1st SATURDAY CHESS TOURNEY ON JUNE 1

by Marlon Bernardino

THE 65TH edition of 1st Saturday chess tournament gets underway on June 1, 2013 at the 4th Flr. Perez Bldg. Doña Soledad Ave. Cor. Australia St. Better Living Subd. Parañaque City. 

The tournament is open to all untitled and rated players whose NCFP rating shall not exceed 1950 below. 

The champion will receive P3,000.00 plus trophy, the runner up P2,000.00 plus trophy and the third placer P1,000.00 plus trophy. 

Category Winners; (top senior, top college, top high school, topelementary and top female) will receive P500.00. 

The event is being organized by Paranaque Chess Association headed by Dr. Bong Perez and sponsored by Congressman Elect Abraham (Bambol) Tolentino (Tagaytay City), Mayor Elect Edwin Olivarez, Vice Mayor Elect Rico Golez Parañaque City, Kagawad Chona Navarro, Mr. Boy Francisco, Spare and Strike, Shakeys Pizza (SM Bicutan Branch) & Magnolia Beverages. 

Registration fee : P250.00 (regular) and P150.00 (kiddies) Call or Text : Dr. Bong Perez at TEL: (383-4996) (846-0304) and 09197227552, Mr. Cecil Padua, 09228418251, Mario Perez, 09151961235 and Tonton Barretto, 09326144563.

Janelle May Frayna Earns Women's International Master Title Norm

by Marlon Bernardino

Janelle Mae Frayna's impressive performance in the just ended $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship at the Midas Hotel and Casino on Sunday were enough for the Far Eastern University chess team standout to complete her requirements for an Woman International Master (WIM) title.

Asian Chess Federation (ACF) deputy vice president Casto "Toti Abundo" said Frayna will need to improve her current ELO rating of 2050 to 2200 this year to become a full-fledged Woman International Master (WIM).

Frayna, a member of the star-studded FEU chess team earned her two IM norms in last year's World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

The sophomore Psychology student defeated reigning Asian Zonal 3.2a champion WGM Nguyen Thi Thanh An of Vietnam, who hold an ELO rating of 2250 in the ninth and final round of the women's division of the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship  finished over-all 8th place with a total output of 5.5 points on five wins, three loses and a draw in the tournament organized by the GM Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and is sponsored by eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite Corp.

"Pipilitin po natin na mapataas ang ELO rating ko sa 2200 para sa full-pledge WIM title," said Legaspi City, Albay native Frayna.

"Ito na ang pinakamataas na puwesto ng isang women's player natin sa Asian Continental Chess Championship kung saan overall 8th place si (Janelle Mae) Frayna at overall 11th place naman si (Marie Antoinette) San Diego na nilahukan ng 40 woodpushers." said NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

Also impressive is Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite, who also got her first two IM title results/norms here. The Under-20 age group champion San Diego beat compatriot Jan Jodilyn Fronda in the final canto and settled over-all 11th place with 5.0 points on four wins, three loses and two draws in nine outings.

Frayna and San Diego are the two of the country's bets in the upcoming 2013 Asean Age Group plus in Chang Mai, Thailand set next month which supported by NCFP, PSC and POC.

Dimakiling, Perena, Claro, Enriquez Rule POC-PSC Philippine National Games Blitz Chess Tournament

by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings of the Blitz chess event:

(Open Division for Mens)

Gold---IM Oliver Dimakiling (Davao City)

Silver---GM Mark Paragua (Quezon City)

Bronze---GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Quezon City

(Open Division for Womens)

Gold---WIM Catherine Perena (San Jose, Bulacan)

Silver---Jon Ira dela Cruz (Adamson, Manila)

Bronze---WFM Jan Jodilyn Fronda (Manila)

(Junior Division for Boys)

Gold---Diego Abraham Claro (Cebu)

Silver---Jose Carlo Castro (Caloocan)

Bronze---Christian Nanola (San Pablo, Laguna)

(Junior Division for Girls)

Gold---Jean Karen Enriquez (Marikina)

Silver---Judith Pineda (Olangapo)

Bronze---Michelle Yaon (Calamba, Laguna)

International Master (IM) Oliver Dimakiling captured this year's Open section of the 2013 POC-PSC Philippine National Games Blitz chess competition held at the 3rd floor of Library area of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Main Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila Monday.

The Davao City native Dimakiling defeated NM Raymond Salcedo of the Philippine Airforce in the seventh and final round to finished with 6 points, the same output of GM Mark Paragua and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. of Quezon City and Alcon John Datu of Caloocan City.

