FILIPINO WOODPUSHERS DOMINATE MALAYSIA RAPID CHESS TOURNEY

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings:

6.5 points---NM Carlo Lorena (Philippines)

6.0 points---NM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines), NM Efren Bagamasbad (Philippines), Eden Diano (Philippines), FM Ronnie Lim (Malaysia), Jax Hong (Malaysia), Zaidan Zulkipli (Malaysia), Evan Timothy Capel (Malaysia)

National Master Carlo Lorena took the Battle Chess Selangorku II title, winning the tournament with 6.5 points after beating Fide Master Anas Nazreen Bakri of Malaysia in the final round.

The KL Chess Kids Academy chess teacher/instructor was undefeated in the field tournament with 149 participants held last August 24 in Selangor, Malaysia.

National Master Nelson Villanueva collected 6 points from a total seven rounds, got second place for having higher tie-break score against compatriots National Master Efren Bagamasbad and Eden Diano of the Philippines, FM Ronnie Lim, Jax Hong,  Zaidan Zulkipli and Evan Timothy Capel of Malaysia.

Docena, Fronda Top National Juniors Chess Championships

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings:

(Boys Division, Nine-round Swiss-system)

6.5 points---NM Jerad Docena

6.0 points---Mc Dominique Lagula, Jose Carlo Castro

5.5 points---FM Haridas Pascua, NM Alcon John Datu, NM Narquinden Reyes, Paul Robert Evangelista, Daryl Unix Samantila

4.5 points---Lennon Hart Salgados

3.5 points---CM Marc Christian Nazario

3.0 points--John Merill Jacutina

2.5 points---Tristan Jared Cervero

1.5 points---Romeo Canino

(Girls Division, Seven-round Swiss-system)

6.0 points---WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, WNM Janelle Mae Frayna

4.0 points---Shania Mae Mendoza, WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego, Venice Vicente

3.0 points---Jemima Valdez, Jesca Docena, Enrica Villa, Jerlyn Mae San Diego

2.5 points---Shaira Mae Aquino, Stella Theresa Aquino

National Master Jerad Docena and Woman National Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda dominated their respective divisions of the 2013 National Juniors Grand Finals boys and girls chess championships at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall inside  Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila on Thursday.

The 15-year-old Docena, a fourth year high school student of Wesleyan College of Manila from Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol, settled for a fighting draw in the last round with top seed Fide Master Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem, Pangasinan to finished with 6.5 points and claim the title of the boys division of the tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), through the undertaking of Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares and  DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

" My sacrifices has been paid off," said Docena, who finish 25th overall place and best under 16 player in the just ended 10th IGB Dato Arthur Tan International Open Chess Championship 2013 last week being held at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Crispin Docena, father of Jerad, said local and international tournament of his son would not be possible because of the undying support of Juan Republik Foods Inc., Spare and Strike Restaurant and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.

"Sasamantalahin ko na po ang pagkakataon para makapagpa-abot ng pasasalamat sa  Juan Republik Foods Inc., Spare and Strike Restaurant at Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. na tumutulong sa local at international tournament ng anak kong si Jerad." said Crispin.

Fronda, on the other hand, finished in a two-way tie for first place with fellow six pointers WNM Janelle Mae Frayna, however, took the title due to higher tie break points.

Fronda subdued Shania Mae Mendoza of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna in the final canto while Frayna beat Jesca Docena of Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol.

Meanwhile, NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is well praised of the tournament location. A place that is well suited to the game of chess. He also thanked the friendly people of the Philippine Sports Commission. "We hope the Philippine Sports Commission under the leadership of chairman Ricardo Garcia will continue to support our chess undertaking by providing us this wonderful-class venue" he said, referring to the air-conditioned Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Hall.

Master of Ceremony is NCFP deputy secretary-general/treasurer Red Dumuk while chief arbiter is IA Gene Poliarco.

NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales on his part announced that Jerad and Jan Jodilyn may join super grandmaster Wesley So as the representative of the Philippines in the upcoming World Junior U20 Chess Championships 2013 on September 12 to 27 in Hatay, Turkey.

Prior to the awarding ceremony, officials, players, parents and coaches also observed a moment of silence and prayer for Asia's First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, who passed away last Wednesday.

