NEW YEARS WISHES

Friends,

Thanks for supporting this blog.

As 2007 comes to its end, and a new year unfolds, let us write our hurts on sand where winds of forgiveness can blow them away. And let us carve our blessings on stone so no storm can ever wash them away.

Let us thank God for all that has been.... And all that will be!

Here's wishing you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, security, serenity, much love, laughter, and prosperity throughout 2008!

All the best,

Jovie Sison

IM BARBOSA TOPS FIANCHETTO X-MAS BLITZ CHESS

Final Standings in each bracket:

Masters

Champion: IM Oliver Barbosa (P3,000)

Runner-up: NM Alex Milagrosa (P1,500)

Losing Semi-finalists: NM Emmanuel Senador and NM Erwin Carag (P750 each)

Losing Quarter-finalists: NM Rolando Nolte, NM Marlon Bernardino Jr., NM Jerome Balico, NM Allan Sasot (P500 each)

Last 16: NM Efren Bagamasbad, NM Ernesto Absin, FM Adrian Ros Pacis, NM Mirabeau Maga, WIM Cristine Rose Mariano, NM Ponce Badilles, NM Andrew Vasquez and NM Rudy Ibañez (P300 each)

Non-Master, Kiddie at Senior Chess Masters

Champion: Verth Alora (P2,000)

Runner-up: Dr. Jenny Mayor (P1,000)

Losing Semi-finalists: Ildefonso Datu and Rolly Yutuc (P500 each)

Losing Quarter-finalists: Marc Christian Nazario, Ervil Villa, Henry Mariano and Glenn Caballero (P400 each)

Executives

Champion: Willy San Juan (gift)

Runner-up: Dr. Johnny Coralles (gift)

Losing semi-finalist: Noel Garcia and Cip Oviedo (gift)

Losing quarter-finalists: Jun Rivera, Neil Dumlao, Leo Tito Ausan Jr. and AB Canta (gifts)


NEWLY installed IM Oliver Barbosa trounced NM Alex Milagrosa, 1.5-0.5, in the finals to rules the Fianchetto Realty Christmas Blitz Chess Invitational Friday night at the Prince Gregory Condominium in Quezon City.

In the first finals game, the two warrior ended their game in a fighting draw, however Barbosa won the second finals game to score a 1.5-0.5 victory. He receive the top prize P3,000 in the one day event hosted by Fianchetto Realty Corporation Vice President GM Eugene Torre, Gold edge assets holding corporation Vice president Jeffrey Divino and chess patron Cesar Iligan.

Milagrosa, assistant coach of Far Eastern University (FEU) chess team on the other hand pocket the runner-up prize P1,500.

On the way to the finals, Barbosa bested NM Rolando Nolte, 1.5-0.5, in the quarters, then subdued NM Emmanuel Senador, 1.5-0.5, in the semis before beating Milargosa, 1.5-0.5, in the finals.

Meanwhile, Verth Alora and Musician-composer Willy San Juan dominates their respective divisions to join Barbosa in the list of winners.

Alora beat RP six time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor in the Non-Master, Kiddie and Senior Chess Masters category while San Juan defeated Dr. Johnny Coralles in the Executive divisions. Thirteen year old Marc Christian Nazario of Quezon City adjudge youth kiddie best finishers.

MARLON BERNARDINO, contributor

TORRE VERSUS ANTONIO REMATCH

GRANDMASTERS Eugene Torre and Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., fierce rivals in tournaments and not the best of friends in the politics of their sport, are ready to renew their rivalry next year.

Both camps agreed to stage a 12-match marathon in the summer of 2008 for two reasons: Promote chess in the countryside and prepare themselves for the biggest battleground of the sport – the Chess Olympiad.

"Hindi na rin naman kami bumabata. We need to develop more young chess talents," said Torre. "We're hoping to get the interest of potential talents from the grassroots level by going to their places."

Still the country's top two rated players despite their advanced age, Torre and Antonio are tipped to lead the country's campaign in the biennial meet set in Dresden, Germany.

"Hindi natin alam baka last Olympiad na namin next year," said Antonio. "Anuman ang mangyari maganda na 'yung preparado kami."

They've got the best sparring partner in each other.

Quezon City majority floor leader and fourth district councilor Ariel Inton likes the idea of hosting a rematch between Torre and Antonio, a decade after the historic clash of the local chess titans.

Antonio became the first local player to beat Torre in a series with a 1-up victory in their 1998 match.

"Both players are based in Quezon City. It would be great for our city and our people if the Torre vs. Antonio II will be held here, beside sila ay most outstanding Quezon City athlete," said Inton. "If it's not possible for us to host all 12 matches, sana kahit 'yung first three and last three."

The organizers are planning to hold a number of matches in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro and Baguio City. The organizers of the titular rematch of the country's 1-2 punch also idea to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Chess Championships match between Anatoly Karpov and Victor Korchnoi. The duo was clash in Baguio City in 1978.

Both are summer destinations and significant places for the players. Torre is an adopted son of Baguio while Antonio hails from Oriental Mindoro.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

FEU WOODPUSHERS DOMINATES WORLD INTER-VARSITY CHESS

VICTORIUS Philippine team represented by Far Eastern University poses with NCFP president Prospero Pichay Jr.

Left to right: IM Jayson Gonzales, James Bulicatin, Luffe Magdalaga, John Ranel Morazo, Fide Master Roderick Nava, NCFP president Prospero Pichay Jr., Cherrylyn Guiang, Jenny Rose Palomo, Lovelyn Medina, Ronna Reigner Senora and NM Alex Milagrosa


Final Standings: (24 team competitions, nine round Swiss System)

Champion: Far Eastern University, Team A (Philippines) 27.5 points

Runner-up: National University of Singapore (Singapore) 25.5 points (212 tie break points)

Third place: Far Eastern University, Team B (Philippines) 25.5 points (200 tie break points)

Fourth place: University of Colombo, Team A (Sri Lanka) 24.0 points

Fifth place: University of Malaya, Team A (Malaysia) 23.0 points

Sixth place: PTVA (India) 22.5 points

Seventh place: Nanyang Technological University, Team A (Singapore) 22.0 points

Eight place: Azad Islamic University (Iran) 21.5 points

Ninth place: University of Malaya, Team B (Malaysia) 20.0 points

Tenth place: University Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Team A (Malaysia) 20.0 points

Eleventh place: University Islam Antarabangsa, Team A (Malaysia) 20.0 points…

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Men's Individual Champion: FM Roderick Nava (Far Eastern University, Team A) 7.5 points

Women's Individual Champion: Jenny Rose Palomo ((Far Eastern University, Team A) 7.5 points

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FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY (TEAM A) Philippines chess team dominates the just concluded 12th Rakan Muda GACC (Grand Asean Chess Challenge) World Inter-Varsity Chess Championships 2007 held recently at the Auditorium Perdana Siswa, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Tamarraw woodpushers under the watchful eyes of head coach GM candidate Jayson Gonzales and assistant coach NM Alex Milagrosa which are composed of Fide Master Roderick Nava, Luffe Magdalaga, John Ranel Morazo and Jenny Rose Palomo notch a total 27.5 combined points to snatch the championships trophy, the gold medal plus the top purse 2,000 Ringgit (Malaysian dollar) in this annual tournament organized under the auspices of the Malaysian Chess Federation with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry.

"We (FEU-RP Chess team) would like to thank Mr. Mark Oliver Molina (FEU, Athletic Director) and Congressman Butch Pichay Jr. (NCFP president) for giving us unwavering support," said Gonzales, who needed one GM norm to complete his GM status.

"Our hard work has absolutely paid off," added Gonzales, member of the RP Chess team who bagged the gold medal in the 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games and 2006 Turin World Chess Olympiad.

According to Gonzales, it was a best year for the Manila based school who also won the 2007 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in Manila and 2007 University Games (UniGames) in Bacolod City, both in the men's senior competition.

"We are very happy because we won three major tournaments, here and abroad," he added.

National University of Singapore had a better 212 tie break points over Far Eastern University, Team B, Philippines which tallied 200 tie break points to win the silver medal plus the runner-up prize of 1,500 Ringgit (Malaysian dollar). NUS and FEU B tallying identical 25.5 points.

FEU-B headed by Davao's James Bulicatin, Cherrylyn Guiang, Lovelyn Medina and Ronna Reigner Senora didn't go empty hand in this 24 participated team after receiving third prize of 1,000 Ringgit (Malaysian Dollar) plus the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Nava and Palomo finished 7.5 points to emerged-over-all champion in the men's and women's individual division, respectively. Each of them received 1,000 Ringgit (Malaysian Dollar).

Nava surpass the third place joint finish of Arnulfo Gavillan (UP) and NM Marlon Bernardino Jr. (RTU) in the 2000 edition men's individual class while FEU Team A also surpass the third place finish of Rizal Technological University-Mandaluyong City in the 1999 edition in the team competitions.

According to the tournament organizer, each university can send in a maximum of two teams, each comprising a minimum of four participants, including one female where all points will be combined to determine the team winners. The maximum number of participants per team is six.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

GM WESLEY SO TO SEE ACTION IN INDIA

BAPTISM OF FIRE IN INDIA

GRANDMASTER Wesley So, at 14 the world's youngest grandmaster today, will see action, most likely as board one player of the national squad, in the Asian Team Championship that kicks off on January 2, right after New Year's Day in the southern Indian city of Visakhapatnam.

"I hope to do well in this event," said So, currently No. 3 in the RP-Fide rating list with an Elo rating of 2531 in an interview with this writer at the Synchopados Restaurant in Malate in the celebration of Christmas Party hosted by Prospero Pichay.

The Bacoor Boy Wonder, who won his GM spurs in the recent Second Prospero Pichay Jr. Cup International Open held in the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque City, is going to India with three other GMs—Mark Paragua, Eugenio Torre and Rogelio Antonio, Jr. — and Singapore-based International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra, who already has one GM norm.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Butch Pichay, who sponsored the Cup named after him, believes that the five forms the strongest possible squad the country can field at this time.

The event, to be held from January 2 to 11, is being hosted by All India Chess Federation and is being organized by the East Coast Chess Academy and the Andhra Pradesh Chess Federation.

Acording to media reports, the NCFP is also sending the national women's team — Sheerie Joy Lomibao, Beverly Mendoza, Sherily Cua and Catherine Pereña. This is the same squad that shone in the Turin Olympiad last year.



WORLD CHESS NEWS: KAMSKY WINS WORLD CUP

FORMER United States champion Gata Kamsky has captured the 2007 World Cup by battling Alexei Shirov of Latvia and Spain to a draw in the third round, held recently at the Khanty Mansiysk, Russia.

Kamsky sacrificed the exchange—a rook for a bishop—to create a clear window of opportunity for a draw via perpetual check against his co-finalist to win their match, 2.5-1.5, from one win and three draws.