Dimakiling took the gold medal for having superior tie-break score against silver medallist Paragua, Bronze medallist Antonio and fourth placer Datu.

Antonio toppled former solo leader Paragua while Datu bested IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila.

In the Open Division for Womens, Woman International Master (IM) Catherine Perena of San Jose, Bulacan edged fellow six pointers Jon Ira dela Cruz of Adamson Manila in a tie-break points to enroute the coveted gold medal. WFM Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila scored 5.5 points for bronze medal.

Other notable winners are Diego Abraham Claro of Cebu (Gold), Jose Carlo Castro of Caloocan City (Silver) and Christian Nanola of San Pablo, Laguna in the Junior Division for Boys and Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina City (Gold), Judith Pineda of Olangapo City (Silver) and Michelle Yaon of Calamba, Laguna in the Junior Division for Girls.

No less than Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Jolly Gomez and Asia's First GM Eugene Torre made the opening ceremonial moves. .Witnessing the ceremonial move are National Arbiter Alberto Julian, Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, NCFP Deputy-Secretary General Red Dumuk, National Coach NM Edmundo Gatus, International Arbiter Elias Lao,National Sports Associations Affairs (NSA) Section Head Judith Laygo and NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales. 

"Idinaraos natin ang POC-PSC Philippine National Games para makatuklas ng bagong talento sa grass roots level. Ito din ang pagkakataon ng ating mga kababayan na makalaban ang ating mga national athletes," said PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez. 

Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while Chief Arbiter is International Arbiter Gene Poliarco

Paragua Qualifies to World Cup; Li Tops Pacquiao Asian Chess

by Marlon Bernardino


Final Standings:


7.0 points GM Li Chao (China)
6.5 points GM Mark Paragua (Philippines), GM Oliver Barbosa (Philippines), GM Le Quang Liem (Vietnam), GM Baskaran Adhiban (India)
6.0 points---GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (Philippines)...


Manila--- Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua earned a qualification in the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship at the Midas Hotel and Casino on Sunday.


Paragua drew with eventual champion Chinese GM Li Chao after 15 moves of Slav defense in the ninth and final round of the Asian Continental Chess Championship for a sure spot in the World Cup, which begins in August in Norway.


The undefeated Tondo, Manila born Paragua finished with a total output of 6.5 points on four wins and five draws in the tournament organized by the GM Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and is sponsored by eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite Corp.


"Masaya po ako kasi muli na naman tayo nakapasok sa World Cup," said Paragua.
Li, on the other hand finished with a total output of 7.0 points to enroute the coveted chess title in the event held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General newly-elected Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation). 


Paragua will be joining fellow Filipino GMs Oliver Barbosa and Wesley So, who won a Chess Cup qualification through the 2012 Asian Continental Chess (ACC) Championship last May in Vietnam and 2013  Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championship last January in Tagaytay, respectively.


Also with 6.5 points are Barbosa, top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam, GM Baskaran Adhiban of India and GM Krishnan Sasikiran of India who also made it to the main draw of World Cup.


Le split the point with Barbosa after 17 moves of Slav defense while Adhiban defeated GM John Paul Gomez after 22 moves of French defense and  Sasikiran beat GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan after 60 moves of Sicilian defense.

US based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra bested GM Dao  Thien Hai of Vietnam after 34 moves ng Slav defense to led the group of 6.0 pointers.


Sadorra, a senior business administration student at University of Texas-Dallas had a chance to qualified to World Cup if the game between Sasikiran and Dzhumaev ended into a fighting draw and hope much better tie break in the six pointers.

Paragua, Li join three-way tie in Pacquiao Asian Chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Individual Standings after Round 7:

(Open division)

5.5 points---GM Mark Paragua (PHI), GM Marat Dzhumaev (UZB), GM Li Chao (CHN)

5.0 points---GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (PHI),GM Le Quang Liem (VIET), GM Krishnan Sasikiran (IND), GM Baskaran Adhiban (IND), GM Subramanian Arun Prasad (IND), GM Oliver Barbosa (PHI), GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (VIET)

(Women's Division)

5.0 points---WGM Huang Qian (CHN), IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (MGL), WGM Guo Qi (CHN), WGM Mary Ann Gomes (IND), IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen (VIET), WGM Tan Zhongyi (CHN), WGM Wang Jue (CHN)

Manila---Grandmaster Mark Paragua agreed to a draw with GM Baskaran Adhiban of India in their seventh-round match to stay on top and share the lead with over-night co leader GM Li Chao of China and GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan in the on-going $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship at the Midas Hotel and Casino on Friday night.

Playing black, Paragua split the point with Adhiban after 39 moves of Double Fianchetto Opening to raise his total 5.5 points, the same output of Li and Dzhumaev.

