COLINDRES TOPS Ist KING OF SPORTS EXECUTIVE CHESSFEST

by Marlon Bernardino

Unheralded Emil Colindres, a businessman from Caloocan City,

topped yesterday's 1st Edition of the King of Sports Chess circuit, held at King of Sports restobar, the latest gaming and entertainment hub at pacific century tower, quezon ave.,

quezon city.

Colindres subdued erstwhile leader Ernesto Absin, a PNP retiree-turned businessman, in a Reti Opening in the final round to clinch the 1st King of Sports tiara. Earlier, he trounced Efren Bagamasbad, a chemical engineer and chess national master, in the second round of a Queen,s Indian and drew with 7-time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor and Dandel Fernandez of Manila Water to remain unbeaten in six outings with 4 wins and 2 

draws.

Actually, Colindres was tied with architect Franz Barreto with

identical 5 points but the former had a superior tie break quotient.

The two players shared the top two cash prizes of P5,000 and P3,000, respectively, and went home richer with P4,000 each.

Other winners are: Efren Bagamasbad, solo 3rd place ( P2,00); Ernesto Absin, 4th , CPA-lawyer Atty. Philip King Cartagena of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, 5th  and pharmacist Stephen Manzanero, 6th. The three split the combined 4th and 5th prizes of P1,500 and P1,000, respectively.

     In the 5-minute blitz side event, Dandel Fernandez  of Manila Water grabbed the championship, followed by pharmacist Stephen Manzanero and Ernesto Absin. Dr. Jenny Mayor, who is obviously off-form, placed fourth.

     The twin event  was organized by D’ Plaza Chess Association of the Phils., Inc. in close cooperation with Bugsy International Promotions and Kaunlaran Chess Association.  Supporting this maiden project were GM Eugene Torre. Asia”s first grandmaster and D’Plaza adviser,  U.S. based Carmelito Mejia of  CVM Investments, Inc.  and Arcade Sampang of ASM Company.

Tagaytay-Philippines scores 4-0 win in Asian Cities Chess opening

by Marlon Bernardino

TAGAYTAY CITY---Tagaytay-Philippines started strong in the 2013 Asian Cities Chess Team Championship also known as Dubai Cup, pulling off a 4-0 victory against tenth seed Erdenet, Mongolia at the Tagaytay International Convention Center Sunday, here.

Grandmasters Oliver Barbosa, Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo swept their Mongolian rivals in one of five shutout wins on opening day that put the top-seeded Filipinos among the early leaders in the event hosted by Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also the Fide Asian Zone 3.3 president and his wife and mayor, Dr. Agnes Tolentino and Tagaytay city council.

Barbosa (ELO 2567) dumped International Master Namkhai Battulga (ELO 2396) after 46 moves of Slav defense on board one to usher in the Filipinos' rampage.

Paragua (2571) trounced Oyunbold Bilegsaikhan (ELO 2071) after 48 moves of Sicilian defense on board two.

Gomez (2511) nipped Choidog Ganbold (2171) after 53 moves of King's Indian defense on board three, while Laylo (2497) crushed Shagdarsuren Turbat (2035) after 28 moves of Gruenfeld defense on board four.

"We hope to perform well in this event," said Gomez, who got his GM title during the 2008 Dresden Olympiad, the reigning Battle of the Grandmasters-National Open champion.

The impressive win put the Filipinos in an early collision against 6th-seeded  Sharjah (UAE) in the second round scheduled Monday.

Sharjah (UAE) bannered by GM Salem A.R. Saleh (2567), IM Omar Noaman (2388), FM  Alhuwar Jasem (2256) and Abdulla Al Tahir (1967) walloped 15th-seeded Seoul (Korea), 4-0, with FM Lee Sanghoon (2171), CM Kim Inguh (1805), Kim Changhoon (1790) and Wang Chengjia (1934) at the helm.

In other matches, third-seed Shanghai (China) blasted Abu Dhabi (UAE), 4-0; fourth-seeded Philippine Sports Commission-Manila (Philippines) blanked thirteen-seeded Bs Begawan (Brunei), 4-0; fifth-seeded Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) outclassed fourteen-seeded Kuwait (Kuwait), 4-0 and sixth-seeded Sharjah (UAE) beat fifteen-seeded Seoul (Korea), 4-0.

The Philippine Sports Commission-Manila (Philippines) led by Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. (2518), International Masters Rolando Nolte (2447) and Jan Emmanuel Garcia (2396) and Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna (2121) trounced Bs Begawan (Brunei) of Hj, Azahari Siti Nur Fatimah (1985), Kamis, Kamarunsalehin (1882), Hj, Azahari Md Aliuddin (2069) and Hj, Sulaiman Amir Fakhry (2049), respectively.

