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.