"Pinilit ko pong manalo kaso nauwi talaga sa tabla eh," said Paragua.

Li, handling the black pieces halved the point with US based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 42 moves of Gruenfeld defense while Dzhumaev defeated GM John Paul Gomez after 53 moves of Dutch defense.

"Bagama't one pawn down po ako, kaso opposite bishop kaya tabla po talaga," said Sadorra.

The nine-round Swiss System event offering $100,000 in prizes is organized by the GM Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and is sponsored by eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite Corp. is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General newly-elected Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation).  

Stalking the pacesetters with 4.0 points each were Sadorra, Adhiban, GM Oliver Barbosa of the Philippines, top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam, GM Krishnan Sasikiran of India, GM Subramanian Arun Prasad of India and GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam.

In other matches saw, Barbosa outclassed IM Wan Yunguo of China after 40 moves of Gruenfeld defense; Le drew with Prasad after 67 moves of Queen's Indian defense; Sasikiran subdued countryman GM Gopal after 44 moves of Modern defense and Ngoc Truong Son crushed IM Firman Syah Farid of Indonesia after 33 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening.

In the eight round, Dzhumaev will meet Le on board one, Sasikiran opposite Paragua on board two, Le goes up against Sadorra on board three, Ngoc Truong Son versus Adhiban on board four and Barbosa will face Prasad on board five.

In the women's play, WGM Huang Qian of China defeated WIM Chelsie Monica Sihite of Indonesia to create a seven-way tie for first with IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul of Mongolia, WGM Guo Qi of China, WGM Mary Ann Gomes of India, IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Vietnam, WGM Tan Zhongyi of China and WGM Wang Jue of China with 5.0 points each.

7th Casiano Sol Cruz, Jr. Memorial Chess Championship

by Marlon Bernardino

2012 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship NCR Leg Kiddies
Division 4th Placer Jayson Tapia of Antipolo National High School topped
the tough 7th Casiano Sol Cruz, Jr. Memorial Chess Championship held at
Meralco Chess Club yesterday. Tapia, seeded 6th with an NCFP rating of 1833
hurdled the 4-round knock-out tournament patterned after the FIDE World Cup
where our Manny Paquiao Cup Pinoy masters like GM Antonio, GM Paragua, GM
Barbosa have competed. Tapia posted wins over Palarong NCR Finalist Bea
Oltiveros of Ramon Magsaysay High School in Round 1, 2nd seed Aldous
Coronel of UP, rated 2037, in Round 2, 4th seed Paul Casiano of Bulacan
State University, rated 1933, in Round 3 semi-finals, and top seed Jose
Castro of FEU, rated 2038, in Round 4 Finals.

Jose Castro won the silver medal while Paul Casiano took home the bronze in
the 16-player invitational event that includes UAAP and NCAA veterans
Coronel and Paulo Cristobal of UP, John Margarito of Adamson, Juan Castro
of San Beda, and JC Andan of Ateneo.

Tapia is set to defend his title in the 3rd One Meralco Foundation Jr.
Chess Masters Chess Championship scheduled on May 25 at Meralco Fitness
Center in Pasig City. The tournament, with elementary and high school
divisions, is open to all students of public schools and is free of charge.

Meanwhile, the pride of Muzon Elementary School Eman Barbosa, younger
brother of Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, topped the elementary batch while
Jeric Regis of Ramon Magsaysay High School won in the high school batch of
the One Meralco Foundation Summer Chess Workshop for public school
students.

Paragua seizes lead in Pacquiao Asian Chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Individual Standings after Round 5:
(Open division)
4.5 points---GM Mark Paragua (PHI)
4.0 points---GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (PHI), GM Le Quang Liem (VIET), GM John Paul Gomez (PHI), GM Richard Bitoon (PHI), GM Li Chao (CHN)
(Women's Division)
4.0 points---IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (MGL), WGM Mary Ann Gomes (IND), WGM Guo Qi (CHN), WGM Wang Jue (CHN)
3.5 points---WGM Huang Qian (CHN), WGM Nafisa Muminova (UZB), IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen (VIET), WIM Ni Shiqun (CHN), WGM Tan Zhongyi (CHN), WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego (PHI)

MANILA – Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua defeated countryman GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in 33 moves of French defense to grab the solo leadership board after the fifth round of the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship on Wednesday at the Midas Hotel and Casino here.

In the 31st moves, Sadorra commited big blunder by putting his knight in the c8 square instead moving at c6 square allowing Paragua in a brilliant rook sacrifice against the white bishop of the former (Sadorra) enroute checkmate in the 33th moves.

