by Marlon Bernardino
Filipino chessers were recently named as most outstanding players in separate tournaments in the United States.
Grandmaster Mark Paragua won its fifth chess title in the Big Apple. He finished tie for first with GM Michael Rohde after tallying 3.5 points apiece last January 25. He beat Joseph Zeltsan, Edward Kopiecki and Jay Richard Bonin and drew with Rohde in the final round. The Bulacan based Paragua also won last January 8, 16, 22 and 24 in New York City.
Meanwhile, United States Master Ruben Ondangan and Fernando Sevilla shared the top honors with 3.5 points each in the Antelope Valley 1st Winter Open Chess Tournament last January 25 in Palmdale, California.
His daughter Julia Sevilla together with Alekhine Nouri settled for second and third placers with 4.5 points in the Dreaming King Open Chess Tournament last January 17 to 19 in San Diego Chess Club, San Diego, California. Jeffrey Chou took the crown with perfect 5 points.