Meanwhile, the Col. Vicente F. Flora Jr.-backed seventh-seeded Philippine Air Force-Pasay City (Philippines) defeated sixteen-seeded Singapore (Singapore), 3-1, with National Masters Onofre Espiritu (2332), Ronald Llavanes (2239) and Raymond Salcedo (2313) providing the victories for the Armed Forces of the Philippines champion squad.

Singaporean Fide Master Tin Jingyao (2160) upset International Master Barlo Nadera (2362) using the black pieces on board one.

Second-seeded Shanghai (China) subdued eleventh-seeded Sri Lanka (Colombo), 3-1; 17th-seeded Dubai (UAE) crushed 8th-seeded Baghdad (Iraq), 3-1, and 9th-seeded Shah Alam (Malaysia) dealt 18th-seeded Chinese-Taipei (Taipei), 3.5-0.5.

The champion team will get $3,000 aside from the Dubai Cup, while the second and third placed teams will receive $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Chief Arbiter is Casto "Toti" Abundo, the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) deputy vice president.

INDONESIA OPEN CHESS: BARBOSA DRAWS WITH CAO SANG, GOMEZ, LAYLO, NOLTE FALTERS

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Oliver Barbosa was held to back-to-back draws in the ongoing 2013 Indonesian Chess Open Championship at the Puri Ratna Ballroom, Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman 86 Jakarta, Indonesia.

His latest draw was against Vietnamese GM Cao Sang  in the seventh round on Tuesday. Both players agreed a fighting draw after 33 moves of Caro-Kann defense, advance variation.

Barbosa improved his output for a total of 4.5 points on 3 wins and 3 draws and a loss. He is currently tied for 10th to 30th placers along with compatriot GM Darwin Laylo, who lost to GM Alexander Moiseenko of Ukraine after 39 moves of Gruenfeld defense. Laylo crushed GM Jaan Ehlvest of the USA in the sixth round.

"Hindi nag risk si Oliver (Barbosa) kasi mahirap ang posisyon at napilitan siyang mag repetition move ng kanyang black bishop sa b4 square to c3 square against sa rook ni Cao Sang sa a3 square to a1 square," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., long-time benefactor of Barbosa.

The NCFP Chairman/President watches the games live through ChessBomb website.

The Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa, earlier draw against countryman International Master Rolando Nolte in the sixth round on Monday.

Nolte, on the other hand was yielded to GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran after 77 moves of Sicilian defense in the seventh round.

GM John Paul Gomez also lost to GM Nigel Short of England after 22 moves of French defense.Gomez drew with GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam in the sixth round.

Meanwhile, solo leader GM Aleksey Dreev of Russia still leads the field with 6.0 points after halving the point with GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India after 30 moves of Slav defense.

At 2nd is GM Sandro Mareco of Argentina with 5.5 points. Mareco beat GM Ivan Ivanisevic of Serbia after 33 moves of Trompovsky Opening.

In other Filipino matches saw, IM Oliver Dimakiling split the point with Ehlvest , IM Emmanuel Senador was beaten by GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia, GM Mark Paragua settled for a truce with Pradeep Kumar R A of India, GM Richard Bitoon defeated FM Paulo Bersamina, National Master Emmanuel Emperado was yielded to WGM Batchimeg Tuvshintugs of Mongolia, IM Kim Steven Yap smashed IM Tirto of Indonesia, GM Eugene Torre drew with Surya Wahyudi of Indonesia and IM Ronald Bancod subdued FM Firdaus Maksum of Indonesia.

The Filipino Indonesia chess campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

INDONESIA OPEN CHESS: LAYLO DRAWS WITH VASQUEZ, GOMEZ, BARBOSA, NOLTE PREVAILS

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO GRANDMASTER (GM) Darwin Laylo settled for a truce with Spanish GM Renier Igarza Vazquez to create a 20-way tie for seventh place along with compatriot GMs Oliver Barbosa and John Paul Gomez and International Master Rolando Nolte in the fifth round of the 2013 Indonesian Chess Open Championship yesterday at the Puri Ratna Ballroom, Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman 86 Jakarta, Indonesia.

Barbosa toppled Fide Master Anjas Novita of Indonesia, Gomez defeated countryman FM Paulo Bersamina and Nolte subdued IM Muhammad Ivan Situru of Indonesia.

Laylo, Barbosa, Gomez and Nolte tallied 3.5 points each, the same output of 16 others woodpushers.

GM Aleksey Dreev of Russia nipped overnight solo-leader GM Ivan Ivanisevic of Serbia to grabs the solo leadership board with 4.5 points.