"May pagkakataon sanang makatabla kung nailagay ko ang knight sa c6 square at hindi sa c8 square sa 31 moves," said the 26-year-old Sadorra, a senior business administration student at University of Texas-Dallas.

"May malaking chance sa draw kung y'ung knight n'ya (Sadorra) ay nalagay sa c6 square para hindi ako makapag sacrifice," added the 29-year-old Paragua.

The Bulacan ace Paragua raised his total to 4.5 points. 

He is now half point ahead over compatriots Sadorra, GMs John Paul Gomez and Richard Bitoon, GM Li Chao of China and top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam.

The nine-round Swiss System event offering $100,000 in prizes is organized by the GM Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and is sponsored by eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite Corp. is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General newly-elected Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation).

In the sixth round, Paragua will meet Le on board one, Li opposite Bitoon on board two and Sadorra goes up against Gomez on board three.

In other results, Gomez defeated GM Li Shilong of China after 33 moves of Gruenfeld defense; Bitoon edged GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. after 47 moves of Catalan Opening; Li Chao routed GM Dao Thie Hai of Vietnam after 37 moves of Sicilian defense and Le split the point with GM Lalith Babu of India after 47 moves of Queen's Indian defense.

In the women's division, WGM Mary Ann Gomes of India outclassed WGM Guliskhan Nakhbayeva of Kazakhstan to create a four-way tie for first along with IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul of Mongolia, WGMs Guo Qi and Wang Jue of China who notch 4.0 points each. Munguntuul drew with WGM Huang Qian of China; Guo bested WGM Nguyen Thi Thanh An of Vietnam; Wang nipped WIM Hoang Thi Nhu Y of Vietnam. WFM Antoinette San Diego blasted WGM Swaminathan Soumya of India to lead the group of 3.5 pointers that includes WGMs Huang Qian and  Tan Zhongyi and WIM Ni Shiqun of China, WGM Nafisa Muminova of Uzbekistan and IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen of Vietnam.

GM WESLEY BARBASA SO TOPS CALGARY CHESS CANADA

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Grandmaster (GM) Wesley Barbasa So cemented his status as one of the Philippines' elite sportsmen by beating Canadian International Master (IM) Richard Wang in the final round to enroute the coveted title in the just concluded 2013 Calgary International Chess Classic held at the Best Western Village Park Inn in Calgary, Canada.

The 19-year-old So, a freshman student at Webster University in United States finished a total score of eight points on seven wins and two draws. GMs Robin Van Kampen of the Netherlands, Eric Hansen of Canada and Victor Mikhalevski of Israel finished in a three-way tie for second with six points each while GM Eugene Perelshteyn of the United States and IM Edward Porper of Canada ended up sharing the fifth spot with 5.5 points apiece.

In other final round results, Hansen subdued Yam, Kampen crushed Jayakumar, while Piatsetski and Porper agreed to a silent draw. 

Meanwhile, IM Leon Piasetski of Canada and FIDE Master (FM) Michael Langer of US scored five points for seventh to eighth places followed by Wang, FM Adarsh Jayakumar of US (4.5), National Master (NM) Alex Yam of Canada (4.5), FM Dale Haessel of Canada (4.5), untitled Georgi Kostadinov of Canada (4.0), Beehrooz Ebrahim-shirazi of Canada (4.0), NM Robert Gardner of Canada (3.5) and NM Steven Peter of Canada (2.5).

In the blitz competition,  So who hails from Bacoor, Cavite defeated all his rivals to a perfect 9.0 points finish.

SSS Chess Tournament 2013

by Marlon Bernardino

THE 2013 Social Security System Intercolor and Individual Chess Tournament went smoothly  from March 15 to May 15 at the 2nd floor canteen, SSS Main Building in East Avenue, Quezon City. IM Barlo Nadera graced the event's opening with a simultaneous chess exhibition against 25 top SSS chessplayers.

In the Round Robin Team competition, White Team (composed of Rey Valencerina, Jose Charlie Suyom, Herman Gonzaga, Jay  Caban, Rozil Jabonero, Lito Bancaso, Edwin Selma, Stephen Dela Cruz, Arnel Encarnacion and Rodolfo Roque, Jr.) won all its 7 matches in dominating fashion to score a whopping 29 game points enroute to claiming this year's crown. Gold medalists from Board 1 to 6 are: Dioniver Medrano (Blue) 5/7, Froilan Acido (Blue) 5.5/7, Luisito Miclat (Orange) 6/7, Jay Caban (White) 4/5, Dennis Lagman (Green) 4.5/7 and Hermelito Bancaso (White) 4/6, respectively. Top Alternate is Edwin Selma (White) 5//5.

