals to take charge along with nine others after the second round of the 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships on Sunday at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

Pascua defeated NM Efren Bagamasbas after 42 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense while Nava outclassed Lennon Hart Salgados after 28 moves of Old Indian defense.

Thus, Pascua and Nava raise their total 2 points, the sane output of FM Fernie Donguines, NM David Elorta, IM Emmanuel Senador, NM Jony Habla, NM Ronald Llavanes, Efren Arguelles, Rodolpo Panopio Jr. and IM Joel Pimentel.

The 9-round FIDE rated Swiss system competition, organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Also supporting the said chessfest are NCFP Director/Chairman Grassroots & Development Committee Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Director/Chairman Youth Committee DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali, DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Luz, S. Almeda, Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School  principal Linaflor E. Cabildo, Asst. Chief P.E. School Sports Dr. Jocelyn V. Marcial, Director IV Dr. Luz S. Almeda and OIC office of the Asst. Regional Director Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales. 

In the distaff side, Jean Karen Enriquez defeated Nikki Erica Yngayo to share on top with 2 points Regencia Janena Marie, who brought downed Krizza Lyn Abasolo.

Tournament director is NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales while chief arbiter is IA Gene Poliarco.

NATIONAL OPEN CHESS SEMIS GETS UNDERWAY AT PONCIANO BERNARDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CUBAO

by Marlon Bernardino

 The semifinal round of the 2013 National Open chess championship gets underway on Saturday, July 27, 2013.

The 9-round Swiss system competition, divided into men and women's divisions organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), will be held at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

Seeing action in the event which will also select the members of the Philippine men and women's teams to play in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar in December, are the seeded titled players, namely International Masters, FIDE Masters and National Masters together with the qualifiers from the elimination tournaments conducted by NCFP. Also eligible to participate are all untitled Filipino chess players with NCFP rating of 2200 and above for men and NCFP rating of 2000 above for women, top three (3) players in all elimination phases of the 2013 National Age-Group championships (U-20, U-16, U-14, U-12) and Philippine National Games qualifiers who must be members in good standing of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Registration fee is P300 for NCFP members. (Additional PhP300 for non-NCFP member.)

The top players from both divisions shall advance to the grand final together with the seeded titled players. The number of qualifiers shall be announced before the start of the competition.

For complete details: IA Gene Poliarco (cel. 09237309445); IA Elias Lao (cel. 09262378876) and NM Edmundo Gatos (cel.09398655151).

MVP Invitational Chess Cup

by Marlon Bernardino

Meralco Chess Club recently hosted the MVP Invitational Chess Cup, a 4-team

10-board round robin tournament, for the visiting Philippine Military

Academy Chess Team at the historic Lopez Bldg, once the tallest skyscraper

in the Ortigas area. The first "makabayan" team tournament the club hosted

was for the Philippine Paralympics Chess Team in 2009 that had Grandmasters

Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio giving out autographed chess books.

With a rate of play of 60 minutes per player, the powerhouse University of

the Philippines Chess Team, led by Candidate Master Marc Nazario, swept all

three matches and took home the gold medals to add to their war cache in

Camp Diliman.

The surprise of the tournament was the Meralco Jrs. composed mostly of

biblical David-like youth led by Jonathan Jota of General Mariano Alvarez

Technical HS (2013 One Meralco Foundation Jr. Champion), Jayson Tapia of

Antipolo National HS (2012 Shell National Youth NCR Boys Kiddies 4th

Placer), and Rhal Sol Cruz of La Salle Green Hills (2012 Shell National

Youth Southern Tagalog Boys Kiddies 5th Placer and 2010 ASEAN Primary

Olympiad Bronze Medalist). Jota forced a draw with CM Nazario, Sol Cruz got

his draw with Shell National Youth NCR Gilrs Jr 2013 Champion Arvie Lozano,

and Tapia earned a draw with Meralco 2013 Champion Jay Dicen.  These draws

allowed the juniors to edge their senior counter-parts for 2nd Place.