He will face former world champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria next year in a match to determine who is to challenge the winner of the rematch between reigning world champion Viswanathan Anand of India and the man he dethroned, Vladimir Kramnik of Russia.

"I wish to thank everyone for supporting me," Kamsky who had been the underdog said.

His victory capped a three-year campaign to return to his former strength after a seven-year absence from active competition.

Kamsky left chess in 1997 after losing to then Fide world champion Anatoly Karpov in a world title match.

He then went back to college to study medicine then switched to law and graduated in 1997. Soon after graduation, he returned to chess by entering the US championship.

Kamsky won the US crown in 1992, four years after defecting to the United States from the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991.

On his way to the top, Kamsky defeated world junior champion Ahmed Adly of Egypt, Boris Avrukh of Israel, Kiril Georgiev of Bulgaria, Peter Svidler of Russia, former world champion Ruslan Ponomariov of Ukraine, Norwegian wunderkind Magnus Carlsen, 17, in the seminals, and Shirov, in that order.

Kamsky went through the World Cup without a misstep, except in the third round when he was stretched to a rapid playoff against Svidler, a four-time Russian national champion.

Shirov had reached the finals by beating Sergey Karjakin, 18, the world's youngest person ever to become a grandmaster. Carlsen and Karjakin are two of the world's strongest junior players.

In the final round, Kamsky and Shirov drew their first game. Kamsky won the second game, coasted along to draw the third, and needed only a draw to win the match.

In their fourth game, Kamsky spotted a chance to force a draw via perpetual check early on in the transition from the middle game to the endgame.

Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO

XAVIER SCHOOL IS ISSA CHESS CHAMP

THE Xavier School Varsity Chess Team emerged as champions in the grade school and high school divisions of the inaugural Inter Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Chess Team Tournament held last December 8, 2007 at the Fr. Cortina Sports Center in Xavier School in San Juan, MM.

For less than a year, the high school chess team of Xavier School was transformed into a competitive unit under the guidance of chess coach Erwin Carag. Carag is an outstanding national master (nm) and an international arbiter (IA) as well. To show the team's strength, Xavier School (XS) Team A topped the high school division competition with an unblemished total of 12 game points. Landing in second place is Xavier School Team B, followed by Colegio de San Agustin (CSA) in third place, and International School of Manila (ISM) in distant fourth place. The rules of the league allow each member schools to field at most 2 teams both in the high school and grade school categories.

Xavier School Team A – HS is composed of team captain Trevor Chan in board one, Jeffrey Go, Anderson Ongsyping, Marvin Yee and Marc Sy. Individual gold medals went to Mervin Ledesma of Xavier School Team B and Marc Ancanan of CSA in board one, Jeffrey Go – board 2, Anderson Ongsyping – board 3, Marvin Yee – board 4 and Marc Sy – XS Team A and Martey Haw – XS Team B, all from Xavier School.


In the grade school division, Xavier School Team A – GS topped the field, followed closely by International School of Manila (ISM) Team A – 2ND , CSA – 3RD , ISM Team B – 4TH. The grade school chessplayers of Xavier School is handled by seasoned coach International Arbiter (IA) Rolly Yutuc.


The Xavier School Athletics and Physical Education (APEX) Department headed by Mr. Larry De Las Peñas and assistant sports coordinator Mr. John Sy lauded the boys for a job well done. The chess training started last summer with the jumpstart comprehensive computer chess seminar offered by Mr. Bobby Ang, Xavier School's outstanding chess alumnus. John Sy announced that Xavier School is organizing the 4TH Xavier Interscholastic Chess Invitational to be held on January 19 and 26, 2008 at the Fr. Cortina Sport Center Function Room. The individual tourney is open to all bonafide grade school and high school students throughout the country. Other plans in Xavier include organizing an age-group type of chess competition this April 2008.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

SEVILLANO IS SECOND IN AMERICAN OPEN CHESS

CEBUANO International Master Enrique "Ikong" Sevillano finished in second place to US Grandmaster Alex Yermolinsky in the American Open Chess Tournament held in Los Angeles Califronia, USA last weekend.

Southern California state champion Sevillano, prodigy of NM Bombi Aznar seized the second spot on tiebreak over four others led by another American GM, Melikset Khachiyan who, like the former Asian junior champion from Cebu, is based in California.

Yermolinsky, the US Open champion in 1993 and 1996, captured the plum with 6.0 points with five wins and two draws.

Sevillano, Khachiyan, former world junior champion IM Vinay Bhat, John Daniel Bryant and Eugene Yanayt came next under the tournament's tiebreaking formula.

In a tie for seventh to eighth were FM Alexander Kretchetiv, FM Eobby Adamson and Eric Hansen. They had 5.5 each.

FM Harutyun Akopyan and and Malcolm Tredennick tied for 10th and 11 half a point behind.

The Cebuano native left the Philippines in 1993, one year after playing at the Manila OIlympiad. He won the Asian junior crown in 1986.

Yermolinsky crushed IM Bhat but was held to a draw by IM Sevillano.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

SADORRA IS FOURTH IN SINGAPORE OPEN

FINAL RESULTS OF SINGAPORE CHESS OPEN

Final Standings: (42 player's field/ 9 round Swiss System)

7.0 points--- GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (GEO), GM Zhang Zhong (SIN)

6.5 points--- GM Sandipan Chanda (IND)

6.0 points--- IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (RP), GM Dao Thien Hai (VIE), IM RR Laxman (IND), GM Susanto Megaranto (INA), IM Girinath PDS (IND), GM Wu Shaobin (SIN)

5.5 points---IM Oliver Dimakiling (RP), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (VIE), GM Mark Paragua (RP), Lin Chen (CHN)

5.0 points---IM Enrique Paciencia (RP), Wan Yunguo (CHN), WGM Gu Xiaobing (CHN), IM Jayson Gonzales (RP), IM Salor Sitanggang (INA), WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (INA)

NEWLY Installed Filipino International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra (2414) split the point with GM Wu Shaobin (2469) using the white pieces in the ninth and final round to finish fourth in the Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2007 in Singapore yesterday.

With this, the former Cavite stand out and now Singapore based Sadorra scored 6.0 points on account of four wins, four draws and a loss in nine games of play, the same output of Wu, GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia, IM RR Laxman and IM Girinath PDS of India. However, Sadorra finish fourth after the tie break points was applied. He also had a 2523 performance rating.

Sadorra had an impressive showing in the last four rounds by facing four tough GMs. He drew with second seed GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (2606) of Georgia in the sixth, bowed to top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) of Singapore in the seventh, and split the point with No.4 GM Susanto Megaranto (2569) of Indonesia in the eight and No.10 GM Wu Shaobin (2449) in the ninth and final round.

Meanwhile, GM Azmaiparashvili took the championships crown by a better 50 tie break points than GM Zhang's 48. The duo finished identical 7.0 points apiece.

Third seed GM Sandipan Chanda (2593) of India occupied solo third with 6.5 points after he held a draw with GM Dao in the last round.

Rounding up to the top 10 to 13th placers with 5.5 points each were GM Mark Paragua and IM Oliver Dimakiling, GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam and Lin Chen of China.

IM Enrique Paciencia and IM Jayson Gonzales finished in 14th place along with four others with 5.0 points each.

NM Rolando Andador, who earned his first IM norm in the recently concluded Prospero Pichay International Open Chess recently at the Duty Free Mall in Paranaque City had a lackluster performance here in Singapore with 4.0 points.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

SINGAPORE OPEN ROUND 7

SINGAPORE MASTERS: SADORRA SUFFERED FIRST LOSS IN RD 7

Individual Standings after round 7:

6.0 points--- GM Sandipan Chanda (IND)

5.5 points--- GM Zhang Zhong (SIN), GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (GEO)

5.0 points---IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (RP), GM Dao Thien Hai (VIE), GM Wu Shaobin (SIN), IM R R Laxman (IND)

4.5 points---IM Enrique Paciencia (RP), GM Susanto Megaranto (INA), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (VIE), IM Salor Sitanggang (INA), IM Girinath PDS (INA)

4.0 points---IM Oliver Dimakiling (RP), WGM Gu Xiaobing (CHN), Wan Yunguo (CHN), Wang Li (CHN), Jia Haoxiang (CHN), Lin Chen (CHN)

3.5 points---GM Mark Paragua (RP), IM Jayson Gonzales (RP), IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (MAS), WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (INA), IM Ashot Nadanian (ARM), Shen Siyuan (CHN)



NEWLY INSTALLED Filipino International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra (2414) suffered his first lost at the hands of top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) of Singapore in the seventh round yesterday of the Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2007 in Singapore.

With this result, Sadorra remained at 5.0 points on account of four wins, two draws and a loss and dropped to a 2524 rating performance.

The former Cavite resident and currently based in Singapore earlier drew with second seed GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (2606) of Georgia late Wednesday that lift his rating performance of 2594.

He will face GM Susanto Megaranto (2569) of Indonesia in the eight round late Thursday and a win will move Sadorra closer to his second GM norm. Sadorra already faced three required GM opponents according to the FIDE handbook rules. Sadorra obtains his first of three GM norm in the recent Prospero Pichay International Open Chess Championships in Duty Free Mall in Paranaque City. He needs to score 7.0 points to secure a GM norm.

Meanwhile, GM Sandipan nipped countryman IM Girinath PDS of India and GM Azmaiparashvili, respectively to grab the solo lead with 6.0 points, a half point ahead with GMs Zhang Zhong and Azmaiparashvili each with 5.5 points.

Another Singapore based IM Enrique Paciencia scored 1.5 points in two outings to climb into a share of 8th to 12th placers in the group of 4.5 points headed by GM Megaranto, IM Salor Sitanggang of Indonesia, GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam and IM Girinath.

Paciencia, a native of Tacloban, Leyte split the point with lone Filipino GM Mark Paragua in the sixth then beat Wan Yunguo of China in the seventh round.

Paragua who holds an ELO rating of 2415, bowed to IM Sitanggang who only holds an Elo rating of 2410, in the seventh round.

Meanwhile, IM Oliver Dimakiling who beat WGM Li Ruofan of China in the sixth round yielded to GM Dao in the seventh to remain with 4.0 points. IM Jayson Gonzales on the other hand who dealt NM Roland Andador in the sixth halved the point with IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia in the seventh.

Paragua, Dimakiling and Gonzales tallying identical 3.5 points apiece while Andador was stuck at 2.0 points.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

SINGAPORE MASTERS UPDATE

PACIENCIA, DIMAKILING REMAINS ON TOP IN SINGAPORE MASTERS OPEN

FILIPINO International Masters Oliver Dimakiling (2491) and Enrique Paciencia (2431) hurdled their respective rivals, both using the advantageous white pieces to share top honors together with five others after the second round of 4th Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2007 late Monday in Singapore.

