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
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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
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
Saturday, December 29, 2007
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
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…
------
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
------
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
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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
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
Friday, December 21, 2007
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
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
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