Thus, 3rd Place went to Meralco Srs. led by National Master Gerry Cabellon,

former San Beda Joseph Navarro and former Adamson Daniel Casil. The PMAers,

carried by 2nd Class Hackmone Acab and 2nd Class Leonard Pena, watched the

backs of the other three teams at 4th spot.

"We are very very thankful for Meralco and UP for giving us this much

needed training and warm welcome. Sana maulit at kayo naman ang dumayo sa

amin sa Baguio.", said 1 Lt Hazel Romero.

"To be good in chess, you must have a training plan and follow it

regularly. Kahit 30 minutes lang - solving chess problems, analyzing your

games, updating your openings.", added FIDE Master Leo Carlos, UP's Head

Coach.

Coming up on July 27 Saturday is the MVP Chess Workshop for public high

schools to be held in Meralco from 9:00 am to 12:00 nn. Register at Meralco

Chess Club fb page.

GRANDMASTER MARK PARAGUA CHESS SIMUL

by Marlon Bernardino

World Cup bound and reigning National Champion GM Mark Paragua will be conducting a Simultaneous Chess Exhibition at SM City Marilao, Bulacan on Saturday July 27, 2013.

Paragua the 1998 World U-14 Rapid Champion who qualified for his 4th World Cup appearance recently by placing 3rd in the recently concluded Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Individual Chess Championship held at Midas Hotel in Pasay City last May 17-27, 2013, will be facing club players, executives, kiddies, university and colleges players.

In 1990, Paragua himself at six (6) years old played current World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand of India in a Simul. Exhibition held in Makati City. Again in 1993, during the World Youth Chess Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia, Mark take part in a 32 boards Chess Exhibition against 4 time Hungarian Champion GM Andraz Adorjan and made a fighting drew against him.

The purpose of the Simul is to encourage players especially the youths to play chess and meet GM Paragua over 64 squares board.

Top 5 winners will receive medals, educational books for kids and all participants will get certificate of attendance.

Among the early entries are expert Robert Pua of Manila Broadcasting Company, Milca Fulo from Lourdes School, Weng Tan, Van Kampin Luzon, Edward De leon, Aurex Lee Caser, Director Bong David, Edison Abarquez, Elmer Fumar, Allan Castillo, Mariano Flores, Dionisio Pascua, Jr., Emmanuel Adriano, Conrado Morillo and Mario Ulangka of DPWH.

Registration fee is P500.00, for inquiries please call or txt Engr. Ric Paragua of Paragua Chess Academy at 0910-6498755 or Mr. Richard Dela Cruz @ 0923-1696148.

Filipino Pride: Story of a Chess Teacher in Thailand

 

by Marlon Bernardino

NONTHABURI, Thailand – IT takes a lot of courage, guts and sacrifice for a former English Teacher who gave up his work and try to put up an school of chess in this province renowned for growing the best Durian in the country and located directly northwest of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya river.

"Hindi biro iiwanan mo trabaho mo then mag put up ka ng school of chess sa isang bansa na walang kasigaruduhan kung ano ang mangyayari sa hinaharap," said Henry, founder of the Gainsfield Chess and Language Center  in the heart of Nonthaburi.

"Hindi naman kasi kagaya yan ng Go, Bridge na sikat na laro dito sa Thailand bukod sa Snooker," added Henry, five time chess champion of Tarlac province.

"Sa katunayan ang daming mga kaibigan ko na nagulat sa aking binabalak na magtayo ng school of chess dito kasama na ang kumpare kong si Kai (Mr. Kai Tuorila is the Bangkok Chess Club President),"

" Kaya hinihikayat ko y'ung mga kaibigan natin at mga kababayan na tamang tao ang makasama pag may nais kang gawing business sa abroad. Mahirap kasi makipagsapalaran sa ibang bayan pero natitiyak natin na magiging maganda ang buhay nila na kailangan din ng ibayong tiyaga at pagsusumikap," Henry said.