Dimakiling, who hails from Davao City defeated Lin Chen (2363) from China while the Leyte native Singapore based Paciencia upset No.3 GM Chanda Sandipan (2593) of India.

Unfortunately, GM Mark Paragua (2415) and IM Jayson Gonzales (2454) lost their second games to Chinese players Wan Yunguo (2393) and Shen Siyuan (2337) respectively.

Aside from Dimakiling, Paciencia, Yunguo and Siyuan, other chess players with perfect 2.0 pointers were No.2 GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (2606) of Georgia, No.11 IM Grinatah P D S (2448) of India and No.25 Wang Li (2318) of China.

GM Azmaiparashvili trounced WGM Li Ruofan (2417) of China, IM Grinath nipped FM Terry Chua (2096) of Singapore while Wang shocked GM Wu Shaobin (2449) of Singapore, respectively.

Newly installed IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2414) beat WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2275) of Indonesia to raise his total to 1.5 points along with six others.

However, NM Rolando Andador, 1995 Philippine Junior champion suffered his second straight loss at the hands of top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) of Singapore.

In the third round, Paciencia will test the mettle of Azmaiparashvili, Dimakiling goes up against Yunguo, Sadorra opposite FM Graham Chua of Singapore, Paragua versus WGM Anya Korke of Hongkong and Gonzales takes on Jia Haoxiang of China.

The RP chess Singapore campaign would be possible with undying support of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

SINGAPORE MASTERS ROUND 3

RP'S DIMAKILING SHARES TOP WITH GEORGIAN GM


Individual Standings after round 3:

3.0 points---IM Oliver Dimakiling (RP), GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (GEO)

2.5 points---IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (RP), GM Dao Thien Hai (VIE), IM Grinatah P D S (IND), R R Laxman (IND), Shen Siyuan (CHN), Wang Li (CHN)

2.0 points---GM Mark Paragua (RP), IM Jayson Gonzales (RP), IM Enrique Paciencia (RP), GM Zhang Zhong (SIN), GM Wu Shaobin (SIN), GM Sandipan Chanda (IND), GM Susanto Megaranto (INA), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (VIE), WGM Li Ruofan (CHN), Lin Chen (CHN), Wan Yunguo (CHN)

FILIPINO International Master Oliver Dimakiling (2491) scored his third straight win in as many rounds that put him on top of the leader board along with his fourth round opponent No.2 GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (2606) of Georgia in the ongoing 4th Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2007 in Singapore.

Dimakiling, who hails from Davao City stunned Lin Chen (2363) of China late Monday then subdued Wan Yunguo (2393) of China in yesterday's matches.

"I hope to do well in this event (Singapore Chess) and gain a possible GM norm," said Dimakiling yesterday in a text message to this writer. Dimakiling beat Hongkong's lone Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Anya Korke (2210) in the opening round on Monday's session.

Azmaiparashvili, on the other hand, trounced WGM Li Ruofan (2417) of China and IM Enrique Paciencia (2431), respectively.

The Leyte native Singapore based Paciencia conquered No.3 GM Chanda Sandipan (2593) of India in the second round late Monday while Yunguo disposed lone Filipino GM Mark Paragua (2415).

Sharing the limelight is newly installed IM and another Singapore based Julio Catalino Sadorra (2414) who beat WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2275) of Indonesia and FM Graham Chua (2065) of Singapore, in order to raise his total of 2.5 points and climbed into a share of 3rd to 8th placers.

Other with 2.5 points are No.6 GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) of Vietnam, No.11 IM Grinatah P D S (2448) of India, No. 17 R R Laxman (2395) of India, No.22 Shen Siyuan (2337) and No.25 Wang Li (2318) of China.

Meanwhile, Paragua and IM Jayson Gonzales bounced back in contention by trouncing their respective rivals. Paragua demolished WGM Korke while Gonzales crushed Jia Haoxiang (2193) of China. Gonzales lost to Shen Siyuan in the second round.

NM Rolando Andador, 1995 Philippine Junior champion suffered his second straight loss at the hands of top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634) of Singapore who also won his third match against Jonathan Ko (2090) of Singapore for his first win.

For the fourth round, Sadorra takes on Laxman, Paragua opposite Lin Chen (2363) of China, Gonzales versus top seed GM Zhang Zhong and Andador will test the mettle of FM Lim Ye Weng (2336) of Malaysia.

Report from Marlon Bernardino

SINGAPORE MASTERS

PARAGUA, GONZALES IN HOT START

GM MARK PARAGUA and IM Jayson Gonzales of the Philippines got off to hot starts in the 4th Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2007 yesterday in Singapore.

It's the only annual major open chess tournament in Singapore which attracted a total of 42 players in the Open division thatincludes eight (8) GMs, four (4) WGMs, nine (9) IMs, 1 (one) WIM, and 6 (six) FMs.

The no.7 pick Paragua (Elo rating of 2514), the 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) most bemedalled athlete with three gold, had no trouble against the Russian Kiril Kuznetsov (2252) using the black pieces. The Sgt. Catolos, Cubao, Quezon City based Paragua meets China's Wan Yun Guo (2393), winner over Singaporean Jarred Neubronner (2097), in one of the marquee showdowns in the next round.

Gonzales (2454) was in awesome form against another host bet Timothy Chan (2231) using the white pieces to set up a clash with another Chinese who is untitled but a dangerous player, Shen Siyuan (2337), who upset top seed GM Zhang Zhong (2634), China's former top woodpusher but currently representing Singapore. Gonzales needs just one (1) GM result to complete his GM status.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. who supports the RP chess team's Singapore campaign, produced two Filipino GMs under his term---Wesley So and Darwin Laylo.

IM Oliver Dimakiling (2491) who hails from Davao City also showed great touch in whipping Hongkong's lone Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Anya Korke, and will next face Lin Chen (2363) also from China, who outplayed Jonathan Koh (2090) of Singapore.

Also with full point is Singapore based Pinoy IM Enrique Paciencia (2431) who routed FM Dominic Lo (2151) of Singapore. His next assignment is No.3 GM Chanda Sandipan (2593) of India, who nipped WGM Nguyen Thi Than An (2324) of Vietnam.

Another Singapore based Pinoy IM candidate Julio Catalino Sadorra (2414) settled for a draw with Daniel Chan (2137) of Singapore and will test the mettle of WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2275) of Indonesia who also split the point with WFM Liu Yang (2056) of Singapore.

NM Rolando Andador, a native of Talisay City, Negros Occidental bowed to No.10 GM Wu Shaobin (2449) of Singapore. The 1995 Philippine Junior champion Andador, who is fresh from obtaining his first International Master (IM) norm in the recently concluded Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. International Open Chess Championships at the Duty Free Mall in Paranaque City aims to bounce back in contention by facing another tough opponent---GM Zhang Zhong.

Other notable winners in the opening round were No.2 GM Zurab Azmaiparashvili (2606) of Georgia, No. 5 GM Nguyen Anh Dung (2537) and No. 6 GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) of Vietnam. Meanwhile, No.4 GM Susanto Megaranto (2569) of Indonesia was upset by Wang Li (2318) of China.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS 9TH LEG

NM MANAOG TOPS 9TH LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS

Final Standings:

NM Stewart Manaog 5.5 points; Leodegario Ricana, Dr. Jenny Mayor,Trine Olmedo, NM Ernesto Fernandez 4.0 points; Leonardo Navarro 3.5 points; Dennis San Juan 3.0 points; Gerry Cabellon, NM Samuel Estimo 2.5 points…

VETERAN campaigner Stewart Manaog settled for a quick draw against fellow National Master Ernesto Fernandez in the sixth and final round to rule the just concluded 9th leg of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday.

Manaog posted a final tally of 5.5 points with five wins and one draw after six rounds of play to claim his first NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess title in this event which is sponsored by NCFP director and Benguet Governor Raul Molintas and supported by NCFP chair Rep. Matias Defensor, GM Eugene Torre, IM Rudy Tan Cardoso and Cebu sportsman Matias Aznar.

Fernandez, on the other hand finished tied for second to fifth placers after accumulating 4.0 points in the company of Leodegario Ricana, Dr. Jenny Mayor and Trine Olmedo.

Meanwhile, all is set for the staging of Marikina City Age Group Invitational Chess Championships which offers a total pot prize of P15,500 slated on December 23 at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City.

The champion here gets P2,000, the runner-up likewise receive P1,500, third placers pocket P1,000, fourth placer receive P800, fifth placer receive P700 and sixth placer receive P500.

Category prizes worth P1,500 awaits the top Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.

Please contact mobile no. 0919 626-8874 and tel.no . 933-6719 for complete details.

Report from MARLON BERNARDINO

PICHAY CUP + NCFP CHESS TILT

MARK PARAGUA BEAT FELLOW GM LI CHAO OF CHINA TO CLAIM SOLO SECOND

Standings after seven rounds:
6 points -- H. Ni (China)
5.5 -- M. Paragua (RP)
5 -- R. Antonio (RP), E. Torre (RP), W. So (RP), J. Sadorra (RP), P. Gomez (RP), Z. Zhong (Singapore), D. T. Hai (Vietnam)
4.5 -- D. Laylo (RP), R. Bitoon (RP), R. Dableo (RP), J. Gonzales (RP), E. Senador (RP), O. Barbosa (RP), F. Donguines (RP), D. Causo (RP), E. Maghami (Iran), N.A. Dung (Vietnam), Q. Huang (China), W. Zhou (China), L. Chao (China)

WHILE most of the top seeds played cautiously, GM Mark Paragua went for the kill early and was amply rewarded. Paragua rediscovered his old brilliance to subdue GM Li Chao of China in the pivotal seventh round to vault into solo second place behind top seed GM Ni Hua of China in the third Prospero Pichay Jr. Cup international chess championship at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Paranaque City.

The 23-year-old campaigner from Meycauyan, Bulacan played superbly with the black pieces, squeezing out a morale-boosting win after only 24 moves of the Sicilian defense and handing Li a stunning setback since ruling the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup chess tournament last month.

With the win, Paragua improved to 5.5 points, only half a point behind Ni Hua, who settled for a draw with GM Zhang Zhong of Singapore in their top board encounter.
Asia's first GM Eugene Torre made short work of unheralded David Elorta to barge into a tie for third to ninth places with five points with fellow Filipinos GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., IMs Wesley So and Julio Catalino Sadorra and NM John Paul Gomez and Zhang Zhong and GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam.

In crucial eighth-roundmatches, it will be Ni Hua against Paragua, Zhang Zhng against Dao, Abntonio against So, Torre against Gomez and Ghaem against Sadorra. Antonio, who is hoping to redeem himself from a mediocre finish in the PGMA Cup, and Sadorra drew their match after only nine moves of the Bogo Indian. So, still seeking the elusive GM title, also halved the point with GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam , while Gomez crushed compatriot Hamed Nouri.

