Monday, September 30, 2013

Gomez remains unbeaten in Battle of the Grandmaster; Antonio grabs solo second place


by Marlon Bernardino

Grandmaster John Paul Gomez  held his guard in the third round of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila Monday night here.

Gomez defeated GM Richard Bitoon after 35 moves of Old Indian defense to register his third consecutive win in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

12-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. beat IM Joel Pimentel after 39 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense to grabs solo second place. The Calapan, Oriental Mindoro native Antonio notch two wins and a draw after three outings.

IM Emmanuel Senador, who drew Asia's First GM Eugene Torre in the opening round but lost by default over GM Gomez in the second round, rebounded with emphatic wins over Fide Master Jony Habla after 34 moves of Catalan Opening.

US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. scored his third straight draw this time to National Master Narquinden Reyes after 30 moves of King's Indian defense.

In other third round matches saw, GM Torre split the point with IM Richilieu Salcedo III after 49 moves of Old Indian defense, GM Darwin Laylo halved the point with last year's champion GM Mark Paragua after 57 moves of Sicilian defense and GM Oliver Barbosa settled for a truce with FM Roderick Nava after 56 moves of Queen's Pawn Game.

In the women's play,  Woman International Masters (WIMs) Janelle Mae Frayna and Beverly Mendoza continues their winning run to three to share the lead.

Frayna, top player of Far Eastern University toppled Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza after 45 moves of English Opening while WIM Mendoza routed Lucelle Bermundo after 39 moves of Dutch defense.

Sharing the limelight are defending champion Woman International Master Catherine Perena who dealt Woman Fide Master Rulp Ylem Jose after 46 moves of Oldin Indian defense as well Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia who edged Gladys Hazelle Romero after 63 moves of Queens Gambit Accepted, Ynna Sophia Canape who upset Woman National Master Jedara Docena after 47 moves of Kings Indian defense and Jean Karen Enriquez, winner over Woman International Master Bernadette Galas after 42 moves of French defense.

The game between Villa Mae Cabrera (who replaced WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda) and Arvie Lozano ended into a fighting draw after 59 moves of Modern defense.

Tournament director is NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales while International arbiter Gene Poliarco is the chief arbiter of the said chessfest.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Fronda finishes tied for 27th place in Turkey World Junior Chess; Docena ends up tied for 50th place


by Marlon Bernardino

Jan Jodilyn Fronda of the Philippines drew with Woman Fide Master (WFM) Monnisha GK of India after 34 moves of Scotch Opening in the 13th and final round and settled for a tie for 
27th to 35th place at the conclusion of  the 2013 World Junior Chess Championship Friday in Kocaeli, Turkey.

Monnisha won overall 27th place with a superior tie-break over felllow 7.0 pointers 28th place Fronda.

Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia beat Woman International Master Paula Andrea  Rodriguez Rueda of Columbia after 29 moves of Queen's Gambit Declined to topped the Girls division with 10.5 points, full point ahead over  runner-up place WIM Zhansaya Abdumalik of Kazakhstan with 9.5 points.

3rd to 4th place are WGM Alina Kashlinkaya of Russia and WIM Mitra Hejazipour of Iran, both tallied 9.0 points apiece.

In the Boys category, Jerad Docena of the Philippinessplit the point with Milan Ratkovic of Serbia after 39 moves of CaroKann defense.

The Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena scored 6.5 points, a good for a tie for 50th to 67th place. After the tie break points was applied, Docena landed at overall 55th place.

Grandmaster (GM)Yu Yangyi of China settled for a truce with GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi of India after 20 moves of Caro Kann defense becomes 1st Chinese to win World Junior Championship with 11.0 points.

Last year's champion GM Alexander Ipatov of Turkey accumulated 10.5 points for solo second place, followed by 3rd place Gujrathi and 4th place GM Jorge Cori of Peru with 9.5 points each.

The Filipino campaign here in Turkey is supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. Head Coach is IM Yves Ranola

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Fronda, Docena in Round 12 of Turkey World Junior Chess


by Marlon Bernardino

Young Filipino chess players Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Jerad Docena both absorbed losses against higher-rated opponents in the twelve round of the 2013 World Junior Chess Championship Thursday in Kocaeli, Turkey.

The San Andres, Manila based Fronda bowed to Woman Grandmaster Wang Jue of China after 34 moves of Sicilian defense, Dragon Variation in the Girls division, while the Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena lost to Fide Master Vitaly Meribanov of Belarus after 35 moves of Sicilian defense, Najdorf Variation.

Fronda remains at 6.5 points, while Docena has 6.0 points.

Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia subdued WGM Meri Arabidze of Georgia after 101 moves of Dutch Defense skirmirsh to remained on top with 9.5 points in the Girls division.

Top-seed Grand Master (GM) Yu Yangyi of China defeated  GM Samvel Ter-Sahakyan of Armenia after 62 moves of Sicilian defense, Maroczy Bind encounter to still on top in the Open division with 10.5 points.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Fronda wins, Docena falls in Round 10 of Turkey World Junior Chess


by Marlon Bernardino

Woman National Master (WNM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda defeated Woman International Master (WIM) Ayelen Martinez of Argentina to create a seven-way tie for 8th place in Round 10 of World Junior Chess Championships 2013 on Tuesday being held at The Ness Hotel in Kocaeli, Turkey.    

The San Andres, Manila based Fronda raised her total to 6.5 points, the same output of WIM Sabina Ibrahimova of Azerbaijan, WGM Dinara Saduakassova of Kazakhstan, WIM Paula Andrea Rodriguez Rueda of Columbia, WGM Rout Padmini of India, WIMs Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Mitra Hejazipour of Iran.

WGM Irina Bulmaga of Romania split the point with WGM Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia to still on top in the Girls division with 8.0 points. Goryachkina is now tied for 2nd to 3rd places, along with fellow 7.5 pointers WGM Dyesu Cori of Peru, winner over WGM Rout Padmini of India.

Fronda's victory somewhat made up for the loss of Filipino NM Jerad Docena, who lost to IM Vahap Sanal of Turkey.

The Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena remains stuck at 5.0 point and dropped to a tie for 50th to 69th places.

Top seed GM Yu Yangyi of China and last year's champion GM Alexander Ipatov of Turkey are leading the way in the Open division with 8.5 points each.

Yu defeated IM Aleksandar Indjic of Serbia while Ipatov drew with GM Jorge Cori of Peru.

In the eleventh round, Fronda will meet WIM Paula Andrea Rodriguez Rueda of Columbia while Docena plays opposite FM Bjorn Moller Ochsner of Denmark.

Docena and Fronda won the National Junior chess championships for boys and girls to earn the right to represent the Philippines in the World Junior chess meet.

They two players are accompanied by IM Yves Ranola. 

The Filipino chess campaign in Turkey was supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Bayan Muna party-list group, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee

Fronda, Docena score wins in Round 9 of Turkey World Junior Chess


by Marlon Bernardino

Jan Jodilyn Frona beat WIM Zhai Mo of China while compatriot Jerad Docena defeated FM Benjamin Arvola of Norway in Round 9 of World Junior Chess Championships 2013 on Monday being held at The Ness Hotel in Kocaeli, Turkey.    

The San Andres, Manila based Fronda raised her total to 5.5 points, good enough for a share of 15th place in the Girls category.

The Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena , for his part, accumulated 5.0 points for a joint 32nd place in the Open division.

In the tenth round, Fronda will meet WIM Ayelen Martinez of Argentina while Docena plays opposite IM Vahap Sanal of Turkey.

WGM Irina Bulmaga of Romania and GM Yu Yangri of China as both leading their respective divisions with 7.5 points and 8.0 points each, respectively.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Fronda wins; Docena falters in Turkey World Junior Chess


by Marlon Bernardino

Filipina Jan Jodilyn Fronda (ELO 2038) defeated Turkey's Lara Micioogullari (ELO 1585), however compatriot Jerad Docena (ELO 2227) was yielded to Lithunia's Tomas Laurusas (ELO 2398) in the sixth round of the on-going World Junior Chess Championships 2013 on Thursday being held at The Ness Hotel in Kocaeli, Turkey.

With her feat, Fronda tallied 3.0 points, 2.5 points behind with solo leader Indon Woman International Master Warda Aulia Medina (ELO 2301) who collected 5.5 points in the Girls Category. The No.11 seed  Medina  upset top seed Russian Woman Grandmaster Alina Kashlinskaya (ELO 2434). 

In the Open Division, Docena remains at 2.5 points. 

No.1 pick GM Yu Yangyi (ELO 2662) of China  beat over-night co-leader No.9 GM Sethuraman S.P. (ELO 2553) of India to raise his total 5.5 poinst and grabs the solo leadership board in the Open Division.