In the Individual Swiss Tournament, Dioniver Medrano of RIMD proved unstoppable, scoring 6.5 out of 7 games to claim the championship trophy. The champion who last won the title back in 2002 showed everyone his regained youthful magic compiling spectacular wins after another. His sterling performance included a hard-earned repeat victory against the defending champion, Arvin Olorvida (5.5/7) of Anti Fraud Dept. who took second place honors. Rounding up the 3rd to 4th place winners are Kristofferson Ursal (5/7) of ID-CPD and Rey Valencerina (4.5/7) of OSD.

Sadorra Grabs Solo Lead in Pacquiao Asian Chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Individual Standings after Round 4:

(Open division)

4.0 points---GM Julio Catalino Sadorra (PHI)

3.5 points---GM Le Quang Liem (VIET), GM Mark Paragua (PHI)

3.0 points---GM Mohammed Al-Sayed (QAT), GM John Paul Gomez (PHI), GM Li Shilong (CHN), GM Li Chao (CHN), GM Richard Bitoon (PHI), GM Baskaran Adhiban (IND), GM Babu Lalith (IND), GM Gopal (IND), GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (PHI), GM Marat Dzhumaev (UZB), GM Dao Thien Hai (VIET)

(Women's Division)

3.5 points---IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (MGL)

3.0 points---WGM Huang Qian (CHN), WGM Mary Ann Gomes (IND), WGM Nafisa Muminova (UZB), WGM Guo Qi (CHN), WIM Hoang Thi Nhu Y (VIET), IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen (VIET), WGM Wang Jue (CHN), WGM Nguyen Thi Thanh An (VIET)

Manila---US based Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Julio Catalino Sadorra grabbed the solo lead in the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship following an impressive victory over erstwhile undefeated Qatari GM Mohammed Al-Sayed on Tuesday at the Midas Hotel and Casino here.

The 26-year-old Bacoor, Cavite native raised his total to 4.0 points in four rounds after 47 pushes of their King's Indian encounter using the white pieces.A rook sacrifice in the 25th move allowing Sadorra a clear win in the position in the succeeding moves.

"Na inspire po tayo ng bumisita at nanood ng laro si World Boxing Champion Rep. Manny Pacquiao at kaya naging agressive din laro ko kay GM Al Sayed," said Sadorra, a senior business administration student at University of Texas-Dallas.

When the smoke has clear already, Sadorra has a rook and threes pawn against Al-Sayed has a rook and a pawn.

"Sinamantala ko din y'ung inaccuracy n'ya sa laro," added Sadorra, seeded ninth in the 76-player  field with an ELO  of 2561.

.The nine-round Swiss System event offering $100,000 in prizes is organized by the GM Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and is sponsored by eight-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite Corp. is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General newly-elected Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation). 

Top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and GM Mark Paragua won their respective matches to share 2nd to 3rd place with 3.5 points apiece.

Le, who boasts an Elo rating of 2714, beat GM Darwin Laylo after 79 moves of Gruenfeld defense while Paragua subdued IM Wan Yunguo of China after 39 moves of Sicilian defense.

Al-Sayed, meantime dropped into a huge group of chasers with 3.0 points alongside  GMs John Paul Gomez, Richard Bitoon and Rogelio Antonio Jr. of the Philippines, GMs Li Shilong and Li Chao of China, GMs Baskaran Adhiban, Babu Lalith and Gopal of India,GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan and GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam.

Gomez and Li Chao halved the point after 27 moves of Slav defense; Bitoon and Baskaran Adhiban agreed a truce after 30 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense; Antonio stunned IM Husein Aziz Nezad of Qatar after 19 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening; Li Shilong downed FM Haridas Pascua after 59 moves of King's Indian defense; Lalith toppled IM Kiril Kuderinov of Kazakhstan after 66 moves of Slav defense; Gopal smashed Ervan Mohamad of Indonesia after 43 moves of French defense; Dzhumaev dealt IM Wang Chen of China after 65 moves of Sicilian defense; and Dao beat Emmanuel Emperado after 36 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense.

Paragua will face Sadorra in Wednesday's fifth round.

In the women's division, IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul of Mongolia  crushed WIM Zhai Mo of China to seize the lead after the game between WGM Mary Ann Gomes of India opposite WGM Huang Qian of China as well 

IM Pham Le Thao Nguyen and WGM Guo Qi of China ended into a fighting draw. Munguntuul now has 3.5 points.

WIM Catherine Perena defeated Wang Doudou of China to climb at 10th to 18th place along with compatriot WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego who split the point with WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram of Vietnam who tote 2.5 points each.

