chesswindows

Break

2011-06-13T18:25:00.001-07:00

Dear readers,

As much as I would like to blog regularly, the demand of my job and personal requirements deprive me of the luxury of time to provide you a daily dose of chess news/views that Chesswindows offers.

I decided to temporarily take a break from blogging and concentrate on a very important thing that requires my full time and attention.

God willing, I would return to blogging by October 2011.

Till then!

Zonal Championship

2011-06-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

BY: BOBBY ANG

(As published in Chess Piece, BusinessWorld, 10 June 2011)

Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championship
Tagaytay City
May 24-30, 2011

Final Top Standings
(in tie-break order)

1. GM Susanto Megaranto INA 2529, 7.0/9

2-4. GM Mark Paragua PHI 2542, GM Zhang Zhong SIN 2592, IM Richard Bitoon PHI 2480, 6.5/9

5-6. FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia PHI 2344, IM Rolando Nolte PHI 2429, 6.0/9

7-14. GM Darwin Laylo PHI 2516, GM Rogelio Antonio Jr PHI 2589, GM John Paul Gomez PHI 2538, IM Oliver Barbosa PHI 2506, GM Nguyen Anh Dung VIE 2481, IM Nguyen Huynh Minh Huy VIE 2464, John Alcon Datu PHI 2218, IM Oliver Dimakiling PHI 2408, 5.5/9

15-21. IM Kevin Goh Wei Ming SIN 2424, IM Nguyen Van Huy VIE 2454, GM Cao Sang VIE 2547, GM Eugenio Torre PHI 2495, GM Dao Thien Hai VIE 2512, FM Nguyen Duc Hoa VIE 2458, FM Rudin Hamdani INA 2368, 5.0/9

Total of 48 players

Tie Break1: The results of the players in the same point group

Tie Break2: Rating average of the opponents

Indonesia’s GM Susanto Megaranto and the Philippines’ Mark Paragua (in photo) both qualified for the 2011 World Cup which will be held this August in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. From this event the top 3 will join five others in a Candidates match-tournament to determine the next challenger to the world champion.

Two rounds before the end it was Darwin Laylo and Goh Wei Ming who looked like they were going to advance, but both of them lost their last two games and were completely overtaken.

Mark Paragua finished the tournament undefeated and his last round victory over Goh Wei Ming tied him for second with ex-Chinese now Singaporean GM Zhang Zhong and compatriot IM Richard Bitoon, where he prevailed on tie break points.

Olay, Edgar Reggie (2343) -- Paragua, Mark (2542) [D85]
Zone 3.3 Championship, Tagaytay City, PHI (1.1), 24.05.2011
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Reggie resigns. A pity he didn’t allow the pretty finish 34...Be4+ 35.Kh3 Rh2+! 36.Bxh2 Bg2#

GM Mark Paragua has lately been showing flashes of his old form. Here is a nice game from the recent 2011 Asian Individual Championship.
Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi (2495) -- Paragua, Mark (2542) [D46]
ch-Asian Individual Mashhad IRI (6.13), 07.05.2011
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Filipino values

2011-06-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Filipino values are unique, which gives me all the reasons why I am proud to be a Filipino.

The best thing that differentiates Filipino values from other cultures is its gravity that centers on cohesive family ties, pakikipagkapwa-tao (best said in Filipino), and politeness to elders.

Let it always be that way.

I'm sorry my dear readers, but even if you hate me for this, I shall still say "No" - even if the whole world says "Yes" - to give my stand on something that I firmly believe in.

Let us always stand for what is right.

Gelfand is challenger

2011-06-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

BY: BOBBY ANG

(As published in Chess Piece, BusinessWorld, 03 June 2011)

In the introduction to the autobiographical collection of Gelfand’s most memorable games the German GM Dirk Poldauf wrote about Boris Gelfand:

"In 1989 the magazine 64 offered an original prize to the participants in one of the now legendary USSR Championships: to be awarded to the player sacrificing the most material in the tournament. It was the twenty-one-year-old Boris Gelfand from Minsk who won this special award and who by his adventurous play went on to win the bronze medal as well. Gelfand’s playing style continues to the present day to be characterized by its direct and combative approach. In contrast to those positional players, who seek to grind down their opponents by long drawn-out maneuvering, Gelfand’s concept of chess has always included a particularly dynamic approach. His dramatic victories with White, not just but especially against the Gruenfeld Defense, are well known. But his precisely judged repertoire with the black pieces is proof of a basic combative approach far removed from classical notions of playing for equality."