Comebacking IM Ronald Dableo whipped Yu Lie of China to lead seven other Filipinos still in the hunt for the top prize of US$5,000 with 4.5 points.

Also in the group are GM Darwin Laylo, IMs Jayson Gonzales and Richard Bitoon, NMS Emmanuel Senador, Oliver Barbosa and Deniel Causo and FM Fernie Donguines.

Lalyo, still fresh from a first-round campaign in the World Chess Cup in KHanty-Mansiysk, Russia, drew with Bitoon; Gonzales halved the point with GM Ehna Ghame Maghami of Iran; Senador beat IM Tirto of Indonesia; Barbosa drew with GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam; Donguines beat Zhang Xiaowen of China; and Causo stopped WGM Wang Yu of China.

Other seventh-round winners were WIM Irene Sukandar o findoneisa and Filipinos Rolando Nolte, Barlo Nadera, Ronald Bancod, Arlan Cabe, Randy Segarra, Merben Roque, Oliver Dimakiling, Ernesto Fernandez, Petronio Roca, Beverly Medoza, Michael Boris Diez, Cristy Bernales and RJ Magallanes.



RODRIGUEZ TRY TO DEFEND HIS TITLE THIS WEEKEND IN NCFP CHESS


PHILIPPINE NAVY stalwart Christopher Rodriguez try to defend his title hwen the 9th leg of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway on Saturday at the Greenhouse Grill, Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City.

Rodriguez, head coach of Adamson University Varsity Chess Team took the 8th leg of NCFP Chess last weekend after nothing five points in six games of play, half point ahead with solo place NCFP executive director lawyer Sammy Estimo who tote 4.5 points.

Chess-playing executives nationwide have confirmed their participation in this event sponsored by NCFP director and Benguet Governor Raul Molintas and supported by NCFP chair Rep. Matias Defensor, GM Eugene Torre, IM Rudy Tan Cardoso and Cebu
sportsman Matias Aznar.

Appliances, trophies, gift certificates and 7 slots to the Grand Finals early next year are at stake in this tourney.

Participants may call GM Torre (09228822870), Doc Jenny Mayor (09194782209) or
Estimo (09159360354).

Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO

LATEST CHESS NEWS AS OF DECEMBER 2

RODRIGUEZ TOPS 8TH LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS

Final Standings: (six round Swiss-system)

Christopher Rodriguez 5.0 pts.; NM Sammy Estimo 4.5 pts; Dennis San Juan, NM Dennis Gutierrez, NM Dante Zuniga, Dr. Jenny Mayor 4.0 pts.; WIM Christine Rose Mariano, Trine Olmedo, John-John Mendoza, NM Marlon Bernardino 3.5 pts.

PHILPPINE NAVY stalwart Christopher Rodriguez dominated the just concluded 8th leg of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City , on Saturday.

Rodriguez, also the head coach of Adamson University Varsity Chess Team compiled with a total of five points after six games of play in the event sponsored by NCFP chairman Rep. Matias Defensor and supported by Cebu sportsman Bombi Aznar, NCFP vice president Ed Madrid and directors Benguet Governor Raul Molintas , Gen. Art Carrillo and Jess Torre.

Two-time champion NM Samuel Estimo, executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines settled for solo second with 4.5 points.

Rounding up the top ten winners were Dennis San Juan (3rd), NM Dennis Gutierrez (4th), NM Dante Zuniga (5th), Dr. Jenny Mayor (6th), WIM Christine Rose Mariano (7th), Trine Olmedo (8th), John-John Mendoza (9th), and sports writer and NM Marlon Bernardino (10th).

According to International Arbiter Joey Moseros, the triumvirate (Rodriguez, Mariano and Mendoza) will advance to the Grand Finals next year along with Danny Geronimo, Manny Batalla, Johnny Bargo and Danny Ponay.

Meanwhile, the registration of Quezon City Inter-Barangay Chessfest is now on full swing. This event is sponsored by Quezon City Majority floor leader and 4th district councilor Ariel Inton, the chess tournament is slated on December 13, 14, 15 and 16 at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City. Registration fee is P1,000 for each team.

Participants may call GM Eugene Torre (09228822870), Dr. Mayor (09194782209) or Atty. Estimo (09159360354)






SADORRA UPSETS GM ZHANG IN PICHAY CHESS CUP

Standings after two rounds:
2 points -- R. Antonio (RP), D. Laylo (RP), W. So (RP), O. Dimakiling (RP), J. Sadorra (RP), O. Barbosa (RP), D. Elorta (RP), H. Ni (China), E. Ghaem (Iran), Tirto (Indonesia), Q. Huang (China), D. T. Hai (Vietnam), R. Li (Singapore) 1.5 -- R. Dableo (RP), R. Bitoon (RP), B. Nadera (RP), I. Adante (RP), L. Chao (China), N.A. Dung (Vietnam), G. Xiaobing (China)

SINGAPORE BASED International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra stunned second seed GM Zhang Zhong of Singapore in the second round of the third Prospero Pichay Jr. Cup Intenational Open chess championships at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Paranaque City yesterday.

Sadorra , one of the country's finest young players still seeking to gain worldwide recognition, toppled Zhong (ELO 2634) in only 48 moves of the Nimzo Indian to take the headstart in this tough, nine-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under Pichay and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.

The Singapore-based Sadorra also hurdled his first-round assignment against unhearalded R.J. Magallanes.

"I hope I can continue to play well," said Sadorra, who is best remembered for beating top seed GM Ni Hua of China also in the second round of the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup chess championship held last week.

Unheralded David Elorta aso made hi spresnece felt with back-to-back upset wins over Hame Nouri and Weiq Zhou fo China.

Five other Filipino campaigners -- GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo, IMs Wesley So and Oliver Dimakiling and NM Oliver Barbosa -- also posted back-to-back victories to share the lead with Sadorra, GM Ni Hua, GM Ehsan Ghame Maghami of Iran, Tirto of Indonesia, WIM Huang Qian of China, WGM Li Ruofan of Singapore and GM Dao THien Hai of Vietnam.

Antonio, still the country's highest-rated player with an ELO of 2540 despite a so-so performance in the GMA Cup, whipped compatriot Arlan Cabe in the first round and IM Halay Taufik of Indonesia in the second round.

Laylo, who is still smarting from a first-round loss to GM Etienne Bacrot of France in the World Chess Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, swept his fist two matches against Mirabeau Maga and Voltaire Sevilano.

So dumped Rhobel Legaspi and Rolando Nolte, Dimakiling crushed Fernandito Pialana and NM Petronio Roca and Barbosa trounced Boris Michael Diez and Jason Salubre.

Six foreign bets, led by GMs Ni Hua and Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran, also kept their perfect record by humbling Ernesto Fernandez and Sander Severino, in the second round, respectively.

In the first round, Ni humbled Dino Ballecer and Ghaem downed FM Fernie Donguines.

Also in the early lead were GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, Tirto of Indonesia, WGM Li Ruofan of Singapore and WIM Huang Qian of China.

GMs Eugene Torre and Mark Paragua also bounced back from a pair of upset losses in the opening round by downing their respective second-round opponents -- WIM Irene Sukandar of Indonesia and Pialan.

Late Saturday, Torre lost to No. 40 seed Shen Siyuan of China and Paragua fell to No. 43 WGM Gu Xiaobing of China.

Also striking back were GM-candidate Jayson Gonzales, who beat Diez; IM Chito Garma, who bested Magallanes; Donguines, who nipped WIM Beverly Mendoza; Efren Bagamasbad, who stopped Christopher Castellano; Nouri, who repulsed Richard de la Cruz; and Maga, who overwhelmed Leo Ausan.



FM SALES TIES FOR 2ND TO 6TH PLACE IN MELBOURNE TOURNEY

FILIPINO Fide Master Jesse Noel Sales tied for the second to sixth prizes in the Ellwood Bendigo Open, with Australian GM Darryl Johansen capturing the first prize.

FM Sales was the lone Filipino titled player in the Melbourne tournament, which attracted 86 players in all, including two grandmasters, two international masters and four other Fide masters.

GM Johansen finished in solo first with 6.0 points, followed by five runners-up with 5.5 each led by Serbian GM Dehan Antic,

With GM Antic were Australian IMs Stephen Solomon and Leonid Sandler, FM Igor Bjelobrk, also of Australia, and FM Sales of the Philippines.

Eight others tied for the seventh to 14th places, namely, Igor Goldenberg, Mirko Rujevic, Dusan Stojic, Edsil Skiotis, David Hacche, Andrew Brown and Dean Hogg. They had 5.0 each. Sales migrated to Australia two or three years ago.

Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO

MARIKINA CHESS FEDERATION (MCF) TOURNAMENT

MCF CHESS GETS UNDERWAY

THE Marikina Chess Federation will hold the 10 th Alay Kay Mayor Marides Carlos Fernando (MCF) 1950 and Below Non-Master Active Chess Tournament on December 22, 2007 at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City.

Organized by Johnny "Joel" Gaudia and assisted by national arbiter Rudy Ibañez, at stake in this annual event is the champion will get a lion's share P4,000 and the 2 nd to 4rd placers receive P 3,000, P 2,000, and P1,000 respectively. Fifth to sixth placers get P500 each.

The event is open for non-masters and unrated players which a local rating of 1950 and Below.

On December 23, MCF will also stage the Marikina City Age Group Invitational Chess Championships which offers a total pot prize of P15,500.

The champion here gets P2,000, the runner-up likewise receive P1,500, third placers pocket P1,000, fourth placer receive P800, fifth placer receive P700 and sixth placer receive P500.

Category prizes worth P1,500 awaits for the top Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.

For details please contact mobile no. 0919 626-8874 and tel.no . 933-6719 for complete details.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

LATEST CHESS NEWS

PCCR WINS 2007 CUSA CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP


THE Philippine College of Criminology's Chess Team won its first
chess championship in the 13th CUSA Chess Team Championship held last
November 20 – 23, 2007, at the Police Seminar Hall, PCCr.

Eight teams vied for the title including Metro Manila Colleges,
Central Colleges of the Philippines, Trinity University of Asia,
University of the Assumption, Manuel L. Quezon University, De Ocampo
Memorial Colleges, and FEATI College. PCCr was able to outmaneuver the
others with a total of 25.5 points after the last round match against
MMC. Because of their 3-1 loss against PCCr, MMC placed third overall
with a total of 20 points. TUA finished a close second place overall
with an aggregate score of 20.5 after their last match against FEATI.

Coached by International Master Idelfonso Datu and assisted by
Candidate Master Chiara Lim, crucial to PCCr's triumph were its
dedicated players according to board assignment: Louie Rey Dela Cruz,
Genalyn Miclat, Joel Diaz, Joseph Miclat, Raymond Samones, and Celso
Baldera. Dela Cruz, and both Miclat siblings won gold on their
respective boards while Diaz and Samones garnered silver, losing out
to Isaac Chavez of MMC and Richard Romano of TUA respectively for the
gold.