Sadorra, Paragua, Gomez, Bitoon off to good start in Pacquiao Asian chess

by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Grandmaster  Julio Catalino Sadorra, Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez and Richard Bitoon got off to a blazing start by posting victories in the first round of the Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City on Saturday.

Sadorra toppled countryman FM Hamed Nouri; Paragua routed compatriot IM Emmanuel Senador; Gomez subdued IM Jimmy Liew of Malaysia and Bitoon waylaid another Pinoy entry Adelardo Pagente.

"Maganda laban namin ni (Hamed) Nouri at buti pamilyar ako sa laro," said Sadorra, a senior year  Business Administration focus on Entrepreneurship student at Jindal School of Management (JSOM) in University of Texas Dallas who needed 31 moves to beat Nouri in their  London System skirmish.

Sharing the limelight are Fide Master Mari Joseph Turqueza and Emmanuel Emperado, who also beat their respective opponents.

Turqueza shocked GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam while Emperado upset GM Bayarsaikhan Gundavaa of Mongolia.

IM Chito Garma drew with GM Susanto Megaranto as well IM Barlo Nadera split the point with GM Krishnan Sasikiran of India.

Meanwhile, top seed GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam nipped FM Tran Tuan Minh also from Vietnam and second seed GM Li Chao of China outclassed Ganesan Akash of India.

The tournament is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, and organized by the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation. The event is supported by Cafe Puro, Alaxan, Oriental and Motolite.

All eyes on Sadorra, Laylo in Pacquiao Asian chess on Saturday

by Marlon Bernardino

US-based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra and Darwin Laylo will lead a contingent of Filipino wood pushers to the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Open and Women's Chess Championships on Saturday at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

"Malaking factor yung magtulungan for the game preparation against foreign counterpart para makapasok sa main draw ng World Cup," said Sadorra, a senior year  Business Administration focus on Entrepreneurship student at Jindal School of Management (JSOM) in University of Texas Dallas.

"Gagawin namin ang best para makapasok sa World Cup," added Laylo.

The tournament is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, and organized by the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation.

The top five qualify to the 2013 World Chess Cup scheduled on August 10 to September 5 in Tromso, Norway. Filipino Grandmasters Wesley So and Oliver Barbosa are the early qualifiers. Barbosa finished in the top five in last year's Asian Continental in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam while So qualified from the Zonal Championship organized by NCFP Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino last January in Tagaytay City. The Asian Women's champion advances to the 2014 Women's World Championship tournament. Last year's Asian women's champion was Irene Sukandar of Indonesia.

Sadorra and Laylo will join comrades GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez, Richard Bitoon, International Masters (IMs) Rolandon Nolte, Emmanuel Senador, Barlo Nadera, as well National Master Ronald Llavanes, among others.

Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan is  expected to make the ceremonial moves during the formal opening ceremony, along with Sarangani rep. and Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, NCFP president/chairman   Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Asian  Zone 3.3  president NCFP secretary-general and newly-elected 7th district Cavite rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. 

Also expected to grace the opening  ceremony are NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales, NCFP deputy-secretary general and treasurer Red Dumuk and  Asia’s first IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

Concurrent with the championship will be a FIDE Trainers Seminar on May 20-24, organized by the Florencio Campomanes Chess Academy under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and conducted by FIDE Trainers Commission Secretary GM Efstratios Grivas of Greece and GM Eugene Torre. Asia's first grandmaster was recently conferred the FIDE Senior Trainer title, the only FST in Southeast Asia.

Pinoy GM Wesley Barbasa So shares lead with two others

by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Grandmaster Wesley Barbasa So (ELO 2705) settled for a draw with GM Eric Hansen of Canada (ELO 2577) but kept his share of the lead in the 2013 Calgary International Chess Classic at  the  Best Western Village  Park  Inn  in Calgary, Canada.

GM  Robin  Van Kampen  of  the Netherlands (ELO 2580) defeated NM Alex Wang of Canada (ELO 2283) to raise his total to 2.5 points and and forge a three-way tie for first after three rounds.

Bunched with Van Kampen are So and Hansen.

In the fourth round, the 20-year-old So will be facing Van Kempen while Hansen opposite  GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel (ELO 2551), who was yielded to So in the second round. Mikhalevski, bounced back in contention by crushing NM Robert  Gardner of Canada (ELO 2217) in the third round.

So’s campaign is backed up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

The tournament serves as So’s build up for the forthcoming 27th Summer Universiade on  July 6-17 in Kazan, Russia and 2013 World Chess Cup scheduled on August 10 to September 5 in Tromso, Norway.