In the seventh round, the Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena try to bounced back in contention by facing Ozan Cingoz (ELO 1918) of Turkey while the San Andres, Manila bet Fronda will meet
Woman Fide Master Barbara Juhasz (ELO 2169) of Hungrary.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

WORLD YOUNGEST FIDE MASTER ALEKHINE NOURI TO COMPETE IN HONGKONG OPEN CHESS

by Marlon Bernardino

Following a magnificent performance in 10th Malaysian Chess Festival 2013 at the five-star Mid Valley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month by winning the coveted gold medal, young Filipino and World Youngest Fide Master Alekhine Nouri will again compete with some of the world renowned players in the Hongkong International Open Chess Championships 2013.

The Hongkong International Open Chess Championships 2013, an elite event in the Fide calendar, will be held  at the Convocation Room, Main Building room 218, The University of Hongkong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hongkong from September 27 to October 1.

The 7-year-old won an outright FM title by virtue of his excellent showing at this year's 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013 Standard competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand last June , thus became the "Youngest Fide Master in the World".

"It’s my dream to reach super GM status and be a world champion),” said Alekhine in an interview, who accounted for four of the 24 gold medals Phl won in Chiang Mai.The Pinoy chessers brought home a total of 65 medals. 

His father, Fide Master Hamed Nouri, named him after of the great world champion Alexander Alekhine, one of the best ever to play the sport of chess.

Alekhine, a grade one pupil at the FEU-FERN College in Quezon City, is a native of Escalante City, Negros Occidental and currently based in Taguig City.

1975 Western Visayas Chess Champion and 1976 Palarong Pambansa runner-up Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Javier Colmenares, who also hails from Iloilo province and Vice President of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under the leadership of it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. commented: 

"The talent and skills are already there and he has proven that." said Rep. Colmenares, who started playing chess at the age of six and as Palarong Pambansa player strongly advocates for grassroots sports development.

" Kaya full support ang NCFP at Bayan Muna kay Alekhine pati sa mga grassroots sports development," added Rep. Colmenares.

"With ample training and preparation, we can even become world champions,” commented  National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. 

Alekhine Hongkong International Open Chess Championships would be possible with the support of Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Javier Colmenares, NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, FEU-FERN College in Quezon City, the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and former Cagayan de Oro no.1 chess player Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

DOCENA, FRONDA FALTERS IN TURKEY WORLD JUNIOR CHESS


by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO whiz kid Jerad Docena (ELO 2227) and counterpart Jan Jodilyn Fronda (ELO 2038) both absorbed stunning losses against  their higher-rated  opponents in the fifth round of the on-going World Junior Chess Championships 2013 on Wednesday being held at The Ness Hotel in Kocaeli, Turkey.

The Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena bowed to Armenian IM Vahe Baghdasaryan (ELO 2423) in the Open section while the San Andres, Manila based Fronda yielded to Vietnamese WIM Vo Thi Kim Phung (ELO 2219) in the Girls division.

Docena remains at 2.5 points while Fronda was stuck at 2.0 points.

No.1 seed GM Yu Yangyi (ELO 2662) of China and No.9 GM Sethuraman S.P. (ELO 2553) of India share the lead in the Open category with 4.5 points apiece while top seed  Woman Grandmaster Alina Kashlinskaya (ELO 2434) of Russia, No.5 WGM Irina Bulmaga (ELO 2387) of Romania and No.11 WIM Warda Aulia Medina (ELO 2301) of Indonesia are leading the way in the Girls section with 4.5 points each.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

2013 NCFP NATIONAL YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS GETS UNDERWAY


by Marlon Bernardino

It’s all systems go for the 2013 National Youth Chess Championships Standard Competition on September 27 to 29 at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila.

The tournament is open to all youth players (15 years old and below), who are members in good standing of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Participants will compete in 10 – 15 Years Old (Boys & Girls) – born not earlier than January 1, 1998 and not later than December 31, 2003 and 9 Years Old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 2004.

Participants must submit a copy of his/her birth or baptismal certificate as proof of age.

A Five (5) Rounds Swiss System format will be apply with the the top two (2) boys and top two (2) girls from the following categories shall advance to the Grand Finals:
15 yrs. old & below, 13 yrs  old & below, 11 yrs. old & below, 9 yrs. old & below and 7 yrs. old & below.

The three-day tournament will feature outstanding chess talents in the region who will vie for the qualifying slots in the national finals set in Manila.

Winner in the grand finals will have the privilege to represent the country in the 2013 World Youth Chess Championships on December 17 to 24 in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The winners will also receive prizes and medals from the organizing National Chess Federation of the Philippines in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Tasked to supervise the competition is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzalez with Iinternational Arbiter Gene Poliarco as chief arbiter.

For inquiries, call or text 0939 865 5151, 0923 730 9445 for complete details.