Last round was crucial for the team wherein Dela Cruz won over Alvin
Occida with 39 moves of French Defense, Genalyn Miclat won over Marlon
Tinia with 56 moves of a Double Fianchetto opening, Diaz lost to Isaac
Chavez with 66 moves of French Defense, and Samones won over Jayson
Jamosin with 31 moves of a London opening.


DAREA TOPS LAGUNA CHESS


NINTH seed Department of Agrarian Reform Employees' Association
(DAREA) Chess Team made a stunning performance by winning the 1st Sta.
Rosa Rapid Non-Master Team Chess Championship held at the 2/F City
Market, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna last Sunday. Led by Peter Lim, Noel De
La Cruz, Samson Lim & Vic Neil Villanueva, DAREA Chess Team scored 11
match points after 6 rounds to bag the P30,000 plus trophy.

Greenlife Chess Team, bannered by Marc Nazario, Julius Sinangote, Jose
Aquino Jr., Norman Madriaga & Joel Cocjin, was solo 2nd with 10 match
points. The team got P20, 000 plus trophy.

Sharing 3rd-6th places in team tourney which attracted 39 teams, the
biggest chess team event, in South Luzon this year, were Deep Green
Chess Team, Tagaytay City Chess Team, Bureau of Customs Chess Club &
Kawasaki Chess Team. They equally divided the total cash prizes
amounting to P22, 500.

Categorical winners were Gov. Lazaro Kiddie Chess Team (Top Kiddie Team),
Far Eastern University Women's Chess Team (Top Lady Team), San
Sebastian College High School Chess Team, (Top Junior Team) & Calamba
City Chess Team (Top Laguna Team). FEU Women's team won the Best in
Uniform award.

Individual winners were Allan Cantonjos of Olongapo City Chess Team
(Board 1), Julius Sinangote of Greenlife Chess Team (Board 2), Samson
Lim of DAREA Chess Team (Board 3), Ricky Merano of St. Peregrine
Dental Clinic Chess Team (Board 4), & Resvin Diocares of Sta. Rosa
City Chess team (Board 5).

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WORLD INTER VARSITY CHESS TILT IN KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

FEU CHESS TEAM VYING IN WORLD INTER-VARSITY CHESS IN KL

THE Far Eastern University chess team will represent the Philippines in the World Inter-Varsity Chess Team Championship on Dec. 4-12 at the University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Tamaraws ruled this year's University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team competitions with plenty to spare and capped their remarkable season with a dominating performance in the Unigames in Bacolod City.

FIDE Master Roderick Nava, a national team standout, will spearhead the campaign of the men's team. The other members of the powerhouse squad are Christian Arroyo, Lyndon Sombilon, John Ranel Morazo, Luffe Magdalaga and James Bulicatin.

"We have a very good chance to win the title especially in the men's. All my players are board medalists in local inter-varsity competitions," said head coach and International Master Jayson Gonzales.

Gonzales, the country's top scorer in the 2004 Chess Olympiad, will be assisted by National Master Alex Milagrosa.

Ronna Reigner Senora will be the skipper of the women's team, which also includes Cherlyn Guiang, Lovelyn Medina, Jenny Rose Palomo and Nikki Jimenez.

All women players booked a top 10 finish in their respective brackets in age-group competition.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by Butch Pichay is supporting the campaign of the Tamaraws.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

MUNTINLUPA CITY WILL HOST NAT'L INTER-CITIES CHESS '08

COUNTRY'S TOP WOODPUSHERS will be busy to carry their respective teams when the 2008 National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess team Championship gets underway on March 11-16, 2008 at the at the new Muntinlupa City People's Center in Muntinlupa City.

This was bared yesterday by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director lawyer Samuel Estimo after Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro agreed over the weekend bankroll this annual competition among players representing different cities and municipalities nationwide.

"Muntinlupa City ang host ng National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess team championships next year. Kaya ngayon pa lamang ay iniimbitahan ko na ang lahat ng chess player na maghanap na ng kani-kanilang team." Said Estimo, also two-time Olympian member.

Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Nelson Mariano II and Bong Villamayor and IM Wesley So are expected to carry their respective teams in this11-round Swiss System Tournament which offers P200, 000.00 to the winning team.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WESLEY SO FALTERS IN ROUND 10 OF WORLD JR. CHESS

Individual Standings after round 10:(Boys)

7.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)

7.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India)

6.5 points--- GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), IM Davit Jojua (Georgia),Viacheslav Kulakov (Russia)

6.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines),GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), GM David Howell (England), GM Gawain Jones (England), IM Daan Brandenburg (Netherlands), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Fidel Corrales (Cuba), IM Tamas Banusz (Hungrary), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA)

A day after securing his second grandmaster (GM) norm, Filipino Wesley So continued his inconsistent performance and lost his match against IM Abhijeet Gupta of India in the tenth round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Saturday.

The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner resigned after 38 moves of a Sicilian Defense, Ritzer Rauzer Attack using the white pieces.

So, becoming youngest Chess Olympic member at the age of 12 committed a big blunder in the 24th move after pushing his rook to d4 square to lead his fatal loss position in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class applying 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director lawyer Samuel Estimo lauded RP whiz kid So for obtaining his second GM norm.

"No doubt, Wesley (So) will be the youngest Filipino GM ever. I also predict that, at his peak, he will also attain the highest Fide Elo rating for any Filipino. Henceforth, he will be a fixture in RP teams to many, if not, all world chess competitions." said Estimo, a two-time Olympic chess member.

With two rounds to go, So who had an Elo rating of 2531 was stuck at 6.0 points and dropped into a tie for 14th to 25th placers along with eleventh round opponent IM Gogineni Rohit of India who held into a draw with GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel.

GM Ivan Popov of Russia inflicted the second straight loses of former leader GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt after 81 moves of a Reti Opening to create a three-way tie in the leadership board.

GM Popov raised his total of 7.5 points, the same output of GM Wang Hao of China and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia.

The top seeded GM Wang made a quick 8 moves draw against GM Georg Meier of Germany in their London System battle while IM Avetik downed compatriot GM Arman Pashikian.

GM Adly remains at 7.0 points and share 4th to 7th placers along with GM Meier, IM Gupta and GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, winner over IM Gopal Narayanan of India after 33 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, IM Dronavili Harika of India grabs the solo leadership board with 8.5 points after beating WGM Bathuyag Mongontuul of Mongolia after 43 moves of a King's Indian Defense.

Overnight solo leader WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia suffered his first loss to WGM Jolanta Zawadzka of Poland after 42 moves of a Sicilian Pelikan. WIM Nelolsina remains at 8.0 points but occupied solo second place. At third is WGM Zawadzka with 7.5 points.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador split the point with WIM Khaled Mona of Egypt to notch 4.5 points. The 17-year-old La Salle Management student is schedule to meet WFM Irina Gevorgyan of Uzbekistan in the next round is jointly tied at 33 rd to 41st placers in the 58 player's field.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WESLEY SO BOUNCED BACK IN RD 9 OF WORLD JR CHESS

Individual Standings after round 9:(Boys)
7.0 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
6.5 points--- GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)
6.0 points--- IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India)


AFTER two consecutive loses, Filipino Wesley So bounced back in contention by beating fellow IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel to climb into a tie for 7th to 13th placers in the ninth round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Friday.

IM Kaplan resigned after 45 moves of a four knights game when the Filipino campaigner threatening the former (IM Kaplan) in a one move inevitable mate.

The 14-year-old So had a rook in the seventh rank, bishop and two pawns against IM Kaplan's rook and four pawns.

With the win, So from Bacoor, Cavite raise his total points to 6.0 points and climbed into a tie for 7th to 13th placers in the company of GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, GM Parimarjan Negi of India, IM Gopal Narayanan of India, IM Marcus Ragger of Austria and tenth round opponent IM Abhijeet Gupta of India.

Top seed GM Wang Hao (2643) trounced over-night solo leader GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt after 60 moves of a Sicilian Defense to tied GM Adly in the leadership board with 7.0 points each.

GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia, on the other hand nipped GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 38 moves of a Slav Defense to scored 6.5 points and shared 3rd to 6th placers along with GM Georg Meier of Germany, GM Ivan Popov of Russia and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class applying 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia continues her winning run after crushing WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain to tote 8.0 points and remain on top.

At solo second place with 7.5 points is IM Dronavili Harika of India who dealt WGM Sanjay Karavade of India.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador yielded to WFM Klaudia Kulon of Poland to stack at 4.0 points and dropped into a tie for 35th to 42nd placers. The 17-year-old La Salle management student will face WIM Khaled Mona of Egypt in the next round in the 58 player's field.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WESLEY SUFFERS SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS

WESLEY SO SUFFERS SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS IN WORLD JR CHESS

Individual Standings after round 8:

(Boys)
7.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
6.0 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia)
5.5 points--- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Arman Pashikian (Armenia)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Bassem Amin (Egypt), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Davit Jojua (Georgia), IM Sasha Kaplan (Israel), IM Marcos Llaneza (Spain), IM Abhijeet Gupta (India), IM Fidel Corrales (Cuba), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Daan Brandenburg (Netherlands), IM Marcus Ragger (Austria), Jayaram Ashwin (India)

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So (2531), the 14-year-old Filipino chess wizard suffered his second straight loss at the hands of top seed GM Wang Hao of China (2643) after 59 moves of an English Opening using the disadvantageous black pieces in the eight round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia late Thursday.

With this result, the 13th seed So remains at 5.0 points on account of 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses to drop into a tie for 11th to 23rd placers in the company of ninth round opponent IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel who was held to a draw with unrated Jayaram Ashwin of India handling the white side.

GM Wang, on the other hand climbed into a tie for 2nd to 5th placers 6.0 points along with GM Georg Meier of Germany, GM Ivan Popov of Russia, and IM Grigoryan Avetik of Armenia.

GM Meier trounced IM Gopal Narayanan of India, GM Popov defeated GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands while IM Avetik nipped GM Gawain Jones of England.

GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt remained on top with 7.0 points after checkmating GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic in just 28 moves of a King's Indian Attack.

GM Laznicka was stuck at 5.5 points to share 6th to 10th placers with GM Parimarjan Negi of India, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel and GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia in this 80 player's field of the Boy's 20 and under class.

In the Girl's 20 and under division, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia still on top with 7.0 points after a 52 moves draw of a Ruy Lopez Opening against her games with WGM Bathuyag Mongontuul of Mongolia.

IM Dronavili Harika of India smashed WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain after 37 moves of King's Indian Defense to grabs the solo second placer with 6.5 points.

Tied for 3rd to 5th placers with 6.0 points each were WGM Vega, WGM Sanjay Karavade of India and WFM Anna Gasik of Poland.