Pangilinan wins Novelty Summer Chessfest title by half point

ANOTHER Wesley So is in the making as a young Filipino woodpushers emerged as the over-all champion in his divisions at the conclusion of Novelty Summer Chess Meet was held at the Jackman Plaza Munoz in Quezon City last Saturday (May 11).

The Manila based Pangilinan defeated former solo leader Emmanuel Paler in the seventh and final round.  Pangilinan who hails from Bulacan finished the tournament with 6.0 points and won the kiddies division by half point against 2nd place Paler, 3rd placer Jesca Docena, 4th placer Eder de Jesus, 5th placer Dennis Gutierrez Jr. and 6th placer Juan Carlos Presente, all with 5.5 points each. Paul Uy, Brent Alanan, Jose David Tapia and John Paolo Medina  shared seventh to tenth places after scoring 5 points each

Pangilinan, a former top player of Milo Checkmate rose to prominence when he became the overall champion in his division in the 2009 Las Vegas International Chess Festival held at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.At age six, Pangilinan bested other competitors in the Susan Polgar under eight-year-old division. He won first place after garnering a total of 5 points.

Right now, Pangilinan is preparing for his next tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the 14th ASEAN + Age-Group Chess Championships schedule on June 5 to 14.

Meanwhile, Apollo Agapay and Ricky Batcho share the top honors with 6.5 points apiece in seven outings in the 1975 and below division.

Prizes were awarded by Novaliches Novelty Chess Club president Mr. Sonsea Agonoy. According to Mr. Agonoy, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament aims to promote the board game of chess, especially among the youth while facilitating the development of talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.-Marlon Bernardino-

2013 May FIDE Chess Ratings List; Filipino Wesley So Ranked 40th in the World

The World Chess Federation has published the May edition of the FIDE rating list. Filipino Wesley Barbasa So's  latest rating of 2705 puts him at #40 in the world as well as #2 junior.

The 19 year old So, a freshman at Webster University in the United States actually was tied at 39th to 41st place along with Armenian Vladimir Akopian and Ukrainian Anton Korobov who also tallied 2705 Elo rating points.However, Akopian took world's no.39 ranking with a nine games listed, a one game ahead over world no.40 So and two games ahead over world no.41 Korobov.

Norway's Magnus Carlsen continues at the top position with 2868 while Hungrary's Judith Polgar still Top Women player with 2696 . Top Junior's is Netherland's Anish Giri (ELO 2734) while Top Girls is Chinese Hou Yifan (ELO 2617).

So enters breaks the 2700 barrier and appears at 2701 at 50th postion in the 2013 March FIDE rating list.-Marlon Bernardino-

Gumama Tops Marikina Active Chess Tournament

MALIK Faizhal Gumama, a former University of the East (UE) top player topped the 2013 Marikina Riverpark Active Chess Tournament (1950 and below standard rating) held at the Senior Citizens Area, Riverpark, Marikina City on Saturday.

Actually, Gumama and Jan Roldan Oriendo, both finished 5.5 points, however the former (Gumama) proved that the tournament was for him to take when he beat Oriendo by virtue of higher 23.5 tie break points against the latter's (Oriendo) 22.0 points.

Rounding up to the top 12 (twelve) place were 3rd place: Raffy Lobitana (5 points), 4th place: Bobby dela Paz ( 5 points), 5th place: Julius Gonzales ( 4.5 points), 6th place: Conrado Diaz (4.5 points), 7th place: Francis Ligon (4.5 points), 8th place: Gerwin Orence (4 points), 9th place: Paula dela Cruz (4 points), 10th place: Anfernee Bonifacio (4 points), 11th place: Maurice delos Santos (4 points) and 12th place: Dario Enriquez (4 points). 

No less than Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre and Marikina Chess Federation (MCF) President Johnny "Joel" Gaudia made the traditional ceremonial move. Witnessing the ceremonial move are tournament director National Master Rudy Ibanez and Chieft arbiter Ryan Carandang. -Marlon Bernardino-

IM YAP RULES MANDAUE CHESS OPEN

INTERNATIONAL Master Kim Steven Yap defeated Edcel Montoya  in the ninth and final round and won the tournament by full point in the Mandaue Mayor’s Cup Chess Open Tournament at the J Center Mall Activity Center last Sunday.

Yap finished the tournament with 8.5 points and received P10,000. Fide Master Anthony Makinano followed at second place via tie-break over third placer Carlos Moreno III, who also had 7.5 points after Round 9.

In the early rounds, Yap defeated Kim Sato, King James Torres, Mark Mangubat, NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr., Bryle Arellano and Allan Salientes then drew with ertswhile co-leader Fide Master Anthony Makinano in the seventh round then toppled Bacolod's Rommel Ganzon in the eight and penultimate round.