Dugout Sports executive chess tourney on despite bad weather

by Marlon Bernardino

Despite the bad weather in Metropolis, organizer Grandmaster Eugene Torre and National Master Sammy Estimo said yesterday the holding of one-day, seven-round Swiss rapid event Executive Chess Tournament gets underway on Saturday, August 24 at the Dugout Sports Bar and Grill at One Joroma Place, Congressional Ave., corner San Beda St., Barangay Toro in Quezon City. The newly opened bar is located on the mezzanine floor of the building, just above David’s Salon.

Those who have confirmed their participation are lawyers Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario, Roy Hirang Jr., Joselito Oliveros, Doming Bornasal, Rommel Tacorda and Justice Romy de la Cruz, Dr. Cip Oviedo, businessmen Lorenz Tabilog, Noel Garcia and Leo Ricana, commercial pilot Tony Labarda and SSS executive Rene Domaycos and Dioniver "Bobot" Medrano.

Also seeing in action are Johnny Tevez, Bino Tibez, Marc Anthony Lingbawan, Graciano Gomez Jr. and Leslie Ann Laceste, member of Kaunlaran chess team who is fresh from joining the 33rd ASTRO Merdeka Rapid Open Team Chess Championship 2013 dubed as 10th Malaysian Chess Festival 2013 Champion last Sunday at the Cititel Mid Valley, Cititel Hotel, Midvalley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Others expected to participate are engineers Cris Cuntapay and Cris Cayary, architect Franz Barreto, customs executive Raymond Linsangan, Dennis San Juan, Willy San Juan, Ricky Navalta, Ed Nario, Emil Colindres, Habar Aurelio, Neil Dumlao, lawyer Cliburn Orbe, Dr. Jenny Mayor, businessman Pagente Adie, Ravel Canlas of Pagcor, among others.

For details, contact Torre at 09228822870 or Estimo at 09159360354.

Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, 75

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila, Philippines---Rodolfo Tan Cardoso born on the 25th of December 1937 in Anda, Pangasinan. He was responsible for putting the Philippines on the chess world map, a player, arbiter, coach and teacher.Cardoso was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1957, making him the first Asian IM.

On Wednesday (August 21, 2013), the Filipino chess community mourned the loss of strong chess master Tan-Cardoso, who passed away.

Tan-Cardoso of Anda/Alaminos, Pangasinan suffered heart attack at 3:10pm Wednesday at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He was rushed Tuesday night due to heart attack.

"It was a big loss for Philippine chess ang pagkamatay ni Rudy (Cardoso). Malaki ang contribution niya sa Philippine chess kasama na lately ang pagtuturo nya sa mga kabataan," said Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, founder of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

"Isa siya sa hinahangaan kong player ng bata ako, tactician siya at natural talent during that time yung positional play ay hindi pa uso," added Torre.

"He was a true gentleman over the chessboard. Being the first International Master of Asia. He arose Philippines interest in chess and put our country in the world chess map. And, he was the only Filipino to ever beat Bobby Fischer in Chess," said two-time olympian member National Master/Lawyer Samuel Estimo.

" Rudy (Cardoso), together with (Florencio (Campomanes), NMs Carlos Benitez and Glicerio Badilles, composed of 1st Philippine Team that played in Moscow Olympiad in 1956," recalled Estimo.

"To the people of Pangasinan and to all chess organizers, players and supporters, we of the Pangasinan Chess League, are so sad to inform you the sudden death due heart attack of our chess icon, teacher and fren, First Asia's Chess International Master (IM), Rodoldo Tan Cardoso," said Pangasinan Chess League president Don Sison.

"Rest in Peace Cardoso," said Singapore based IM Domingo Razo Ramos.

" Condolence to Tan-Cardoso family.. May God give them the strength they need.. and may he rest in peace," said Bangkok based Dante Sagyaman who hails from Benguet province.

"Condolence po sa family ni IM Cardoso, I once met him some years ago, he was so full of wisdom and chess strategies" said Bicol chess player Joseph Mendoza.

His remains will be placed at La Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial, Sucat, Panaraque on Wednesday. Then, his body will be transferred Saturday morning at his beloved province, Alaminos, Pangasinan. Interment on Monday.