Meanwhile, Filipino Woman National Master Aices Salvador yielded to WIM Swaminathan Soumya of India. She remains at 4.0 points, good for her to tie at 26th to 34th placers in this 58 player's field.

The 17-year-old La Salle Management student Salvador's ninth round assignment is WFM Klaudia Kulon of Poland, also coming a lost to WIM Gulmira Dauletova of Kazakhstan.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

NEWS ON WESLEY SO + SHELL ACTIVE CHESS

WESLEY SO: BIRTHDAY BOY BOWED IN ROUND 7

FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So failed to grab solo leadership in the World Junior Chess tilt on the day of his 14th birth day, as he suffered his first loss in the seventh round of 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Tuesday.

The No.13 seed So who had an Elo rating 2531 yielded to No.21 GM Ahmed Adly of Egypt with an Elo rating of 2494 using the white pieces. With this result, GM Adly notched 6.0 points to climb at No.1 spot.

So, on the other hand compiled four wins earlier, two draws and a loss to stay at 5.0 points and dropped into a tie for 3rd to 11th placers in the Boy's 20 and under class with a total 80 participants.

GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic moved to solo second place after accumulating 5.5 points after beating Jayaram Ashwin of Armenia.

In the distaff side, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia split the point with IM Dronavilli Harika of India. WIM Nebolsina notch six wins and a draw to raise her total 6.5 points in the Girl's 20 and under of this 58 player's field.

WGM Sabrina Vega of Spain occupied No.2 spot after crushing WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany for her 6.0 points. At solo third is IM Harika with 5.5 points.
Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador continues her winning ways by demolishing Nune Darbinyan of Armenia for her 4.0 points and share 15th to 26th placers.

Individual Standings after round 7:
(Boys)
6.0 points--- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt)
5.5 points--- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India)



WORLD JR CHESS: SO DRAWS IN ROUND 6

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So of the Philippines made a quick draw against GM Georg Meier of Germany in just 14 moves of a Sicilian Defense-Rosollimo variation using the black pieces to join GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt in the leadership board after the sixth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday.

The 13th seed So, who celebrated his 14th birthday yesterday compiled four wins and two draws to raise his total of 5.0 points in six games of play in the Boy's 20 and under class, the same output of GM Adly, winner over IM Hrant Melkumyan of the USA after 41 moves of a Double Fianchetto Opening. So will face GM Adly in the seventh round Tuesday.

On the other hand, GM Meier scored 4.5 points climbed into a share of 3rd places in the company of GM Wang Hao of China, GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel, GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands, GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, IM Avetik Grigoryan of Armenia, IM Gopal Narayanan of India, and Jayaram Ashwin of Armenia.

In the distaff side, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia continues his winning ways after crushing WGM Sanjay Karavade of India for her six consecutive wins in the Girl's 20 and under.

Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador won her match to Ani Darbinyan to improve her record with 3.0 points.

Meanwhile, four Filipino players who were suspended because of allegedly game-fixing scandal involvement was back in the list of October RP-Fide rating yesterday.
They were No.5 GM-elect Darwin Laylo (2508), No.12 IM Ronald Dableo (2451), No. 16 FM Oliver Barbosa (2420) and No.27 IM Chito Garma (2396).

The four players was lifted the ban upon the order of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. before the event of 2007 Asian Continental Chess Championships in Cebu recently.

Laylo, earned his third and final GM norm in the said event and needed to wait the Fide Congress to tackle his GM title application. Laylo is the only Filipino make it to the top 10 to advance in the World Cup, formerly known FIDE World Chess Championships.

Individual Standings after round 6:
(Boys)
5.0 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt),
4.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), Jayaram Ashwin (Armenia)


48 finalists vie for Shell Active Chess crowns

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Forty-eight finalists, who survived the grueling four-month nationwide eliminations will come together on October 20-21, 2007, each daring to outwit the other for the top two coveted plums of the 2007 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship Grand Finals.

Two Letran stalwarts, Stephen Laceste and Givy Bartolome, will head the 24-player cast in the Juniors Division of the event gathering the top three finishers from each of the eight qualifying stages held from June to September in various provinces nationwide.

Laceste edged three-time Palaro champion Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Ateneo and FEU's Luffe Magdalaga to rule the second leg in Tuguegarao, while Bartolome led the Batangas led winners, who include James Fernandez of University of Nueva Caceres and PMI's Arvin Dableo.

Joining them in the 9-round Swiss system finals of the 20-and-under category are NCR leg representatives Mari Joseph Turqueza of Diliman Prep. School, Jayson Mercado of SSC and Vic Neil Villanueva of UST; Dagupan qualifiers John Morazo and Lyndon Sombilon of FEU and Benjie Macoy of San Carlos College, Pangasinan; Iloilo top finishers Ellan Asuela (Bacolod), Marvin Ting (Bacolod) and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Iloilo); Cebu leg qualifiers Johnny Carzano (Ozamiz City), Antonio Chavez Jr. (Cagayan de Oro City) and Boris Diez (Davao City); Davao leg finalists Chito Dimakiling II (Davao City), Jerwell Andoy and Jester Andoy (Davao City); and Zamboanga leg top finishers Mohamad Sacar (Cotabato City), Patrick Erle Florendo (Zamboanga City) and Bryll John Arellano (Negros Occidental).

Bannering the field in the Kiddies Division are NCR leg top finishers Christy Lamiel Bernales (UE), Narquingden Reyes (Gen. Licerio Geronimo Memorial National High School – Rizal) and Jan Nigel Galan (Children of Mary Immaculate College – Valenzuela); Tuguegarao leg qualifiers McDominique Lagula of Bonfal Pilot Elem. School (Nueva Vizcaya), Asean age-group double gold medalist Haridas Pascua (Univ. of Baguio) and Jan Jodilyn Fronda (Letran); Dagupan leg finalists Prince Mark Aquino of (Divine Grace Montessori and High School - Pangasinan), Bernard Nillo Jr. (Baguio City National High School) and John Mark Dimalikwat (San Sebastian College - Recoletos); Batangas leg top finishers Willbert Pilarta of (Marist School, Makati), Giovanni Mejia (Letran) and Mark Anthony Trinidad (Gen. Pio del Pilar Elem. School - Makati); Iloilo City finalistsWest Negros College's Jerich Cajeras, Paolo Bersamina (La Salle Greenhills) and Jan Francis Mirano (Aklan Valley High School); Cebu leg top finishers Lennon Hart Salgados (Cagayan de Oro City), Jerad Docena (Grace Christian School – Tagbilaran) and Felix Balbona (Colegio dela Immaculada Concepcion – Cebu City); Davao City leg finalists Danilo Engay Jr. (F. Bangoy National High – Davao City), Ruel Bucaling (Gabuyan Elem. School – Davao) and Neptali Batucan (Doña Carmen Denia National High School – Davao City); and Loren Laceste (UE), Clark Kent Anabieza (Panabo City) and eight-year-old Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano (Cebu City).

Pilipinas Shell has sponsored the annual event for the past 15 years to help develop the sport and discover talents in the countryside, and will offer P30,000 prize to the winner in the Juniors Division and P20,000 for the Kiddies Champion.

The winners of the 2007 SNYACC Grand Finals join the elite circle of past champions, led by Grandmasters Nelson Mariano II and Mark Paragua and International Masters Ronald Dableo, Oliver Dimakiling, Idelfonso Datu, Wesley So and Ian Cris Udani.

Shell Active Chess aims to give the young and underprivileged players the rare chance to help give their families a better life by playing chess - either through schooling their way through a scholarship or earning a little money on the side to help augment family income.

The event, sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is backed by Shell V-Power, Shellane, Shell Helix, Shell Rimula, and McDonald's, in cooperation with SM Supermalls, Cebu Pacific, CSI The City Mall-Dagupan, and Brickstone Mall-Tuguegarao. The Grand Finals will be held at the 4th level Bridgeway of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

RP'S SO GRABS SOLO LEAD IN WORLD JR. CHESS

INTERNATIONAL MASTER Wesley So of the Philippines and Woman International Master Vera Nebolsina of Russia grabs the solo leadership in their respective brackets after the fifth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan , Armenia, on Sunday.

The No.13 seed So, who celebrated his 14th birthday today toppled No.15 GM David Howell of England to raise his total to 4.5 points in the Boy's 20 and under class of this FIDE 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

So, using the white pieces showed his mastery in the four knights game via Scotch Game transposition and gained a pawn up to gain a positional advantage after GM Howell committed a Nh7 blunder in the 14th move after So sacrficed his Bishop to h6. GM Howell resigned after 37 moves.

According to NM Mario Rebano who is watching the games online via the Internet, normal moves is Be6 of GM Howell instead Nh7 to solidify his position.

So's next assignment is No.9 GM Georg Meier of Germany who held into a draw with No. 3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 27 moves of a Caro Kann Defense.

GMs Rodshtein and Meier now has 4.0 points, the same output of GM Ivan Popov of Russia, GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands, GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt, and IM Hrant Melkumyan of USA.

In other matches GM Stellwagen trounced GM Arman Pashikian of Armenia, GM Popov nipped Dzurabek Khamrakulov of Armenia, and GM Adley crushed GM Jones Gawain of England.

In the Girl's 20 and under class, WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia beat over-night co-leader WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany to post her fifth straight wins in as many rounds. Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador scored her second win against WFM Ruth Lovece of Argentina.

Individual Standings after round 5:

(Boys)

4.5 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines)

4.0 points---GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Ahmed Adley (Egypt), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA)

3.5 points--- GM Wang Hao (China), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (India), GM Bassem Amin (Egypt), GM David Howell (England), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), IM Gopal Narayanan (India), IM Avetik Grigoryan (Armenia), Jayaram Ashwin (Armenia), Pablo Garcia (Spain)

(Girls)

5.0 points---WIM Vera Nebolsina (Russia)

4.0 points---WGM Sabrina Vega (Spain), WGM Sanjay Karavade (India), WGM Bela Khotenashvili (Georgia), IM Harika Dronavalli (India), WIM Swaminathan Soumya (India), WFM Tatev Abrahamyan (USA), WFM Sarah Hoolt (Germany)

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

UPDATES ON WORLD JR. CHESS + 4TH LEG NCFP CHESS

WESLEY SO DRAWS IN 40 MOVES IN ROUND 4 OF WORLD JR. CHESS

FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL MASTER No.13 Wesley So held into a draw with No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel after 40 moves of a Queens Indian Defense using the black pieces to create a four way-tie after the fourth round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Saturday.

So, who turns 14 on Oct. 9, whose local and International campaign is supported by Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay, scored 3.5 points, the same output of GM Rodshtein, No. 9 GM Georg Meier of Germany and fifth round opponent No. 15 GM David Howell of England in this Boy's 20 and under division applying a 13 round Swiss-system FIDE tournament.