His life's story reveals that being catapulted to a foreign land to work as an OFW is a mishmash of hard toil, profound motivation, and partly, luck in finding the right people who assisted him in his job.

When asked about his advice to Filipinos aspiring to work in abroad, Henry said, "You don't need to be very intelligent in fulfilling your dreams. Hard work and determination are essential. And once you've reached the top, make sure to share what you have. Learn how to give back."

Henry is the father of James Henry Calacday, a six year old chess whiz kid, member of the Philippine Age group chess team who gave honor to our country by winning 65 medals in this year's ASEAN Age group plus chess championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team collected 24 gold medals, 28 silver medals and 13 bronze.

Former University of the Philippines (UP) mainstay Arnulfo 'Arnie" Gavilan, the 2000 Kuala Lumpur Rakan Muda Grand Asian Chess Challenge bronze medallist is the top teacher of  Gainsfield Chess and Language Center.

NON-MASTER CHESS CHALLENGE AT CALOOCAN LRT MALL (formerly LRT NorthMall)

by Marlon Bernardino

NON-MASTER woodpushers will show their skills when the Non-Master Chess Challenge 2000 and Below chessfest gets underway on August 17 at the 4th floor LRT Caloocan Mall Bldg. (formerly LRT NorthMall) Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament, organized by Pinoy Chess Club Online founder Noel Morales in close cooperation with Novaliches Novelty Chess Club is open to all non-master and untitled chess player in the country regardless of their sexes and ages with standard NCFP July rating not over 2000.

"We will do this to promote chess in the grass roots level," said Pinoy Chess Club Online founder Noel Morales.

Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers, with the champion getting the lion's share of P3,500. The runner-up will receive P2,000, while the third placer will bring home P1,000.

The fourth placer will get P800, the fifth placer will earn P500 and the sixth up to the 10th placers will get P300. Registration fee is P250 and P150 for kiddies.

Also up for grabs P500 each are the top lady, top senior, top elementary, top high school and top college performer.

For further details of the tournament interested parties may contact, Pinoy Chess Club Online founder Noel Morales at 709-06-86 / 09098878395.

Gainsfield Pinoy Chess Blitz Championship 2013

Nonthaburi, Thailand: FILIPINO and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. clinched the Gainsfield Pinoy Chess Blitz Championship 2013 by winning the Double Round Robin Format which ended on Saturday. 

The former Arlington, Virginia Open, USA chess champion Bernardino, a sportswriter and radio commentator  formalized his claim to the title at the  Gainsfield Chess and Language Center headquarters here.

Bernardino finished with a total of 7.5 points, the same output of chess expert Henry Calacday. However, Bernardino won the title via winner over the other tie break points against Calacday.

Bernardino edged Calacday, 1.5-0.5, in the last round. The Quezon City native Bernardino, ex-mainstay of Rizal Technological University (RTU) Mandaluyong City earlier beat  Julie Ann Mendez (1.5-0.5), Ryan Calacday (2-0), National Master (NM) Leonardo Alidani (1.5-0.5) and drew with Fide Master (FM) Deniel Causo (1-1).

Last Friday (July 5, 2013), Causo (11.5/12) captured the Bangkok Chess Club Open Blitz Tournament held at the Queen Victoria Pab and Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.  He was followed by Jimson Bitoon (11 pts.),  Bernardino (10 pts.), NM Ric Portugalera (9 pts.) and Henry Calacday (7 pts.)  respectively. 