The book then started with a chapter on Gelfand’s battles against the Gruenfeld.

Well, the aggressive tendencies of Gelfand has considerably toned down in the past 10 years, and it is now only once in a while that we get to see his wonderful attacking instinct in action. On the other hand even up to the present day his great skill in playing against the Gruenfeld should be respected.

GM Alexander Grischuk found out the hard way during his Candidates’ Finals match against GM Boris Gelfand. This was a six-game match with the winner to challenge India’s Viswanathan Anand in a World Championship match next year. The first five games were all drawn, but in game 6 Grischuk decided to test Gelfand with the Gruenfeld. Here is what happened:

Gelfand, Boris (2733) -- Grischuk, Alexander (2747) [D76]
FIDE Candidates Matches 2011 Kazan/Tatarstan/Russia (3.6), 25.05.2011
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Time control: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game, plus an additional 30 seconds per move starting from move 61.

Grischuk: "I think it was a super game by White, and I congratulate Boris wholeheartedly!"

So, Gelfand gets a chance at the world title next year against Viswanathan Anand. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) Executive Board gave during its congress last 2009 an option to London, England to organize the World Chess Championship in 2012. However, the organizing body "Chess promotions Ltd" headed by IM Malcolm Pein were not able to come to terms with FIDE within the deadline period, so as of now there is still no venue although it was announced to take place from April 10-May 31, 2012.

Who do I think will win? That is a question for a different column!

Reader comments/suggestions are solicited. E-mail address is bangcpa@gmail.com

More games from Zone 3.3

2011-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

When I first saw these games, I said "Wow, is this a 13-year-old kid playing?" I am referring to the country's youngest national junior champ ever, FM Paulo Bersamina (in photo), the youngest player in the recently concluded Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championship.

It was neither the moves, nor the results of the games that caught my attention as I was playing over the games. Rather, it was the awesome, competitive attitude and the unquenchable will to win of a 13-year-old kid who gave it all against more experienced and higher-rated opponents. The result? Serene beauty of chess made manifest.

Select games of FM Paulo Bersamina from Zone 3.3 Open:
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Pichay Cup

2011-06-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Chairman Prospero A. Pichay Cup Open Chess Championship is set to reel off today at Travelers Hotel in Subic, Olongapo City.

Only a few days after the conclusion of Zone 3.3 Open and Women Chess Championships that were held in Tagaytay City, this event makes for a 1-2 punch of international chess tournaments organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in a span of less than a month where Filipino chess players should take advantage from.

An event like this serves as golden opportunities for Filipino players to further their chess goals. Aside from the beneficial exposure of banging it out against foreign counterparts, a tournament of this level could be a mining ground for title norms for our local players.

The golden opportunity is already in our doorstep. The chance is within reach. Economics (transport fares, food and accommodation allowances) and social factors (culture) will not be of so much burden to Filipinos if compared to tournaments held abroad.

Our players, especially the aspiring ones, should not miss an event like this, for this may hardly come again.

This is our battleground. Use your advantage.

The table is served. Feast on it.

NM Vasquez

2011-06-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

To the friends and colleagues of NM Andrew Vasquez (in photo) who wish to condole with his passing, his remains lie in Rosal St., Miguelito Homes, Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City. Contact: 0999-765-7509.

Pinoy flavor in Zone 3.3

2011-05-31T23:42:00.000-07:00

Let's savor the sweet Filipino flavor that was showcased in the recently concluded Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championship.

First, congratulations to GM Mark Paragua (in photo) for winning a slot in the World Chess Cup 2011 that will be held in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia this coming August to September. Paragua's impressive performance, let me say, reminded everyone that he was the first Filipino chess player to breach the 2600-mark. Getting back to his old form is definitely the right track for Paragua.

Second, the Philippines has a new International Master in the name of 16-year-old FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia. Next target: GM norm. The Pichay Cup, which is scheduled to start tomorrow(?), would be the best venue for that. Strike while the iron is hot!