GM Meier beat No.31 IM Sasha Kaplan after 48 moves of a French Defense while GM Howell split the point with No. 2 GM Daniel Stellwagen of the Netherlands after 30 moves of another French Duel. GM Meier and GM Rodshtein will clash in the next round in the top board encounter.

Top seed GM Wang Hao of China settled for a truce with No.11 GM Ivan Popov of Russia after 50 moves of a Sicilian defense to lead the big bunch of 3.0 pointers in the company of GM Stellwagen, GM Popov, GM Arman Pashikiran of Armenia, GM Victor Laznicka of Czech Republic, GM Gawain C.B. Jones of England, GM Ahmed Adley of Egypt, GM Deepan Chakkravarthy of India, GM Dmitry Andreikin of Russia, IM Hrant Melkumyan of USA, IM Evgeny Romanov of Russia, and Dzurabek Khamrakulov of Armenia.

Meanwhile, Filipina Woman National Master Aices Salvador suffered his third loses this time at the hands of Anahit Kharatyan of Armenia to remains at 1.0 point in the Girl's 20 and under division.

WIM Vera Nebolsina of Russia and WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany hurdle their respective rivals to share the lead with 4.0 points each.

WIM Nebolsina beat WGM Bela Khotenashvili of Georgia while WFM Hoolt, conquero's of Salvador in the Wednesday first round, trounced WFM Tatevik Airapetian of Armenia.

The solo champion, both boy's and girl's 20 and under division will earn an outright grandmaster (GM) and woman grandmaster (WGM) title, respectively.

Individual Standings after round 4:
3.5 points---IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM David Howell (England), GM Georg Meier (Germany)

3.0 points---GM Wang Hao (China), GM Daniel Stellwagen (Netherlands), GM Arman Pashikiran (Armenia), GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic), GM Gawain C.B. Jones (England), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), GM Ahmed Adley (Egypt), GM Deepan Chakkravarthy (India), GM Dmitry Andreikin (Russia), IM Hrant Melkumyan (USA), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), Dzurabek Khamrakulov (Armenia)


NM EFREN BAGAMASBAD TOPS 4TH LEG OF NCFP CHESS

NATIONAL MASTER Efren Bagamasbad ruled the just conluded 4th leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge late Saturday at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.

The former supervisor of Coca Cola Philippines notched 5.0 points in six outings to take home the top prize, a Colored TV in this one-day event sponsored by Primanila Realty and Development Corporation Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid, also the vice president of NCFP.

Tied for 2nd to 4th placers were RP six-time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, Dino Ballecer and NCFP Leyte coordinator NM Mario Rebano who scored identical 4.5 points apiece.

Tournament arbiter Boyet Tardecilla of NAPCA said other woodpushers make it to the top 10 were Butch Villavieja (5th), Lito Dormitorio (6th), NM Samuel Estimo (7th), NM Eduardo Agagon (8th), Romeo Talavera (9th) and Jose Aspiras (10th).

For future events, please call and contact GM Eugene Torre (09228822870), Dr. Jenny Mayor (09194782209) and NCFP incumbent Executive Director Atty. Samuel D. Estimo (09159360354).

Final Standings:
NM Efren Bagamasbad 5.0 points, Jenny Mayor, Dino Ballecer, NM Mario Rebano 4.5 points, Butch Villavieja, Lito Dormitorio, NM Samuel Estimo, NM Eduardo Agagon 4.0 points, Romeo Talavera, Jose Aspiras 3.5 points

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

4TH LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVES CHESS STARTS SATURDAY

NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director Samuel Estimo announced that the 4th leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway Saturday October 6, 10am at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St. , Diliman, Quezon City .

Estimo, is a two-time Olympian and winner of the first two legs of this one day event. The tournament is open to all professionals and executive chess player in the country and backed by Primanila Realty and Development Corporation headed by it's Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid, also the vice president of NCFP. NM Eduardgo Agagon dominated the third leg last week.

The event is also supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City , lawyer Ernesto Salunat, lawyer Rudegelio Tacorda, NCFP founding president GM Eugene Torre, Commelec commissioner Mehol Sadain and Asia 's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

Confirming their participation are NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano, UNESCO administrative officer IV Laurence Wilfred Dumadag, businessman Albert Rivera, singers Heber Bartolome, Christopher Castellano and Willy San Juan, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, commercial pilot Amando Labarda Jr., Engr. Marianito Geguinto of Mauban, Quezon, businessmen Loren Tabilog, Noel Garcia, Joey Pastrana and Nilo Pagdanganan, Attys. Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario and Achmad Tomambiling, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Jose Villanueva of Bulacan, Engrs. Achiles Iglesia, NMs Andrew Merlas, Dr. Bong Perez, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos and many other executives and professionals.

Doing the ceremonial moves are Primanila Realty and Development Corporation Chairman and CEO Ed Madrid and GM Eugene Torre. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, and Jess Torre.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

UPDATE ON WORLD JR. CHESS + CHESS FOR A CAUSE

WORLD JR CHESS: WESLEY SO POST BACK TO BACK WINS, AICES SALVADOR BOUNCES BACK IN CONTENTION

RP WHIZ KID, INTERNATIONAL MASTER and NO.14 seed Wesley So trounced No.37 Krzysztof Bulski of Poland to remain undefeated after posting two successive wins to give him a share of the lead along with 11 others after two rounds in the 2007 World Juniors Boys and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, on Thursday.

The No.14 pick So, whose local and International campaign is supported by Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay will next meet No. 63 Tigran Mamikonian of Armenia in the third round late Friday, who came from an upset win over No.20 IM Sebastian Feller of France.

Other woodpushers with perfect 2.0 points are top seed GM Wang Hao of China, No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein of Israel, No.5 Gawain C.B. Jones of England, No. 12 GM Arman Pashikiran of Armenia, No.15 GM David Howell of England, No. 16 IM Narayanan Gopal of India, No.17 IM Evgeny Romanov of Russia, No. 18 GM Parimarjan Negi of India, No.24 IM Gogineni Rohit of India, and No. 31 IM Sasha Kaplan of Israel.

The 18-year-old Hao, currently No.4 in China currently with an Elo rating of 2643, took the No. 28 IM Tornike Sanikidze of Georgia, Rodshtein, on the other hand smashed No.30 IM Hrant Melkumyan ofArmenia, Gawain toppled No.29 IM Abhijeet Gupta of India, Pashikiran crushed No.36 IM Marcos Llaneza of Spain, Howell nipped No.46 Ovik Hayrapetian of Armenia, Gopal defeated No.49 Amin Nasri of Iran, Romanov outplayed No.60 Mackenzie Molner of USA, Negi dealt No. 62 Viacheslav Kulakov of Russia, Rohit overpowered No. 80 Mahoud El Chamieh of Lebanon and Kaplan upset No.GM Bassem Amin of Egypt.

Meanwhile, after a sorry lost to WFM Sarah Hoolt of Germany in the opening round on Wednesday, Woman National Master Aices Salvador of the Philippines bounced back in contention by beating Ghazal Hakimifard of Iran in the distaff side.

The solo champion, both boy's and girl's 20 and under division will earn an outright grandmaster (GM) and woman grandmaster (WGM) title, respectively.

Individual Standings after round 2:

IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Gawain C.B. Jones (England), GM Arman Pashikiran (Armenia), GM David Howell (England), IM Narayanan Gopal (India), IM Evgeny Romanov (Russia), GM Parimarjan Negi (India), IM Gogineni Rohit (India), IM Sasha Kaplan (Israel), Tigran Mamikonian (Armenia) 2.0 points



LEADING CHESS PLAYERS IN METROPOLIS HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO DO A SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBITION TODAY

LEADING chess players in Metro Manila have volunteered to do a simultaneous exhibition at the Quezon Memorial Circle Chess Plaza in Quezon City for the benefit of fellow player Alfredo V. Chay's two children who were seriously injured in a traffic accident in Malolos City Sunday night.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre, International Masters Ronald Bancod and Chito Garma along with National Masters Rolando Nolte and Mirabeau Maga have offered to play against all comers today, Saturday.

The victims, Chessander Chay, 16, and his sister, Chessandra, 13, are also chess players. They had just competed in a tournament at the Bulacan State University and were crossing the street to a bus stop when they were sideswiped by a van.

The boy has been discharged from the hospital, in a cast while his sister is still under observation at Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital because of a fractured skull.

Attending physicians said she might need neurosurgery because of a swelling of tissues and internal bleeding beneath the skull fracture near her right temple.

Chay is the board secretary of the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. and is a member of the management committee for the QMC Chess Plaza. He is also the PRO of the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

WORLD JR. CHESS + CHESS FOR A CAUSE

WORLD JR CHESS: WESLEY SO IN HOT START

RP WHIZ KID Wesley So got off to a hot start in the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan , Armenia, on Wednesday.

It's the only major chess tournament which is open to all boy's and girl's ages 20-year-old and below. According to FIDE regulations, eligible to participate are chess players born on and after January 1, 1987.

The No. 14 seed So dubbed as "The brightest hope of Philippine Chess" prevailed using the white pieces against No.52 Emilis Pileckis of Lithuania after 40 moves of a Sicilian-Pelikan which attracted 78 woodpushers.

With the win, the 13-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner, currently No.3 in RP-FIDE October rating list who holds an Elo rating of 2531 will meet No.37 Krzysztof Bulski of Poland, winner over No.75 Ostebo Lasse Lovik of Norway.

This year's field, according to official website, is once again stacked with the world's best players, including 15 (GM) grandmasters, 19 (IM) international masters, and 7 (FM) fide masters applying a 13 round Swiss-system tournament.

Eugene Torre, Asia's First Grandmaster and also the founding president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) gave advice to Wesley yesterday.

"Matagal pa yan eh. Hope huwag sana 'syang matalo para laging naka striking distance o naka umang. Pag black pieces siya at medyo mabigat ang kalaban ay draw ay ok lamang total 13 round Swiss-system yan para ma preserve ang kanyang energy." Said the 55-year-old Torre, head of the NCFP player's council.

In 1969 World Junior Chess Championships was held in Stockholm, Sweden, Torre dominated the Group B bracket while Anatoly Karpov ruled Group A.

"Noong panahon ko ay may elimination pa. Maraming qualifying event at pag hindi ka nakapasok sa Group A ay may group B at C pa." He recalled.

In 1971 World Junior Chess Championships in Athens Greece, the Filipino chess icon and Philippine Sportswriter Association (PSA) hall of famer settled in a tie for fourth place. Dark Horse Werner Hug of Switzerland won the said event. That time, Torre, Vaganian and Ribli were the heavy favorites to win the Group A bracket.

Meanwhile here in Yerevan, top seed GM Wang Hao of China was in awesome form against No.39 IM Hrair Simonian clustered a 37 moves victory using disadvantageous black pieces in their Sicilian Grand Prix clash.