ROUND 4 OF TURKEY WORLD JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP: DOCENA SETTLES FOR DRAW WHILE FRONDA PREVAILS


by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO whiz kid Jerad Docena (ELO 2227) found Indian ace Sunilduth Lyna Narayanan (ELO 2408) tough to crack and settled for a draw while compatriot Jan Jodilyn Fronda (ELO 2038) defeated Kazakhs Woman Fide Master (WFM) Assaubayeva Bibissara (ELO 1761) in the fourth round of the on-going World Junior Chess Championships 2013 on Tuesday being held at The Ness Hotel in Kocaeli, Turkey.

 The Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena raise his total 2.5 points and create a 31-way tie for 21st place. 

The Spare and Strike bet Docena eyeing his third and final International Master (IM) norm here. He already obtained his two of three IM norm during the Pacquiao Asian Continental Chess Championships was held this year in Midas Hotel and Casino, Pasay City.

Docena's fifth round opponent is Armenian IM Vahe Baghdasaryan (ELO 2423).

Top seed Chinese GM Yu Yangyi (ELO 2662) No. 6 UAE's GM Salem A.R. Saleh (ELO 2570) to grabs the lead in the Open section with perfect 4.0 points.

Meanwhile, Fronda tallied 2.0 points in the Girls Division, the same output of her fifth round assignment WIM Vo Thi Kim Phung (ELO 2219) of Vietnam.

Six players led by top seed  Russian Woman Grandmaster Alina Kashlinskaya (ELO 2434) is leading the way with 3.5 points.

The Filipino campaign here in Turkey is supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Tasked to coach Docena and Fronda is International Master Yves Ranola.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

DOCENA, FRONDA BOUNCES BACK IN TURKEY WORLD JUNIOR:


by Marlon Bernardino

JERAD DOCENA AND JAN JODILYN FRONDA were able to quickly recover from a dismal first day after winning their respetice rivals in Round 2 of the on-going World Junior Chess Championships 2013 in Hatay, Turkey on Sunday.

After stumbling in the opening day with a frustrating loss to IM Andrey Stukopin (ELO 2522) of Russia on Saturday, the Tagubaas, Antequera Bohol native Docena (ELO 2227) didn't go wasted time to beat Mert Kilic (ELO 1843) of Turkey in the Boys division.

 The San Andres, Manila based Fronda (ELO 2038)  on her part, who bowed to WGM Dinara Saduakassova (ELO 2326) of Kazakhstan in the openiong round, nipped Shyngys Kyzy Aijarkyn (ELO 1780) of Kyrgyzstan in the Girls division.

In the third round, Docena will meet IM Richard Wang (ELO 2430) of Canada while Fronda opposite WGM Rout Padmini (ELO 2312) of India.
 
Docena and Fronda, both won the National Junior chess championships for Boys and Girls to represent the country in the said World Junior chess meet.

Docena and Fronda are accompanied by International Master Yves Ranola as coach whose trip supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Bayan Muna Party-list group, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

GM Yu Yangyi (ELO 2662) of China and WGM Alina Kashlinskaya (ELO 2434) of Russia, both the tournament top seeds.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Executive chess players Finds New Home at King of Sports Bar


by Marlon Bernardino

Manila---Executive chess players found a new home, King of Sports Bar located at 1472-76 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

The inauguration of King of Sports Executive Chess Series gets going on October 19, 2013 organized by D'Plaza Chess Association in cooperation with Bugsy International Promotions and Kaunlaran Chess Association.

D' Plaza Chess Association and Kaunlaran Chess Association are both affiliated club members of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

A total of P12,500 will be given to the winners, to be distributed as follows:

Champion – P5,000 + Trophy
Runner-Up – P3,000 
3rd place-Up P2,000
4th place – P1,500
5th place – P1, 000

Call or text 0919 629 8973 for complete details.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

GATUS WINS CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO CHESS TITLE BY TIE BREAK POINTS


by Marlon Bernardino

NATIONAL MASTER Edmundo Gatus displayed his old deadly form as he captured the title of 3rd LifeCore Enterprise Open Chess Championship dubbed as Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Open Chess Championship held at the Sangguniang Panglungsod, City Hall of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Sunday.

The Tondo, Manila bet Gatus defeated 2011 LifeCore Enterprise Open Chess ruler Manalo Puertellano of Batangas City in the seventh and final round to finish undefeated with five wins and two draws to raise his total 6.0 points after seven games of play, the same output of Jerome Villanueva of Brooke's Point, Palawan, who upset Rodolfo Panopio Jr. of Calamba, Laguna.