Third, the Zone 3.3 Open 2011 served as a stage to showcase the highly promising talents of our youth. Aside from the explosive performance of Garcia, more Filipino youth displayed a gallant form. Alcon John Datu, Mari Joseph Turqueza, and 13-year-old FM Paulo Bersamina essayed games that exhibited pure, youthful talent and tenacity to surprise their more experienced and higher rated opponents.

I believe that these teens will participate in the Pichay Cup. May their surge continue!

Here is my Pinoys Honor Roll for Zone 3.3 Open:

GM Mark Paragua (2nd place; bagged World Cup slot)
FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (earned final IM norm)
IM Richard Bitoon (tied from 2nd to 4th place)
Alcon John Datu (only half a point shy of an IM norm)
FM Paulo Bersamina (the youngest in the field at 13 years of age, but still able to exhibit a rating performance 300+ points above his Elo rating)

Zone 3.3 Open Championship (Top 10)

Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3
1	GM	Megaranto Susanto	INA	2529	7.0	0.0	2489	2512
2	GM	Paragua Mark	PHI	2542	6.5	0.0	2500	2514
3	GM	Zhang Zhong	SIN	2592	6.5	0.0	2484	2503
4	IM	Bitoon Richard	PHI	2480	6.5	0.0	2397	2417
5	FM	Garcia Jan Emmanuel	PHI	2344	6.0	0.0	2439	2468
6	IM	Nolte Rolando	PHI	2429	6.0	0.0	2399	2430
7	GM	Laylo Darwin	PHI	2516	5.5	0.0	2490	2512
8	GM	Antonio Rogelio Jr	PHI	2589	5.5	0.0	2481	2500
9	GM	Gomez John Paul	PHI	2538	5.5	0.0	2452	2469
10	IM	Barbosa Oliver	PHI	2506	5.5	0.0	2430	2455

Complete rankings HERE

NM Vasquez, 46

2011-05-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, I received a text message from my friend Norlito Bersamina (Gmlet) that NM Andrew Vasquez succumbed to a heart attack. NM Vasquez was 46.

GMlet has a lot of fond stories about Vasquez who was highly instrumental in developing the talent of his son FM Paulo Bersamina.

One interesting story about Vasquez had something to do with his stylish fashion - and that was his usual look in black leather jacket in a military or police stance. The reason for this, as Vasquez revealed to Gmlet, was his desire not to be bullied by bigger guys.

Posturing a Napoleon Bonaparte frame, Vasquez commanded respect especially from those who knew him. I was told that Vasquez was indeed a good man, with no vices at all.

I was able to personally huddle with Vasquez for some time. In fact, I bought my favorite chess set from him, courtesy of Gmlet.

I believe that Vasquez shall always be remembered in the Philippine chess community, especially by people close to him, as a man of integrity and talent.

May he rest in peace and God bless his soul.

Youth power

2011-05-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

If my calculation is right ( how I hope so), the Philippines will have a new International Master when Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championships ends today in Tagaytay City.

I'm not sure if FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (in photo) has already met the requirements for gaining his third and final IM norm at the end of Round 8 (but I strongly believe that he already made it!)

Garcia has impressively put up a 2544 performance rating as of Round 8, more than the required 2452 for an IM norm (somebody in the know can correct me).

In addition, he has already piled up 5.5 points after Round 8, the required points when faced with opponents who have an average Elo of at least 2371. The average of Garcia's opponents stood at 2403 after Round 8. But I'm pretty sure that he will gain the final IM norm should he win his last assignment today.

I hope I'm right.

Aside from Garcia, newly crowned national junior champ NM Mari Joseph Turqueza is also smelling an IM norm with his 2449 rating performance and 4.5 point haul after Round 8! Turqueza's strong campaign is punctuated by wins over IM Liu Dede in Round 3 and over IM Halay Taufik in Round 6.

Alcon John Datu is also sensing an IM norm, with his performance rating of 2437 and score of 4.5 points after the penultimate round. His impressive performance is highlighted by his draw against GM Barus Cerdas in Round 1, a win over IM Tirto in Round 3, and a win over Kasmiran in Round 6.