GM Alexander Moseenko of Ukraine, meantime outclassed GM Shyam Sundar M of India to climb at 2nd to 6th placers in the company of fellow 4.0 pointers that includes Ivanisevic , GM Hoang Thanh Trang of Hungrary, GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India and GM Sandro Mareco of Argentina.

Meanwhile, after beating GM Eugene Torre in the fourth round, National Master Emmanuel Emperado continued his impressive showing by upsetting IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia for his three points in five outings.

Bersamina, on the other hand remains at 2.5 points, the same score of  GM Richard Bitoon, IM Emmanuel Senador and IM Oliver Dimakiling.

GM Mark Paragua tallied 2.0 points while Torre and IM Ronald Bancod have 1.5 points apiece.

The Filipino Indonesia chess campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee. 

Indonesia Open Chess: Laylo wins, Gomez, Barbosa falters

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---Filipino Grandmaster Darwin Laylo played even better in his fourth game in the 2013 Indonesian Chess Open Championship, turning back Indonesian International Master Farid Firman Syah, yesterday being held at the Puri Ratna Ballroom, Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman 86 Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Marikina City native Laylo, playing under the baton of multi-titled Philippine Army chess team tallied 3.0 points, the same output of GM Alexander Moseenko of Ukraine, GM Vadim Malakhatko of Belarus, GM Renier Igarza Vazquez of Spain, GM Nigel Short of England, GM Avetik Grigoryan of Armenia, GM Jaan Ehlvest of the USA, GM Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria, GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, GM Bayarsaikhan Gundavaa of Mongolia, GM Ivan Sokolov of the Netherlands, GMs Suri Vaibhav, Shyam Sundar M and Abhijeet Gupta of India, GM  Eduardo Iturrizaga of Venezuela, GM Sandro Mareco of Argentina, GM Cao Sang of Vietnam, IM Tirta Chandra Purnama and FM Anjas Novita of Indonesia.

Not everything was good news for local chess fans, though, with Grandmasters John Paul Gomez and Oliver Barbosa failing to sustain their momentum.

The Binan, Laguna ace Gomez was yielded to GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India while the Taytay,Rizal pride Barbosa bowed to GM Hoang Thanh Trang of Hungrary.

 With the win, Ganguly and Trang joined GM Aleksey Dreev of Russia in the 2nd to 4th placers with 3.5 points apiece. Dreev, on the other hand toppled GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia.

GM Ivan Ivanisevic of Serbia, meantime subdued overnight co-leader GM Avetik Grigoryan of Armenia to grabs the solo leadership board with perfect 4.0 points.

In other Filipino matches saw, GM Richard Bitoon was beaten by GM Ivan Sokolov of the Netherlands, FM Paulo Bersamina split the point with IM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam, GM Mark Paragua lost to IM Lioe Dede of Indonesia as well IM Oliver Dimakiling was collapsed to GM Gopal G N of India.

IM Rolando Nolte beat GM Ardiansyah H of Indonesia, IM Emmanuel Senador crushed  GM Enamul Hossain of Bangladesh, NM Emmanuel Emperado upset GM Eugene Torre, IM Kim Steven Yap nipped FM Sumiya Bilguun of Mongolia and IM Ronald Bancod lost to Fauzan M of Indonesia.

The Filipino woodpushers Indonesia chess campaign are being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC) chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

GM 'Joey' Antonio rules Battle of the Grandmasters 'blitz' chessfest

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA – Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. finished with a seven-round total of 6.0 points on five wins and two draws to capture his first major title in local soil this year.

The multi-awarded campaigner from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro topped the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster "Blitz" Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila on Monday.

US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla actually tied with Antonio with similar 6.0 points, but Antonio won via superior quotient in the event backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Vice President for Luzon Atty. Ruel V. Canobas in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

It shall be recalled that Antonio, who plays for the Philippine Army chess team, edged the country's top-rated player, Super Grandmaster Wesley So, in the finals to rules the 5th Gathering of Knights and Kings Open Chess Tournament last December held at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, International Master Joel Pimentel and GM Darwin Laylo, finished in third to 4th places with 5.5 points apiece.

Four players, led by Fide Master Paulo Bersamina, finished in fifth to 8th places with 5.0 points each.

Joining Bersamina are Rodolfo Panopio Jr., FM David Elorta, and GM candidate Ronald Dableo.

IM Oliver Dimakiling led a big group of players with 4.5 points that includes GM John Paul Gomez, GM Mark Paragua, NM Jerad Docena, FM Jony Habla and NM Nelson Villanueva.

GM Oliver Barbosa joints 15th position with 4.0 points.

In the women's play, Woman Fide Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda won the title with 6.5 points. Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales came second with 5.5 points followed by third place Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia with 4.5 points.