Gatus took the championships trophy with a better bucholz tie break 33 points against Villanueva's 32.0 points in the 56 player's field.

“Luck played a part in my victory. Manalo (Puertellano) is a very tough opponent and I really had a hard time beating him,” said Gatus, a former University of Manila (UM) standout.

Gatus and Villanueva, split the combined P15,000 for the top two finishers in the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament, hosted by LifeCore Enterprise proprietor Nicolas Ramil Castro and organized by United Chess Players of Calapan Inc. headed by it's president Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi with FIDE national arbiter Gatpayo Luz who officiated the said one-day chessfest in close cooperation with the local government of Calapan and the City Sports.

“We are grateful that the city of Calapan as well as the province of Oriental Mindoro has taken interest in sports development in the province,” said tournament director Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi.

Penultimate round solo leader Panopio, meantime was stuck at 5.5 points, good for a tie for 3rd to 5th place with Efren Arguelles of Tanauan City, Batangas and Fide Master Adrian Ros Pacis of Mandaluyong City.

Rounding up to the top 11 finishers with 5.0 points each are National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. of Quezon City, Joel Forcadas of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, Nezil Arj Merilles of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Puertellano, Cesar Cunanan and Ronald Berdera of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Adjudged category winners are Arnel Ortiz for top senior awardee, Zenih Angelo Merilles for the top junior, Jan Myrtle Aclon for the top kiddie and Aylen Micaela Vilals for the top lady plum.

For details and inquiries for future chess tournament, please contact : 0917-5620402, 0999-9948059. 

Monday, September 2, 2013

Meralco Chess Club hold Eidul Fitur Chess Cup


by Marlon Bernardino

Meralco Chess Club joined our Muslim brothers by hodling a chess team tournament and named it the Eidul Fitur Chess Cup last August 9, 2013 at Lopez
Bldg, Meralco Center in Pasig City.

University of the Philippines led by Candidate Master Marc Nazario and Woman National Master Cristy Bernales led the UAAP Champion to its second
consecutive championship at Meralco by winning all its matches in the 4-team round robin format played at 60 minutes time control per player.

2nd Place went to the Meralco Jrs who nearly upset the UAAP Champions with Jayson Tapia of Antipolo National High School winning over CM Nazario and
Rhal Sol Cruz of La Salle Green Hills winning over WNM Bernales.

3rd Place went to Meralco Srs led by MVP Olympics veterans Darryl Mata, Ronnie Dellota and Karl Clarito. The NM Carag-coached Don Bosco Technical
College brought up the rear.

This September, the blind players of the Philippine Paralympics Chess Team is scheduled to play in the "Para sa Paralympics Cup". Also lined up is a
series of simuls by masters led by the young Candidate IM Jerad Docena.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

CALAPAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO OPEN CHESS ORGANIZER EXPECT COUNTRY'S TOP WOODPUSHERS


by Marlon Bernardino

FORMER University of the East  chess player and United Coconut Planters Bank employee Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi, on behalf of the City of Calapan and Province of Oriental Mindoro and United Chess Players of Calapan, Inc., formally issued yesterday an open invitation to all chess players nationwide to join the upcoming 3rd LifeCore Enterprise Open Chess Championship on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the Sangguniang Panglungsod, City Hall of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Tournament Director Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi expressed optimism that the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament will attract country's top woodpushers especially coming from the nearby province and Metropolis.

“We have invited GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., John Paul Gomez, GM elect Ronald Dableo, Fide Master Christopher Castellano, National Master Edmundo Gatos and candidate master Rainier Labay to join the said event”, said Tournament Director Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi.

“We are grateful that the City of Calapan as well the  Province of Oriental Mindoro has taken interest in sports development in the province”, admitted Tournament Director Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi.

According to national arbiter Gatz V. Luz, the 3rd LifeCore Enterprise Open Chess Championship is a seven-round Swiss System Open Tournament,  where each player will be given Twenty Five Minutes (25) minutes to complete play.

Open to all Untitled, Rated and Titled chess players whose in good standing with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) with the champion getting the lion share of P10,000 plus Trophy.

Second place gets P 5,000 plus Trophy,  3rd Place  went home P4,000 plus Trophy, 4th Place  will pocketed P2,000 while 5th Place will bring home P 1,000.
6th – 10th Place – P500.

Category Prizes : (For Oriental Mindoro Residents Only), Top Senior (50 & Above) – P300 plus Medal, Top Junior (18 & Below) – P300 plus Medal, Top Kiddie (14 & Below) – P300 plus Medal and Top Lady P300 plus Medal. For details and inquiries, please contact : 0917-5620402,  0999-9948059.