 

FM DENIEL CAUSO RULE BANGKOK CHESS CLUB OPEN BLITZ TOURNAMENT

Final Standings of the Bangkok Chess Club Blitz Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, July 5, 2013

(Single Round Robin Format, Five Minutes Play To Finish Event)

1. FM Deniel Causo (PHI) 11.5/12 

2. Jimson Bitoon (PHI) 11 

3. NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (PHI) 10 

4. NM Ric Portagalera (PHI) 9 

5. Henry Calacday (PHI) 7 

6. Kai Tuorila (FIN) 6 

7. William Campi (USA) 5 

8. Ho Jei-Chen (TPE) 5 

9. Ryan Calacday (PHI) 4.5 

10. Michael Culasing (PHI) 4 

11. Julie Ann Mendez (PHI) 2.5 

12. Aleister Laytham (ENG) 2 

13. Abraham Niehaus (RSA) 0.5

BANGKOK, Thailand---Fide Master Deniel Causo (11.5/12) captured the Bangkok Chess Club Open Blitz Tournament on Friday (July 5, 2013) held at the Queen Victoria Pab and Restaurant here.

He was followed by Jimson Bitoon (11 pts.), Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (10 pts.), NM Ric Portagalera (9 pts.) and Gainsfield Chess and Language Center director Henry Calacday (7 pts.)  respectively. 

Other woodpushers who participated in the 13 player's field, Single Round-Robin Format, Five Minutes Play to Finish event are  No.6 Kai Tuorila (FIN, 6 pts.), No.7 William Campi (USA, 5 pts.), No.8  Ho Jei-Chen (TPE, 5 pts.),  No.9 Ryan Calacday (PHI,  4.5 pts.), No.10 Michael Culasing (PHI, 4 pts.), No.11. Julie Ann Mendez (PHI, 2.5 pts.),  No.12 Aleister Laytham (ENG, 2 pts.) and 13. Abraham Niehaus (RSA,  0.5 point).

The event was graced and officiated by Bangkok-based Mr. Kai Tuorila of Finland, Founder/President of Bangkok Chess Club.

WIM Elect Frayna 7th in Asian Indoor Games (AIMAG) Classical chess; China Sweeps Gold Medal in Men and Women

by Marlon Bernardino

Woman International Master (WIM) elect Janelle Mae Frayna of the Philippines failed to sustain her momentum and finished seventh spot in the Individual Classical Chess championship event of the  4th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) 2013.

The top player of Far Eastern University was yielded to eventual champion and top seed GM Hou Yifan of China after 43 moves of English Opening of the event held at the Yonsei University International Campus in Incheon, Korea on Wednesday.

That loss put Frayna out of medal finished. The woodpushers campaigner from Bicol region, finished with 4.5 points on four wins, two loses and a draw, the same output of 6th place WGM Irine Kharisma Sukandar of Indonesia, 8th place WIM Hejazipour Mitra of Iran, 9th place WGM  Muminova Nafisa of Uzbekistan, and 10th place WIM Khademalsharieh Sarasadat of Iran.

In the same event, Frayna's compatriot WIM Catherine Perena blasted Al Jelda Fatemah of Syria  to scored 3.5 points and finished overall 23rd place.

On the other hand, Hou finished with 6.5 points in seven outings to pocket the gold medal. Hou's compatriot GM Zhao Xue outclassed Sukandar to finished with 6 points and went home the silver medal.

WGM Kulkarni Bhakti Pradip of India dismantled IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Vietnam to finished with 5.5 points and went home the bronze medal.

In the men's play, GM Mark Paragua split the point with GM Al Medaihki Mohd Ahmed A J of Qatar to finished with 4.5 points, overall 12th place. Another Filipino entry GM Oliver Barbosa halved the point with GM Deep Sengupta of India to finished with 4 points, overall 14th place.

China swept the gold medal in both events after GM Yu Yangyi nipped GM Tsegmed Batchuluun of Mongolia to finished with 6.5 points and adjuged overall winner in the men's play. GM Salem Abdulrahman Mohamed Saleh of UAE shocked GM Ding Liren of China to finished with 5.5 points for the silver medal. Liren remains at 5 points, but had a superior quotient against fellow five pointers that includes 4th place GM Sethuraman Panayappan Sethuram of India, 5th place GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan and 6th place GM Rinat Jumabayev of Kazakhstan.

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

This year’s AIMAG has brought together the Asian Indoor Games and Asian Martial Arts Games into a single major competition for the first time.