At fourth to 5th places are Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza and Ynna Sophia Canape with 4.0 points apiece.

NCFP Deputy Secretary-General/ Treasurer Red Dumuk, NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, International Arbiter Gene Poliarco and Fide Arbiter Patrick Lee led the closing rites.

Gomez, Frayna top Battle of the Grandmaster

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings:

MEN: 30.0 points J.Gomez, O. Barbosa;  26.5. D. Laylo; 25.5 R. Antonio; 22.5 R. Barcenilla; 21.5 M. Paragua; 18.0 J. Pimentel, R. Bitoon, E. Senador, E. Torre; 16.5 R. Nava, R. Salcedo III; 7.5 N. Reyes; 4.5 J. Habla

WOMEN: 34.5 points J. Frayna; 27.0 J. Enriquez, C. Perena; 25.5 B. Mendoza; 21.0 J. Docena, C. Mejia; 18.0 S. Mendoza, A. Lozano, L. Bermundo, B. Galas; 15.0 R. Jose; 11.0 G. Romero; 4.5 V. Cabrera

GRANDMASTER John Paul Gomez and Woman International Master elect Janelle Mae Frayna dominated their respective divisions of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila on Monday.

The 27-year-old Binan, Laguna native Gomez, settled for a fighting draw in the last round with Fide Master Roderick Nava after 31 moves of Slav defense to finished with 30.0 points and claim the title of the mens division of the tournament with a superior quotient over GM Oliver Barbosa who also notch 30.0 points after beating Fide Master Jony Habla after 41 moves of Bogo-Indian defense.

Gomez and Barbosa split the combined prize of P240,000 for the top two finishers.

The tournament is  being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

GM Darwin Laylo finished third with 26.5 points  following his conquest of International Master Joel Pimentel after 31 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening to received P75,000.

12-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. drew with IM Richilieu Salcedo III after 45 moves of Caro-Kann defense and settled for over-all fourth with 25.5 points for P50,000.

US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla split the point with last year's champion GM Mark Paragua after 31 moves of Scotch defense to finished solo fifth with 22.5 points for P40,000.

Rounding up to the 14 finishers are 6th place Paragua, 7th place Pimentel, 8th place GM Richard Bitoon, 9th place IM Emmanuel Senador, 10th place GM Eugene Torre, 11th place Nava, 12th place Salcedo, 13th place NM Narquinden Reyes and 14th place Habla.

In the women's play, Frayna defeated Ynna Sophia Canape after 30 moves of English Opening to went home the top prize of P50,000.

The top player of multi-titlist Far Eastern University chess team finished with 34.5 points, 7.5 points ahead over 2nd and 3rd placers Jean Karen Enriquez and defending champion WIM Catherine Perena, who both tallied 27.0 points.

Enriquez battled a 50 moves draw against WNM Jedara Docena while Perena halved the point with Shania Mae Mendoza after 30 moves of Owens defense.

WIM Beverly Mendoza drew with former national open champion WFM Rulp Ylem Jose came fourth with 25.5 points.

NCFP  executive director  GM  Jayson  Gonzales  is  the   tournament director, while IA  Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter.

Battle of Grandmasters: Frayna virtual champ

 

by Marlon Bernardino

Standings after 12 rounds:

MEN: 28.5 points J.Gomez; 27.0 O. Barbosa; 25.0 D. Laylo; 24.0 R. Antonio; 21.0 R. Barcenilla; 20.0 M. Paragua; 16.5 J. Pimentel, E. Torre, E. Senador; 15.0 R. Nava, R. Bitoon, R. Salcedo III; 7.5 N. Reyes; 4.5 J. Habla

WOMEN: 31.5 points J. Frayna; 25.5 C. Perena, J. Enriquez; 24 B. Mendoza; 19.5 J. Docena, C. Mejia, 16.5 L. Bermundo, B. Galas, S. Mendoza, A. Lozano; 14.5 Y. Canape ; 13.5 R. Jose; 8.0 G. Romero; 4.5 V. Cabrera

MANILA---It's in the bag for Woman International Master elect Janelle Mae Frayna.

Frayna defeated Villa Mae Cabrera to virtually capture her first national title and the top purse of P50,000 with only one round left in the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila here late Sunday.

The top player of multi-titlist Far Eastern University prevailed after 27 moves of Alekhine defense using the black pieces to raise her score to 31.5 points in this 13-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

Counting her four victories in the first six rounds, Frayna totes an insurmountable six-point lead over defending champion Woman International Master Catherine Perena and Jean Karen Enriquez.

Perena drew with Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia after 30 moves of Queens Gambit Accepter while Enriquez upset WIM Beverly Mendoza after 64 moves of French defense.

With the setback, WIM Mendoza remains at 24.0 points, good for fourth spot.