Makinano, on the other hand stumbled in Round 8 losing to Montoya before regaining bearings and beating Venancio Loyola in the final round. 

Montoya and Marc Alunan shared the fourth and fifth places after scoring 7.0 points each, while Erwin Ababat, NM Rommel Ganzon, NM Merben Roque, Rex Cabuncal, kiddies prodigy Rhenzi Kylle Sevillano and Diego Claro had 6.5 points each to share the 6th to the 12th places.

The rest of the top 20 finishers were Felix Shaun Balbona, Rogelio Enriquez, Lemuel Montero, Venancio Loyola, Shawn Patrick Osorno, Carlito Flores, Bryle Arellano and King James Torres who all scored 6.0 points respectively.

A total of P33,000 in cash prizes were given to the top 20 finishers.     -Marlon Bernardino-

Marikina Chess Tourney on Saturday

THE 2013 Marikina Riverpark Active Chess Tournament (1950 and below standard rating) gets underway on Saturday, May 11 at the Senior Citizens Area, Riverpark, Marikina City.

" We do this to promote chess in the grassroots level and discover new sports talents," said Marikina Chess Federation President Johnny "Joel" Gaudia.

No less than Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre will be the guest of honor when the hostilities start at 9:30 a.m. The event will feature 1950 and below standard rating and it will apply the time control of 25 minutes per player. Torre, the founding president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), is expected to encourage participants in the grassroots competition to continue to play chess and even share his secrets for his rise as one of the world’s top players during his time.

The tournament offers P4,000 to the champion, P2,500 to the runner-up, P1,500 to the third placer, P800 to the fourth placer and P700 for the fifth placer. Sixth to the 10th placers will receive P500 each. 

Category winners in the top lady, top kiddies (12 years old and below) and top senior will get P500 each plus medals.

Registration fee is pegged at P250 and P200 for students. For more details, contact, NM/NA Rudy Ibañez at 0919 358 0444 or Mr. Ryan Carandang at 0906 407 9291.-Marlon Bernardino-

Ibanez, Lozano shine in National Chess Championships

Final Standings:

(Men's Division)

7.5 points---Piokit Ibanez

7.0 points---Franz Barretto, Jayson Visca, Daryl Unix Samantila, Andrew Casiano

6.5 points---Efren Arguelles, Bryan Barcelon, Jeazzir Kline Surposa, Lennon Hart Salgados, Robert Cacho

6.0 points---Marc Christian Nazario, Antonio Chavez Jr., Rolly Parondo Jr., Jay Marc Gutierrez, Alfredo Rapanot, Marc Paraguya, Haince Patrick de Leon, Renato Cruz Jr., Ricky Echala, Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar, Vincent Balena, Joseph Galindo, Antonio Zorilla, Jose Carlo Castro

(Women's Division)

7.0 points---Arvie Lozano

6.5 points---Luzelle Bermundo, Quinna Louise Soler

6.0 points---Crissa Canada, Janena Marie Regencia, Judith Pineda

5.5 points---Jean Karen Enriquez, Michella Concio, Nikki Erica Yngayo, Venice Vicente

5.0 points---Mariel Batulan, Ynna Sophia Canape, Krizza Lyn Abasolo, Joribene Bonifacio, Giane April Perez, Alexis Anne Osena, Ma. Clark Encar Pernites,  Gladys Hazelle Romero

Piokit Ibanez toppled Antonio Chavez Jr. in the ninth and final round to rule the Men's division of the 2013 National Chess Championships held at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) canteen in Vito Cruz, Manila on Wednesday.

Ibanez finished with 7.5 points to receive the top prize of P7,000 plus trophy in the Nine Round Swiss-System Tournament organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and supported by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo “Ritchie” Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.

Franz Barretto, Jayson Visca, Daryl Unix Samantila and Andrew Casiano, meantime finished in a four-way tie for second with 7.0 points each.

In the women's play, former Rizal Technological University (RTU) Mandaluyong standout Arvie Lozano edged ertswhile co-leader Crissa Canada in the final canto to enroute the coveted title. Lozano, playing under the banner of University of the Philippines (UP) finished with 7.0 points in nine outings. Luzelle Bermundo and Quinna Louise Soler finished in a tie for second to third place with 6.5 points apiece. Canada, on the other hand remains at 6.0 points and finished in a tie for  tie 4th to 6th place with Janena Marie Regencia and Judith Pineda.

Tournament director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while International Arbiter Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter in the said chessfest.  -Marlon Bernardino-