For complete details call or text his nephew Rene at 0922 853 6256.

Pinoy whiz kid win gold medal in Malaysia chess meet

A young Filipino woodpushers emerged as one of the individual champions in a tough Swesen Age Group 2013 dubbed as 10th Malaysian Chess Festival 2013 on Tuesday at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seven-Year-old Alekhine Nouri of Taguig City, grade one pupil at the FEU-FERN College in Quezon City, won his first five matches then drew with Aayush Pinakin Barot of India in the final round to finish with 5.5 points in six outings and rule the 8-under category.

Actually Nouri and Ryan Lee of Malaysia, both tallied 5.5 points, however the former (Nouri) won the gold medal with a better 24.5 tie break points against the latter's (Lee) 22.0 points.

Earlier, Nouri toppled Megat Zaid Megat Mohd Khushair, Alden Goh Kai Ray, Raynell Ng Li Hern, Shreesh Amit Chembeti and Wong Zi Yue of Malaysia.

"This proved once again that Filipinos can be at par with the world's best athletes. With ample training and preparation we can even become world champions," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. 

Last June, the Escalante City, Negros Occidental native won an outright Fide Master title by virtue of his excellent showing in the 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013 Standard competition at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

With the feat, Nouri is the current world's youngest Fide Master at the age of 7. 

Meanwhile, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo defeated countryman Franz Barretto to gain a share of 5th place in the huge group of 4.5 points that includes compatriots GM John Paul Gomez and FM Roderick Nava in the Open section. 

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Bayan Muna Party-List Rep.Neri Javier Colmenares, Atty. Ruel Canobas and GM Jayson Gonzales of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

NCFP/Bayan Muna elated over world's youngest Fide Master Alekhine Nouri

World's Youngest Fide Master Alekhine Nouri Wins in Malaysia Chess Meet

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Grassroots & Development Committee head and Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares expressed elation over the impressive victory of seven-year-old and current world's youngest Fide Master Alekhine Fabiosa-Nouri of Taguig City. 

The Escalante City, Negros Occidental whiz kid native Alekhine, grade one pupil at the FEU-FERN College in Quezon City, won his first five matches then drew with Aayush Pinakin Barot of India in the final round to finish with 5.5 points in six outings and rule the 8-under category.

 Alekhine, who was named in honor of Alexander Alekhine, one of the world’s greatest chess players who became the fourth World Chess Champion in 1927.

"We would like to congratulate the youngest fide master on the world Alekhine Nouri for bringing honor to the country by besting opponents from other countries by winning the under 8

Category in the 10th Malaysian Chess Festival. He is proof that the support of NCFP and Bayan Muna to grassroots chess is not only important but efective as well. " said Colmenares who, as the Chess Champion of Western Visayas, placed second in the 1976 Palarong Pambansa.

"We will continue supporting Alekhine so that willl become the next grandmaster from Negros after the late Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas." he added.

Wesley So Advances in World Chess Cup But Other PH Bets Fall

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Grandmaster Wesley So crushed GM Alexander Ipatov of Turkey, 1.5-0.5, to advance to the second round of the 2013  World Chess Cup at  the  Scandic Hotel in Tromso, Norway.

The 33th seed So (ELO 2708), one of the most popular young players here, beat 96th seed Ipatov (ELO 2583) in the first game of their standard play after 45  moves of  the Petroff Defense late Sunday using white.

 The draw in the second match late Monday was all that the 19-year-old Filipino sensation needed to eliminate the 20-year-old Lviv, Ukraine born Ipatov, the reigning World Junior champion.

The game in the second match was lasted at 59 moves of Grunfeld Defense, Exchange Variation with So handling the black pieces.

So will next meet the  winner of  the  match  between  No.32 seed   GM   Evgeny Tomashevsky of Russia (ELO 2709)  and  No. 97 GM Alejandro Ramirez  (ELO 2583)  of    the   United States. Tomashevsky and Ramirez battled to a draw in their two-game standard play to force rapid playoff late Tuesday. 

Zone 3.3 President and 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., expressed elation over So’s victory.

"Wesley So deserves attention in the Philippines because he is so young and a good inspiration. Chess is one of the only sports that Philippines has the chance." said Tolentino, also the Secretary-General of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and a long-time chess patron of So.