Notably, 13-year-old Paulo Bersamina, the youngest player in the field, nailed a strong win against higher-rated and more experienced FM Jony Habla in Round 8 to parade a 2304 performance rating as of the penultimate round. A win in the final round could pull up more his performance rating and perhaps a chance for an IM norm. Let's see.

Mabuhay ang mga batang Pinoy!

Sicilian h5

2011-05-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

BY: BOBBY ANG

(An abridged version of Chess Piece, BusinessWorld, 30 May 2011)

46th Capablanca Memorial
Havana, Cuba

May 10-21, 2011

1-2. GM Vassily Ivanchuk UKR 2776, GM Le Quang Liem VIE 2687, 6.5/10

3. GM Dmitry Andreikin RUS 2687, 5.5/10

4. GM David Navara CZE 2702, 5.0/10

5. GM Lenier Dominguez Perez CUB 2726, 4.5/10

6. GM Lazaro Bruzon Batista CUB 2693, 2.0/10

Le Quang Liem had a horrible Asian Games last November (0.5/5), but aside from that had been on a hot streak. In February he won the Aeroflot Open in Moscow for the second time in a row. Apart from the fact that nobody had ever won it twice, this was also the strongest open in the world -- 73 GMs!

By virtue of this victory he was given a slot in the Dortmund SuperGM tournament where he finished second to Ruslan Ponomariov ahead of Kramnik, Mamedyarov and Leko.

Le Quang played a great game with David Navara which I want to show you. But first let us have a bit of theory on the line that Le Quang uses.

The English Attack against the Sicilian Najdorf has enjoyed great popularity during the last two decades. In fact, after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 has overtaken 6.Bg5 as the main line.

What is there not to like anyway? White has a clear plan of attack with f3, Qd2, 0-0-0, g4 and h4, while Black has to find some way to stymie his opponent’s kingside attack while simultaneously generating some threats of his own on the queenside.

Soon Black found an antidote. After 7...Be6 8 f3, Black can play ...h5, either now or after 9 Qd2, with the intention of severely slowing down any kingside attacking ideas White might have. The plan of ...h5 was hugely popularized in the ’90s but the idea was actually started much earlier.

Navara, David (2702) -- Le Quang Liem (2687) [B90]
Capablanca Memorial Elite Havana CUB (4), 14.05.2011
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Games please

2011-05-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the ongoing Zone 3.3 Open and Women Chess Championships started right by publishing and letting the chess public view the games in the tournament.

The organizers already did it, which only means that they CAN do it.

I thought they would continue with the uploading of PGNs of the games. But what happened along the way?

After publishing the games in Round 1 for the Open and Rounds 1 and 2 for the Women's, we're back to the frustrating scene again - the chess public is left with nothing to see.

This is an appeal. Please let us view the games again.

Youngblood

2011-05-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Filipino youngbloods continue to showcase their impressive talents in the ongoing Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championships in Tagaytay City.

After six rounds, FM Jan Emmanuel leads the surge of young Pinoys, notably beating No.3 seed GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam in Round 6. Earlier in the tournament, Garcia halved the point with No.2 seed GM Joey Antonio in Round 1 and with GM Dao Thien Hai in Round 3.

The other young Pinoys who have been showing decent performance include the newly crowned national juniors champ NM Mari Joseph Turqueza who beat IM Halay Tufik in Round 6.

In the same round, Alcon John Datu also put up a strong nerve to beat higher-rated FM Kasmiran.

And from the start of the tournament up to Round 6, 13-year-old FM Paulo Bersamina - the youngest player in the field - has put up a gallant and strong stand against against higher-rated and more experienced players, with only one highly competitive loss against compatriot IM Oliver Dimakiling in Round 1.

May our young guns continue their strong performance for them to earn the coveted norms.