Mejia climb to fifth to sixth place with 19.5 points, the same output of WNM Jedara Docena who was beaten by Arvie Lozano after 35 moves of Caro-Kann defense.

Lozano, Lucelle Bermundo, WIM Bernadette Galas and Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza joints 7th position with 16.5 points each.

WFM Mendoza defeated Bermundo after 50 moves of Queens Pawn Game while Galas was yielded to Gladys Hazelle Romero after 53 moves of Sicilian defense.

Former National Champion Woman Fide Master Rulp Ylem Jose subdued Ynna Sophia Canape after 40 moves of French defense to occupied solo 12th place with 13.5 points followed by 13th place Romero with 8.0 points and last place Cabrera with 4.5 points.

In the men's play, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and GM Oliver Barbosa battled a draw after 36 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening.

The 27-year-old Binan, Laguna native Gomez has 28.5 points, 1.5 points ahead over the Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa with 27.0 points.

GM Darwin Laylo bested International Master Joel Pimentel after 38 moves of Gruenfeld defense to climb solo third place with 25.0 points. 12-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. split the point with GM Richard Bitoon after 21 moves of Sicilian defense  to occupied solo fourth place with 24.0 points.

In other Round 12 results: US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla settled a truce with IM Richilieu Salcedo III after 29 moves of English Opening; IM Emmanuel Senador routed National Master Narquinden Reyes after 35 moves of Catalab Opening; GM Eugene Torre toppled Fide Master Roderick Nava after 30 moves of Center Counter Game and last year's champion GM Mark Paragua smashed Fide Master Jony Habla after 34 moves of King's Indian defense.

The thirteen and final round gets underway on Monday with an Open blitz side event Monday afternoon session at 2pm followed by awarding ceremonies at 6pm.

Gomez, Frayna stay at chess helm

by Marlon Bernardino

Grandmaster John Paul Gomez split the point with US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla after 30 moves of Scotch defense to keep the lead in the ninth round of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships late Friday at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila.

Thus, Gomez staying on top with 24.0 points.

The event is using the Torre-Pichay scoring system, a method formulated by Torre and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay, Jr. where a win is equivalent to three points, a draw is 1.5 points, a loss is zero, and a stalemate is 2.0 for the last player to make a move and 1.0 to the player who can no longer make a move.

GM Oliver Barbosa toppled  National Master Narquinden Reyes to grabs solo second place with 19.5 points.

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. drew with Fide Master Roderick Nava to occupied 3rd place position with 18.0 points.

 International Master Joel Pimentel lost to defending champion GM Mark Paragua and remains at 15.0 points. Paragua has 14.0 points.

GM Eugene Torre subdued FM Jony Habla for his first win after 8th straight draws.

In other results, GM Darwin Laylo beat IM Richilieu Salcedo III, while GM Richard Bitoon hammered IM Emmanuel Senador. Laylo total output 17.5 points for 4th place while Bitoon has 13.5 points.

In the women's play, Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated Lucelle Bermundo to stay on course with 24.0 points.

The tournament is  being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

NCFP  executive director  GM  Jayson  Gonzales  is  the   tournament director, while IA  Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter.

Gomez scores back-to-back wins; Frayna stay on top in the Battle of the Grandmaster

by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---Grandmaster John Paul Gomez scored back-to-back wins in the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila.

His latest victory was against International Master Joel Pimentel late Thursday. Gomez defeated Pimentel in 35 moves of Sicilian defense using the advantageous white pieces in Round 7.

The 27-year-old Binan, Laguna native Gomez improved his output for a total of 19.5 points on 6 wins and draw.

"Sana mahawakan ko po ang momentum," said Gomez who earlier brought down National Master Narquinden Reyes in the 6th round.

The event is using the Torre-Pichay scoring system, a method formulated by Torre and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay, Jr. where a win is equivalent to three points, a draw is 1.5 points, a loss is zero, and a stalemate is 2.0 for the last player to make a move and 1.0 to the player who can no longer make a move.

Meanwhile, overnight solo second place 12-time National Open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. still second the field with 16.0 points after beating Fide Master Jony Habla in the sixth round and drew with defending champion GM Mark Paragua in the seventh round after 31 moves of Modern Benoni defense.

"Medyo mahirap game namin ni Mark (Paragua) pero ok na ang draw," said Antonio, former top player of University of Manila and mainstay of Philippine Army chess team.

At 3rd is GM Oliver Barbosa with 15.0 points. The Taytay, Rizal resident beat GM Richard Bitoon and IM Richilieu Salcedo III, respectively.