In 2011 Khanty Mansiysk, Russia edition, So was yielded against then top seed Ukrainian GM Sergey Karjakin in the blitz tie-break in the second round.

In 2009 Khanty Mansiysk, Russia edition, So ousted former world championship candidates GM Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, 1.5-.5 in the second round and American GM Gata Kamsky, 1.5-.5 in the third round to march to the quarterfinals. His Cinderella run however, was ended by  GM Vladimir Malakhov of Russia, 4-1 in rapid tiebreak.

The  two other  Filipino campaigners -- 100th seed GM Oliver Barbosa (ELO 2572) and 110th seed GM Mark Paragua (ELO 2545)  -- were  not as  lucky, however bowed out of the 128-player, knockout-style event organized by FIDE (World Chess Federation) late Monday.

Barbosa bowed to 29th seed GM Le Quang Liem (ELO 2712) of Vietnam and Paragua was yielded to 28th seed GM Dmitry Jakovenko of Russia (ELO 2724)  in their two-game standard play with a similar 0-2 score.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Bayan Muna Party-List Rep.Neri Javier Colmenares and GM Jayson Gonzales of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Top  seed GM Levon Aronian (ELO 2813) of Armenia also easily made it to the second round. The boyfriend of Fil-Australian Arianne Caoili blasted Mikhail Markov (ELO 2304) of Kyrgyzstan, 2-0.

Other notable woodpushers also make it to the next round are 2nd seed GM  Fabiano Caruana (ELO 2796) of Italy who edged IM G. Kash (ELO 2340) of India, 1.5-0.5, 3rd seed GM Valdimir Kramnik who blanked Zone 4.3 Chess Championship no rating FIDE Master Gillian Bwalya of Zambia, 2-0, 4th seed GM Alexander Grischuck (ELO 2780) of Russia who nipped  IM Igor  Bjelobrk (ELO 2341) of Australia, 2-0, and 5th seed GM Hikaru Nakamura (ELO 2772) of the United States who dealt WGM Deysi Cori  (ELO 2439) of Peru, 2-0.

Ladies are doing well in the World Cup according to US based Filipino Herky Del Mundo to force rapid playoff late Tuesday.  Former women world champion GM Hou Yifan of China drew two games with GM Alexie Shirov of Latvia, and current world champion GM Anna Ushenina of Ukraine won her second game against GM Peter Svidler of Russia. Svidler beat Ushenina in their first encounter here.

Pinoy GM John Paul Gomez Rebounds in Malaysia Chess

 

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Grandmaster John Paul Gomez beat Indonesian Yoseph Theolifus Taher to post his fourth win in five outings late Monday and bounce back in contention in the 10th IGB Dato Arthur Tan International Open Chess Championship 2013 at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With the win, Gomez climbed into a share of 3rd to 11th places in the Open division. The Binan, Laguna native Gomez earlier lost to sole leader GM Xiu Deshun of China. Deshun defeated GM Suri Vaibhav of India for his fifth straight wins in as many rounds. Other woodpushers who tallied 4.0 points each are top seed GMs Ma Qun, Wang Rui, and Lu Shanglei of China,  GM Alexander Fominyh of Russia, IM Max Illingworth of Australia,  IM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam, FM Roderick Nava and NM Ali Branzuela.

GM  Abhijeet Gupta of India, meantime subdued IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia and occupied solo second place with 4.5 points.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Bayan Muna Party-List Rep.Neri Javier Colmenares, Atty. Ruel Canobas and GM Jayson Gonzales of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Subramaniam Shreyes of Malaysia leading the way  in the Amateur Division with 5.0 points followed by Bengt Largo with 4.5 points. NM Efren Bagamasbad share the lead with GM Dmitry Kayumov Dmitryof Uzbekistan with 4.0 points apiece in the Seniors division.

Chess World Cup Day 1

Wesley So delivers, Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua falls; Filipinos are puzzled about Paragua's results?

by Marlon Bernardino

Grandmaster Wesley So (ELO 2710) of the Philippines  started his bid on a bright note in Day 1 of 2013 World Chess Cup in Tromso, Norway on Sunday.