Pinoy woodpushers from Cebu-Davao making waves in chess in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

by Marlon Bernardino

A Filipino Saudi based is making waves in the field of chess as he makes a name for himself in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1997 Philippine Junior Champion National Master Elwin Herbias Retanal scored 10 points in eleven rounds to cop first place in the just concluded Saudi Riyadh International Rapid Chess Championship dubbed as Al Riyadh Open INT chess tournament 2013 held last June 27 to 28 at the Saladin Hotel in Al Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The 84th seed Saudi based Retanal registered a performance rating of 2350. His crucial wins against top seed  IM Mohamed Tissir (2422) of Morocco in the sixth round but conceded his only loss in the next round against 9th seed Gaafar Hassan of Egypt.

Overall, his victories over three other Fide Masters from Bahrain and Jordan clearly put him at the top, half  a point ahead over IM Tissir with 9.5 points.

Retanal currently works at Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University in KSA. Born and raised in Minglanilla, Cebu City but found a new home in Sitio Talisay, Barangay Mana, Malita, Davao del Sur. 

Five other Filipino campaigners registered  remarkable outings and placed inside the top twenty one. Alvin Alcala, (4th place/8.0 points),  Aldrin Gallardo (10th place/7.5 points), Anatoly Guaniezo (12th place/7.5 points), Noli Delloro (17th place/7.0 points) and Drigo Teves (21st place/7.0 points)

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. was elated Retanal's big win in the Saudi Riyadh International Rapid Chess Championship in the event was organized by Saudi Chess Association in cooperation with Qatar Chess Federation and NGiT.

"Once again Filipino woodpusher proved that we can shine in chess and that's what Elwin (Retanal) did, iI hope that we should give chess more attention in our country so that we can produce more champions in abroad." said Pichay, also the deputy president of ASEAN Chess Federation.

Frayna Wins, Barbosa Falters

by Marlon Bernardino

THE Philippines came out with mixed fortunes performance in the on-going 4th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games 2013 Classical Chess at the Yonsei University International Campus  in Incheon, Korea on Monday.

Woman International Master elect Janelle Mae Frayna  defeated Woman Fide Master Uuganbayar Lkhamsuren of Mongolia to  improve  to  2.5 points  on   two   wins and  a draw.

The top player of Far Eastern University womens chess team is now tied for 5th to 7th places in the company of WGM Nafisa Muminova of Uzbekistan and WIM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh of Iran.

GMs Hou Yifan and Zhao Xue of China, IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Vietnam and WIM Hejazipour Mitra of Iran toppled their respective rivals to share the lead with perfect 3.0 points after three games of play.

Woman International Master Catherine Perena bounced back in contention by demolishing Hussain Aminath Hasha of Maldives for her 2.0 points. Perena from San Jose Delmonte, Bulacan was yielded to IM Pham in the second round in the women's division. 

Not everything was good news for local chess fans, though, with World Cup bound GM Oliver Barbosa failing to sustain the momentum of his victory over IM Nguyen Duc Hoa of Vietnam in the second round, bowing to 

GM Al Medaihki Mohd Ahmed A J of Qatar in the third round in the men's side. 

With the win, GM Al Medaihki share the lead with fellow perfect 3.0 pointers GM Yu Yangyi of China and GM Salem Abdulrahman Mohamed Saleh of UAE.

Barbosa from Taytay, Rizal native remains at 2.0 points, the same score of fellow World Cup bound GM Mark Paragua who halved the point with GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. tapped Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales to be the coaches of the Philippine Team that includes GM John Paul Gomez and WIM Bernadette Galas.

Delegation Head is NCFP deputy secretary-general Red Dumuk. Paragua and Barbosa will join compatriot GM Wesley So in the 2013 World Chess Cup in Tromso, Norway from August 10 to September 5. So is fresh from winning this year's National Open Championship dubbed as Las Vegas International Chess Festival 2013 held at the Riviera Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

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