In other matches saw, GM Darwin Laylo defeated US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla in the 6th round then nipped IM Emmanuel Senador in the 7th round, GM Eugene Torre who lost to Pimentel in the 6th round then drew with Barcenilla in the 7th round while FM Roderick Nava was yielded to Senador in the 6th round then upset GM Richard Bitoon in the 7th round.

Habla, meantime split the point with Reyes in the 7th round after losing to Antonio in the 6th round.

In the women's play, Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna toppled Woman Fide Master Rulp Ylem Jose in the 6th round then split the point with WIM Beverly Mendoza in the 7th round  to remain on top with 18.0 points. Mendoza, on the other hand still at solo second place with 16.5 points.

Last year's champion WIM Catherine Perena occupied solo third place position with 15.0 points. The University of the Philippines-Diliman campus coach routed Lucelle Bermundo in the 6th round and Ynna Sophia Canape in the 7th round.

The tournament is  being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

NCFP  executive director  GM  Jayson  Gonzales  is  the   tournament director, while IA  Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter.

Hongkong Open Chess: China's Li Bo emerges winner, Philippines' Nelson Villanueva joint 2nd

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings: (69 participants, 9-round Swiss system)

7.5 points---Li Bo (China)

7.0 points---IM Marcos Llaneza Vega (Spain), GM Wong Meng Kong (Singapore), NM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines)

6.5 points---NM Roel Abelgas (Philippines), NM Deniel Causo (Philippines)

6.0 points---Mohammad Agus Kurniawan (Indonesia), Zhang Xiaopeng (China), Aris T.L.S. (Indonesia)

5.5 points---FM Hamed Nouri (Philippines), Robin Lai (Hongkong), FM Yu Kaifeng (China), Koji Nagochi (Japan), Hendry Jamals (Indonesia), WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego (Philippines), Liao Yu Hao (China), Alberto Muniz Pardino (Hongkong), Robert Michael Yang (Hongkong), FM Luk Luen-Wah (Hongkong)

Manila---Li Bo of China stole the limelight by emerging as champion in the Hongkong International Open Chess Championships 2013 at the Convocation Room, Main Building room 218, The University of Hongkong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hongkong.

While Li had 7.5 points in the end, there was a three-way tie for the second spot with 7.0 points among top seed International Master Marcos Llaneza Vega of Spain (2nd place), Grandmaster Wong Meng Kong of Singapore (3rd place) and National Master Nelson Villanueva of the Philippines (4th place).

In the crucial ninth and final round Tuesday, there was a lot of tension in the top board games as about five players were in with a chance of clinching the coveted trophy.

Overnight leader IM Llaneza Vega, who had a cushion of a half point lead over the others, suffered a heart-breaking loses to GM Wong allowing Li to enroute the title with a emphatic win over countryman Zhang Xiaopeng.

Villanueva who hails from Bacolod City edged compatriot Fide Master Hamed Nouri to finished in a tie for second place in the 69 player's field which attracted players from Philippines, China, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Chinese-Taipei, Republic of South Africa, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Macau, Nepal and Hongkong.

Last month, Villanueva landed a strong runner-up finish in the Sabah Grande Chess Open 2013 held in Sabah, Malaysia which topped by Filipino IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Vice-President and Grassroots Development Head Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares is elated over the victories of the Filipino woodpushers who made it to the list of top 10.

"We congratulate our chess team for its impressive performance." said Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares himself is a chess champion from Western Visayas, having placed second in the 1976 Palarong Pambansa.

National Masters Roel Abelgas and Deniel Causo of the Philippines, meantime toppled their respective rivals in the final canto to end up 5th to 6th places with 6.5 points apiece.

Abelgas, a six-time Cavite champion and head coach of the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute in Dasmarinas, Cavite and San Beda Alabang, nipped Fide Master Tsang Hon Ki of Hongkong while Causo, a former Milo Checkmate chess instructor subdued Robin Lai of Hongkong.

Abelgas is the 2013 Malaysian Chess Festival Blitz Champion last August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Nouri, on the other hand remains at 5.5 points, the same output of Woman Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego, winner over Lai Cyrus Ho-Yeung of Hongkong.

Nouri, a native of Escalante City, Negros Occidental and currently based in Taguig City is overall 10th place while San Diego is overall 15th place after the tie break points was applied.

World Youngest Fide Master and Seven Year Old Alekhine Nouri of the Philippines drew Mark Law of Hongkong to raised his total 4.0 points for overall 40th place finish.

The Filipino campaign in Hongkong are supported by Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Senator Koko Pimentel, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., FEU Fern College of Quezon City, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Frayna grabs solo lead in 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships; Gomez stay on top after a draw

by Marlon Bernardino

JANELLE MAE FRAYNA  battled Jean Karen Enriquez to a draw  after  79 moves of  English Opening to assume solo lead after the fifth round of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships late Wednesday at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila.