So, the 33th seed here checkmated GM Alexander Ipatov of Turkey (ELO 2584) after 45 moves Staunton Variation, Petroff skirmish to take a head start. He needed only a draw on Monday to advance in the sexond round of the knock-out format.

However, 100th seed GM Oliver Barbosa (ELO 2571) and 110th seed GM Mark Paragua (ELO 2565) did not fare well with the favorites.

Barbosa lost to 29th seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam (ELO 2702) after 43 moves of Slav Defense, Czech Defense while Paragua was yielded to 28th seed GM Dmitry Jakovenko of Russia (ELO 2724) after 67 moves of  Bastrikov Variation, Sicilian duel.

Both, Barbosa and Paragua needed to win their game last night to level the count and force a rapid play off matches.

Filipino chess enthusiasts and players is confused yesterday after the official website of World Chess Cup put the score win in favor of Paragua. However, in the blog of Susan Polgar and famous chessbase.com, shows Jakovenko win against Paragua.

Mr. Reginald Tee, long-time benefactor of So pointed out that Jakovenko beat Paragua. GM Darwin Laylo, one of closiest friend of Paragua, currently competing in Kuala Lumpur Chess also pointed out Jakovenko defeated Paragua. Journeyman Rhobel Legaspi, another friend of Paragua said " Mark lost his game to Jakovenko,". 12-time National Open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. also said Jakovenko win the game. He insisted the final position. 

Fide arbiter James Infiesto, NCFP coordinator in Mindanao said "there is always a factor of Human Error".

" I think the organizers of World Cup are the best people to explain what happened and should try to avoid committing the same mistake" insisted Infiesto, Filipino arbiter in the ASEAN Age Group plus in Changmai, Thailand and Asian Indoor Games in Incheon, Korea.

Gomez remains unbeaten in Malaysian Chess tourney

by Marlon Bernardino

Grandmaster John Paul Gomez  held his guard in the third round of the 10th IGB Dato Arthur Tan International Open Chess Championship 2013 as he remained the last Filipino unscathed being held at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gomez (ELO 2520) beat  countryman Fide Master Randy Segarra (ELO 2337) to register his third consecutive win in the Swiss-system tournament. Gomez, defeated Sumant Subramaniam (ELO 2066) and FM Ronnie Lim (ELO 2299) of Malaysia  in succession. 

Joining Gomez on top of the leadership board with 3.0 points each are top seed GMs Ma Qun and Xiu Deshun of China, GM Suri Vaibhav of India and IM Max Illingworth of Australia.

Ma bested GM Laxman R.R of India; Deshun routed IM Oliver Dimakiling of the Philippines; Vaibhav subdued NM Roel Abelgas of the Philippines and  Illingworth nipped Andria L D`souza of India.

In the fourth round, Ma will meet Suri Vaibhav on Board 1, Deshun opposite Gomez on Board 2 and Illingworth goes up against GM  Abhijeet Gupta of India on Board 3.

Gupta split the point with GM Wang Rui (ELO 2408) of China to lead the huge group of 2.5 points that includes GM Alexander Fominyh of Russia, GMs Wang, Lu Shanglei and Zhou Jianchao of China, GM Darwin Laylo, FM Roderikc Nava, CM Nelson "Elo" Mariano III and David Elorta of the Philippines, IMs Nitin S. and Ravichandran Siddharth, Pradeep Kumar R.A. of India, IM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam, IM Irwanto Sadikin and Yoseph Theolifus Taher of Indonesia and Jonathan Chuah of Malaysia.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Bayan Muna Party-List Rep.Neri Javier Colmenares, Atty. Ruel Canobas and GM Jayson Gonzales of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Meanwhile, National Master Carlo Lorena defeated Darrel Yap of Malaysia for his third straight wins in as many rounds. in the Amateur Division. Also with 3.0 points are Shandilya Rohan Vijay of India, Fong Yit Ho, Subramaniam Shreyes,  Chan Sheng Yip and Muhalip Sotimin of Malaysia.

NM Efren Bagamasbad drew with Luu Duc Hai of Vietnam to raise his total 2.0 points in the Seniors Section. He wast tied at 3rd to 8th place.