Currently No.4 in China who possessed an Elo rating of 2643, the 18-year-old Hao will play the white pieces against No. 28 IM Tornike Sanikidze of Georgia, who beat Alexi Ter-Karapetian of Georgia.

Other notable winners in the Boy's 20 and under section were No.2 GM Daniel Stellwagen, No.3 GM Maxim Rodshtein, No.5 Gawain C.B. Jones, No.7 GM Bassem Amin, No.9 GM Georg Mejer and No.10 GM Dmitry Andreikin.


CHESS FOR A CAUSE

THE chess community in Metro Manila and nearby provinces is passing the hat around to help in the hospitalization of two children of veteran player Alfredo V. Chay who were seriously injured in a traffic accident at about 9:20 p.m. last Sunday in Malolos, Bulacan.

Chessander Chay, 16, and his sister, Chessandra, 13, were hit by a Starex van allegedly driven by Enrique Manlapaz of Malolos while they were walking to a bus stop. They had just come from a chess tournament for non-masters organized by the Plaridel Chess Club at the Bulacan State University when they met the accident.

Chessander was thrown several feet away while Chessandra was flung into the air on impact with her head hitting the windshield of the vehicle. Both were declared in critical condition on arrival at the Malolos City Hospital.

Chessander has been declared out of danger but his sister is still under close observation because of a fractured skull near the right temple. She has been moved to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, which has facilities for neurosurgery.

A CIT scan showed that she had swollen tissues beneath the fracture and would likely need neurosurgery to ease the pressure on her skull.

Among the first to offer help in raising funds for the Chay children's hospitalization were Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Mark Paragua.

Plans are afoot for Torre and Paragua along with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. and GM-elect Darwin Laylo to hold a simultaneous exhibition at Quezon Memorial Circle Chess Plaza on Saturday, the proceeds of which will go to the Chays.

A veteran player, the elder Chay is the board secretary of the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. and vice president of the QMC Chess Club as well as an officer of the QMC Chess Plaza management committee. He is also a board director and public relations officer of the Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines.

Chessander is a first year education student and plans to major in mathematics at BSU. He is the junior chess champion of San Jose del Monte and a BSU team member.

Chessandra is a first year high school student at the Lord's Grace Integrated School, also in San Jose del Monte, where the family lives.

According to their father, last Sunday's competition at BSU was Chessandra's first-ever tournament.

Donations may be given to Alfredo V. Chay, c/o office of Atty, Charito Planas, chair of QCPDI, Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City, tel. No. 924-3395.

(Reports from MARLON BERNARDINO)

OCTOBER FIDE RATING AND PHILIPPINE RANKING

ANTONIO EDGES TORRE, SO OUTRANKS PARAGUA IN OCTOBER FIDE RATING

ROGELIO "Joey" Antonio Jr. regained his No.1 status in Philippine Chess by besting fellow Grandmaster Eugene Torre in the latest ranking released by the World Chess Federation in the October FIDE rating list yesterday.

But the biggest news however, was when 13-year-old RP whiz kid IM Wesley So beat former Super GM Mark Paragua in Philippine ranking.

Antonio, who finished No.11 in the Asian Continental Chess Championships, failed to advance in the World Chess Championships or World Cup that will be held from Nov. 23 to Dec. 18, 2007 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Ugra, Russia, accumulated a total of 2540 Fide Elo rating. This was enough for him to occupy at No.1 spot in the Philippines.

Torre, founding president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) notched 2531, dropped into a tie for 2nd and 3rd place with So, dubbed as the "brightest hope of Philippine Chess" also with 2531, to beat the 22-year-old Paragua, who was relegated to No.4 spot with 2514 because of poor performance here and abroad.

However, the big question yesterday was why the names of IMs Ronald Dableo, Darwin Laylo, Chito Garma and Oliver Barbosa are still not listed despite the earlier announcement of NCFP boss Butch Pichay Jr. that the ban on the four player was already lifted. The said four players were banned due to allegations they were involved in game-fixing. The four players denied the accusation.

Citing the Fide Rules handbook, a player must have reached a 2500 ELO rating to earn the title of grandmaster (GM). But Laylo, (who earned his third and final GM Norm in Asian Continental Championships recently in Cebu and the only Filipino player to advance in the World Championship), has not reached the 2500 ELO rating despite three GM norms under his belt.

Rounding up to the top 15 placers were IM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. (2503), IM Joseph Sanchez (2496), IM Oliver Dimakiling (2491), IM John Paul Gomez (2469), IM Roland Salvador (2456), IM Jayson Gonzales (2454), GM Nelson Mariano II (2447), IM Rolly Martinez (2447), IM Enrique Paciencia (2431), GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor (2425) and IM Rico Mascariñas (2416).

On the other hand, Woman NM Catherine Pereña took the No.1 spot with 2247, and climbed at No. 63 place over-all. No.2 is WNM Shercila Cua (2203), No.3 is WFM Sheerie Joy Lomibao (2186), No.4 and No.5 are WIM Beverly Mendoza (2132), and WNM Sherily Cua (2132).

Meanwhile, GM Viswanathan Anand of India grabbed the NO.1 rank in the world's top 100 players list with 2801. The Indian GM came from a huge victory winning the World Championship title recently in Mexico who scored 9 points out of 14 rounds, the only undefeated player in the 8-man double round robin tournament.

GM Judith Polgar of Hungary adjudged No.1 in top 50 world's women players with 2708. GM Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan (2742) and GM Humpy Koneru of India (2606) occupied the No.1 spot in the 20-year-old below, junior division of male and female players, in that order.

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

AGAGON TOPS 3RD LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS

VETERAN campaigner Eduardo Agagon settled for a quick draw against fellow National Master Quirino Sagario in the fifth and final round to rule the just concluded 3rd leg of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday.

Agagon posted a finally tally of 4.0 points with three wins and one draw after five rounds of play to claim his first NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess title in this event sponsored by lawyer Rudegelio Tacorda, president of Centralhill Properties Corporation. Tournament arbiters were Daisy Rivera and Roy Madayag of CAAP.

Leodegario Ricana, upset NM Stewart Manaog to finish tied for 2nd to 3rd places along with Willy San Juan. The duo (Ricana and San Juan) scored identical 3.5 points apiece in this event also supported by NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor, GM Eugene Torre, IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, Comelec Commissioner Mehol Sadain and lawyer Ernesto Salunat.

A singer-composer and recording artist, San Juan held NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. into a draw.

Bernardino, on the other hand, who is best remembered beating the top seed Russian Grandmaster Sergei Shipov in the 2007 Sydney International Open Chess early this year, settled for 4th to 5th places together with NCFP incumbent executive director NM Samuel Estimo, winner over Isidro Erispe. The former two-time Olympian Estimo, who tops the first two legs and Bernardino, journalist and radio commentator finished with 3.0 points each.

Rounding off the top twelve winners were: NM Stewart Manaog (6th), NM Quirino Sagario (7th), NM Nick Nisperos (8th), lawyer Jose Aspiras (9th), Mar Quejada (10th), engineer Octavio Canta (11th) and Isidro Erispe (12th).

For future events, players may contact NCFP incumbent Executive Director lawyer Sammy Estimo at cel no. 0915-9360354.

Final Standings:
4.0 points---NM Eduardo Agagon
3.5 points---Leodegario Ricana
3.5 points---Willy San Juan
3.0 points---NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.
3.0 points---NM Samuel Estimo
2.5 points---NM Stewart Manaog
2.5 points---NM Quirino Sagario
2.5 points---NM Nick Nisperos
2.5 points---Jose Aspiras
2.0 points---Mar Quejada
1.0 points---Octavio Canta
0.5 Isidro Erispe

(Report from MARLON BERNARDINO)

NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS ON TODAY

ESTIMO, BARTOLOME head entries in NCFP EXECUTIVES Chess Today

The 3rd leg of the NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge gets underway at 10 a.m. today at the Greenhouse Grill, Matalino St., Quezon City.

Sponsored by Atty. Rudy Tacorda, the tournament is open to all executives and professionals and will be played over 7 rounds - Swiss system, 25 minutes active style. At stake are fabulous home appliances, trophies and 7 slots to the Grand Finals to be held early next year.

Confirming their participation are patriotic singer Heber Bartolome, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Fiscal Ben de la Cruz, pilot Armando Labarda, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos, Engrs. NM Nick Nisperos and Ali Branzuela and many other executives and professionals.

Doing the ceremonial moves in this event supported by GM Eugene Torre, IM Rudy Tan Cardoso, Comelec Commissioner Mehol Sadain and NCFP directors Ed Madrid, Gen. Art Carillo, Jess Torre, Benguet Governor Rocky Molintas, Doc Jenny Mayor and ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, are NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor and Atty. Rudy Tacorda.

For more details, players may contact NCFP Executive Director lawyer Sammy Estimo at cel no. 0915-9360354. (Marlon Bernardino)

3rd LEG OF NCFP EXECUTIVE CHESS ON SATURDAY

NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) incumbent executive director Samuel Estimo announced the holding of the 3rd leg of NCFP Executives and Professionals Chess Challenge on Saturday, 10am at the Greenhouse Grill, 31 Matalino St., Diliman, Quezon City.

Estimo, a two-time Olympian, won the first two legs of this one day event open to all professional and executive chess player in the country and backed by lawyer Rudy Tacorda.

The event is also supported by NCFP chairman rep. Matias Defensor of Quezon City , lawyer Ernesto Salunat, NCFP founding president GM Eugene Torre, Commelec commissioner Mehol Sadain and Asia's First IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

Confirming their participation are NCFP Leyte coordinator engineer NM Mario Rebano, UNESCO administrative officer IV Laurence Wilfred Dumadag, businessman Albert Rivera, singers Heber Bartolome, Christopher Castellano and Willy San Juan, Engr. Octavio Canta of HLURB, commercial pilot Amando Labarda Jr., Engr. Marianito Geguinto of Mauban, Quezon, businessmen Loren Tabilog, Noel Garcia, Joey Pastrana and Nilo Pagdanganan, Attys. Joe Aspiras, Quirino Sagario and Achmad Tomambiling, German businessman Reinhardt Orth, Jose Villanueva of Bulacan, Engrs. Achiles Iglesia, NMs Andrew Merlas, Dr. Bong Perez, computer experts Cecil Cuevas and Orly Pascual, Col. Jimsky Santos and many other executives and professionals.

Doing the ceremonial moves are lawyer Rudy Tacorda, and NCFP Chair Q.C. Congressman Mat Defensor. Expected to be present are NCFP Executive Director lawyer Samuel Estimo, NCFP Vice President Ed Madrid and directors ex-Benguet Governor Raul Molintas, Gen. Art Carillo, ex-NCFP President Go Teng Kok, and Jess Torre.

(Report from Marlon Bernardino)