Her overnight co-leader Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza failed to keep pace after losing to WIM Bernadette Galas after 38 moves of French defense.

"Talagang tabla po ang laban," said Frayna who hails from Legaspi City, Albay.

Frayna improved to 13.5 points while Mendoza was stuck at 12.0 points.

The event is using the Torre-Pichay scoring system, a method formulated by Torre and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay, Jr. where a win is equivalent to three points, a draw is 1.5 points, a loss is zero, and a stalemate is 2.0 for the last player to make a move and 1.0 to the player who can no longer make a move.

Last year's champion WIM Catherine Perena outclassed WFM Jedara Docena, Lucelle  Bermundo  subdued Ynna   Sophia Canape, WFM Rulp Ylem Jose smashed Villa Mae Cabrera, Arvie Lozano crushed Gladys Hazelle Romero while WFM  Cherry Ann Mejia  split the  point  with  WFM Shania  Mae Mendoza in other results.

The tournament is  being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

NCFP  executive director  GM  Jayson  Gonzales  is  the   tournament director, while IA  Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter. 

In the men's play, GM John Paul Gomez drew with 12-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. after 21 moves of Caro-Kann defense to remain on top with 13.5 points.

" Ok lamang ang draw para maipreserba natin ang ating lakas sa mga next crucial round. Mahaba pa naman eh," said GM Gomez.

Antonio, on the other hand, stayed in  second place  with 10.5 points on two wins and three draws. 

GM Richard Bitoon, meantime beat defending champion GM Mark Paragua after 37 moves of Sicilian defense to raised his score to nine points on  three wins and two losses.

" Draw lamang sana ang laban kaso nagkamali siya eh," said the Medellin, Cebu ace Bitoon.

"Na mental black ako, di ko napansin na mamamate ako. Nakatutok kasi ako na matehin din siya." said the Tondo, Manila born Paragua.

Also with nine points were US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla, GM Oliver Barbosa and IM Joel Pimentel.

Barcenilla halved the point with Pimentel after 84 moves of Queen's Gambit Accepted while Barbosa defeated IM Emmanuel Senador after 64 moves of Queen's Pawn Game.

The game between FM Jony Habla and IM Richilieu Salcedo III , GM Eugene Torre against National Master Narquinden Reyes and FM Roderick Nava opposite GM Darwin Laylo ended into a fighting draw.

Battle of the Grandmaster: Gomez stays hot; Frayna, Mendoza still unbeaten

 

by Marlon Bernardino

GRANDMASTER John Paul Gomez bested International Master Richilieu Salcedo III after 30 moves of French defense using the black pieces late Tuesday to maintain solo leadership in the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila.

Gomez improved his total to 12.0 points after 4 rounds. The event is using the Torre-Pichay scoring system, a method formulated by Torre and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay, Jr. where a win is equivalent to three points, a draw is 1.5 points, a loss is zero, and a stalemate is 1.5 for the last player to make a move and 0.5 to the player who can no longer make a move.

Salcedo, top player of multi-titlist Far Eastern University committed a great blunder on 18th move putting his knight at d2 square allowing Gomez a pawn push at g5 square threatening Salcedo's Dark Bishop at f4 square.

Salcedo must give up his Dark Bishop or accept caught his Queen at b5 square.

" Draw sana lamang ang game kung Qh5 lamang si Richilieu. Kaso ng nag Nd2 siya ay naatake ko ng pawn ang Dark Bishop n'ya sa f4 at kasunod ng pag atake ko sa Queen niya na nasa b5 square. Kailangan nya ibigay ng Dark Bishop n'ya para hindi makulong ang Queen n'ya," said GM Gomez.

12-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. split the point with Asia's First GM Eugene Torre after 31 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening  in  the  fourth  round to  raise his score  to nine points on  two wins and  two draws.

Smarting from a third round setback to GM Antonio on Monday, International Master Joel Pimentel toppled National Master Narquinden Reyes after 28 moves of Benko Gamit defense and improve to 7.5 points on two wins, one draw and one loss, the same output of International Master Emmanuel Senador, who brought downed defending champion GM Mark Paragua after 28 moves of Sicilian defense.

US-based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla beat Fide Master Roderick Nava after 57 moves of English Opening to remain in contention with  6.5 points on account of a win and three draws. 

GM Oliver Barbosa scored his fourth straight draw, this time against GM Darwin Laylo after 31 moves of King's Indian attack  to stay in contention with  six points.  

Also with six points is GM Richard Bitoon who dealt FM Jony Habla after 24 moves of Caro-Kann defense. The Medellin, Cebu ace Bitoon tallied two wins and two loses.