Malaysia chess: Six Filipino Woodpushers Share Top Spot

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, International Master Oliver Dimakiling, Fide Masters Roderick Nava and Randy Segarra, National Masters Ali Branzuela and Roel Abelgas posted their second straight wins and shared the lead in the 10th IGB Dato Arthur Tan International Open Chess Championship 2013 at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Gomez defeated Sumant Subramaniam and FM Ronnie Lim of Malaysia in succession. 

Dimakiling prevailed over Cheah Cheok Fung of Malaysia and FM Yee Soon Wei of Brunei, respectively, Nava toppled Justin of Malaysia and WFM Fransisca Fortunata of Indonesia, Segarra trounced WCM Azman Hisham Nur Nabila and Tan Li Ting of Malaysia, Branzuela nipped compatriot Ivan Gil Biag and WGM Ding Yixin of China while Abelgas subdued Dennis Wang of Australia and Camilia Bt. Johari of Malaysia.

Joining the Filipinos in the huge group of perfect two pointers are top seed GMs Ma Qun, Zhou Jianchao, Wang Rui, Xiu Deshun of China, GMs Abhijeet Gupta, Laxman R.R. and Suri Vaibhav, Pradeep Kumar R.A. and Andria L D`souza of India, IM Max Illingworth of Australia and IM Nguyen Duc Hoa of Vietnam.

The country's campaign in the tournament is supported by former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., 7th district Cavite Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Bayan Muna Party-List Rep.Neri Javier Colmenares, Atty. Ruel Canobas and GM Jayson Gonzales of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Meanwhile, National Master Carlo Lorena and Bength Largo gain a share of lead with 17th other in the huge group of 2.0 pointers in the Amateur Division. Also unbeaten with 1.5 points are NM Leonardo Alidani, Perpetuo Tan, Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua while currently world youngest Fide Master Alekhine Nouri, Romelin Nava, Isidro Gallon and 2013 Bangkok Open Challengers Section Champion Marvin Ting tallied 1.0 points each.NM Efren Bagamasbad collected 1.5 points in the Seniors Section.

Nava, Romero rule 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships

by Marlon Bernardino

International Master elect Roderick Nava of Carmona, Cavite and Gladys Hazelle Romero of Tanauan City, Batangas captured this year's 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships for men's and women's title held at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Nava, a former Far Eastern University (FEU) stalwart defeated Rodolfo Panopio Jr. of Calamba, Laguna in the eight and penultimate round then split the point with IM Emmanuel Senador of Iloilo in the ninth and final round to finished with 7.0 points on account of five wins and five draws to receive the top prize of P10,000, trophy plus slot to the 2013 National Chess Championships finals dubbed as Battle of the Grandmasters on September in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga opisyales ng NCFP sa maganda nilang pamamalakad sa chess sa ating bansa sa maging na pamumuno nina Chairman/President (Prospero) Pichay at Secretary-General (Abraham) Rep. Tolentino," said Nava who is best to remember by winning the 12th Rakan Muda GACC (Grand Asean Chess Challenge) World Inter-Varsity Chess Championships 2007 at the Auditorium Perdana Siswa, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Untitled player Narquingden Reyes from Rizal province place second with a total of 6.5 points via superior tie break points over Senador who ended up third, fourth place DepEd employee NM Johny Habla of Novaliches Novelty Chess Club, fifth place Lyceum of the Philippine University top player IM Joel Pimentel of Bacolod City, sixth place another FEU bet IM Richelieu Salcedo III  and Philippine Airforce mainstay NM Raymond Salcedo.

In the women's side, Romero, also top player of FEU drew with Shania Mae Mendoza of Santa Rosa, Laguna in the final canto to notch 5.5 points in seven outings and bring home the championship's trophy, P7,000 top purse plus a tiket to the 2013 National Chess Championships finals dubbed as Battle of the Grandmasters on September in Lingayen, Pangasinan.National University varsity player Jean Karen Enriquez settled for solo second place with 5.0 points followed by Mendoza with 4.5 points.

No less than DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali, also the NCFP Director/Chairman of Youth Committee lead the closing rites with Asia's First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

Supporting the FIDE rated event 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. are Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali, 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, Chief Arbiter is IA Gene Poliarco while Master of Ceremony and Event Emcee is NCFP Deputy Secretary-General/Treasurer Red Dumuk.