In the  women’s division,  WIMs  Janelle Mae Frayna and  Beverly Mendoza continued  their winning  ways   with four wins after four rounds.

Frayna,  the  top player of Far Eastern University, walloped Arvie Lozano after 75 moves of King's Indian attack, while Mendoza toppled WIM Catherine Perena after 39 moves of Center Counter game.

Woman National Master Jedara Docena subdued Lucelle Bermundo after 28 moves of Modern defense as well WIM Bernadette Galas smashed WFM Rulp Ylem Jose after 56 moves of Queens Gambit Declined.

Villa Mae Cabrera, who took the place  of  Woman National Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda, battled  Jean Karen Enriquez to a draw  after  54 moves of  Sicilian defense.

The game between Ynna Sophia Canape against WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza against Gladys Hazelle Romero also ended into a fighting draw.

The tournament is  being organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed  by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and  secretary-general  Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., and supported by the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC), headed by chairman  Ricardo "Richie" Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), at the helm is president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.

NCFP  executive director  GM  Jayson  Gonzales  is  the   tournament director, while IA  Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter. 

Hongkong Open Chess: China's Li Bo emerges winner, Philippines' Nelson Villanueva joint 2nd

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings: (69 participants, 9-round Swiss system)

7.5 points---Li Bo (China)

7.0 points---IM Marcos Llaneza Vega (Spain), GM Wong Meng Kong (Singapore), NM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines)

6.5 points---NM Roel Abelgas (Philippines), NM Deniel Causo (Philippines)

6.0 points---Mohammad Agus Kurniawan (Indonesia), Zhang Xiaopeng (China), Aris T.L.S. (Indonesia)

5.5 points---FM Hamed Nouri (Philippines), Robin Lai (Hongkong), FM Yu Kaifeng (China), Koji Nagochi (Japan), Hendry Jamals (Indonesia), WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego (Philippines), Liao Yu Hao (China), Alberto Muniz Pardino (Hongkong), Robert Michael Yang (Hongkong), FM Luk Luen-Wah (Hongkong)

Manila---Li Bo of China stole the limelight by emerging as champion in the Hongkong International Open Chess Championships 2013 at the Convocation Room, Main Building room 218, The University of Hongkong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hongkong.

While Li had 7.5 points in the end, there was a three-way tie for the second spot with 7.0 points among top seed International Master Marcos Llaneza Vega of Spain (2nd place), Grandmaster Wong Meng Kong of Singapore (3rd place) and National Master Nelson Villanueva of the Philippines (4th place).

In the crucial ninth and final round Tuesday, there was a lot of tension in the top board games as about five players were in with a chance of clinching the coveted trophy.

Overnight leader IM Llaneza Vega, who had a cushion of a half point lead over the others, suffered a heart-breaking loses to GM Wong allowing Li to enroute the title with a emphatic win over countryman Zhang Xiaopeng.

Villanueva who hails from Bacolod City edged compatriot Fide Master Hamed Nouri to finished in a tie for second place in the 69 player's field which attracted players from Philippines, China, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Chinese-Taipei, Republic of South Africa, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Macau, Nepal and Hongkong.

Last month, Villanueva landed a strong runner-up finish in the Sabah Grande Chess Open 2013 held in Sabah, Malaysia which topped by Filipino IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Vice-President and Grassroots Development Head Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares is elated over the victories of the Filipino woodpushers who made it to the list of top 10.

"We congratulate our chess team for its impressive performance." said Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares himself is a chess champion from Western Visayas, having placed second in the 1976 Palarong Pambansa.

National Masters Roel Abelgas and Deniel Causo of the Philippines, meantime toppled their respective rivals in the final canto to end up 5th to 6th places with 6.5 points apiece.

Abelgas, a six-time Cavite champion and head coach of the De La Salle Health Sciences Institute in Dasmarinas, Cavite and San Beda Alabang, nipped Fide Master Tsang Hon Ki of Hongkong while Causo, a former Milo Checkmate chess instructor subdued Robin Lai of Hongkong.

Abelgas is the 2013 Malaysian Chess Festival Blitz Champion last August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Nouri, on the other hand remains at 5.5 points, the same output of Woman Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego, winner over Lai Cyrus Ho-Yeung of Hongkong.

Nouri, a native of Escalante City, Negros Occidental and currently based in Taguig City is overall 10th place while San Diego is overall 15th place after the tie break points was applied.

World Youngest Fide Master and Seven Year Old Alekhine Nouri of the Philippines drew Mark Law of Hongkong to raised his total 4.0 points for overall 40th place finish.

The Filipino campaign in Hongkong are supported by Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Senator Koko Pimentel, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., FEU Fern College of Quezon City, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.