Rank after Round 6

Rk.		Name	FED	Rtg	Pts.	TB1	TB2	TB3
1	GM	Laylo Darwin	PHI	2516	5.0	0.0	2474	2510
2	IM	Goh Wei Ming Kevin	SIN	2424	4.5	0.0	2507	2518
3	GM	Paragua Mark	PHI	2542	4.5	0.0	2491	2513
4	GM	Megaranto Susanto	INA	2529	4.5	0.0	2454	2484
5	GM	Torre Eugenio	PHI	2495	4.5	0.0	2397	2416
6	GM	Zhang Zhong	SIN	2592	4.0	0.0	2463	2493
7	GM	Antonio Rogelio Jr	PHI	2589	4.0	0.0	2452	2479
8	FM	Garcia Jan Emmanuel	PHI	2344	4.0	0.0	2415	2460
9	GM	Dao Thien Hai	VIE	2512	4.0	0.0	2357	2365
10	GM	Gomez John Paul	PHI	2538	3.5	0.0	2463	2477
11	IM	Barbosa Oliver	PHI	2506	3.5	0.0	2462	2497
12	GM	Cao Sang	VIE	2547	3.5	0.0	2454	2481
13	IM	Nguyen Huynh Minh Huy	VIE	2464	3.5	0.0	2440	2470
14	IM	Nolte Rolando	PHI	2429	3.5	0.0	2432	2495
15		Datu Alcon John	PHI	2218	3.5	0.0	2409	2425
16		Kaisar Jenius Hakiki	INA	2258	3.5	0.0	2408	2424
17		Turqueza Mari Joseph	PHI	2181	3.5	0.0	2399	2413
18	IM	Bitoon Richard	PHI	2480	3.5	0.0	2390	2423
19	IM	Dimakiling Oliver	PHI	2408	3.5	0.0	2380	2421
20	FM	Segarra Randy	PHI	2311	3.5	0.0	2357	2421
21	IM	Nguyen Van Huy	VIE	2454	3.0	0.0	2528	2552
22	FM	Pascua Haridas	PHI	2323	3.0	0.0	2477	2510
23	IM	Bao Khoa	VIE	2256	3.0	0.0	2448	2473
24	GM	Nguyen Anh Dung	VIE	2481	3.0	0.0	2441	2472
25	FM	Nguyen Duc Hoa	VIE	2458	3.0	0.0	2436	2481
26		Tong Thai Hung	VIE	2103	3.0	0.0	2354	2406
27	FM	Novita Anjas	INA	2344	3.0	0.0	2341	2402
28	GM	Barus Cerdas	INA	2443	3.0	0.0	2336	2365
29	IM	Tirto	INA	2337	3.0	0.0	2268	2318
30	FM	Hamdani Rudin	INA	2368	3.0	0.0	2206	2233
31		Gunbayar Myagmarsuren	MGL	2334	2.5	0.0	2488	2508
32		Legaspi Rhobel	PHI	2329	2.5	0.0	2402	2478
33	FM	Khairul Anam	INA	2319	2.5	0.0	2390	2424
34	FM	Tin Jingyao	SIN	1859	2.5	0.0	2387	2400
35	FM	Bersamina Paulo	PHI	2098	2.5	0.0	2357	2364
36	IM	Purnama Tirta Chandra	INA	2404	2.5	0.0	2343	2410
37		Olay Edgar Reggie	PHI	2343	2.5	0.0	2326	2382
38	FM	Kasmiran	INA	2346	2.5	0.0	2325	2351
39	IM	Halay Taufik	INA	2346	2.5	0.0	2272	2315
40		Surya Wahyudi	INA	2234	2.0	0.0	2386	2397
41		Emperado Emmanuel	PHI	0	2.0	0.0	2299	2356
42		Nasanjargal Urtnasan	MGL	2325	2.0	0.0	2228	2268
43		Paez Alfredo	PHI	2146	1.5	0.0	2361	2371
44	IM	Liu Dede	INA	2418	1.5	0.0	2281	2306
45		Polao Ben	PHI	2074	1.5	0.0	2275	2327
46	FM	Habla Jony	PHI	2333	1.5	0.0	2219	2310
47		Alidani Leonardo	PHI	1985	1.0	0.0	2356	2367
48		Ricana Leodegario	PHI	2068	1.0	0.0	2299	2355

Annotation:
Tie Break1: The results of the players in the same point group#results against
Tie Break2: rating average of the opponents (variabel with parameters)
Tie Break3: rating average of the opponents (variabel with parameters)

Pinays in Zone 3.3

2011-05-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Our Pinay ladies in the distaff side of Zone 3.3 Chess Championships have been showing a gallant stand against their Asian counterparts after four rounds of play.

WFM Chardine Cheradee Camacho (in photo) halved the point against top-seed IM Li Ruofan of Singapore in their Board 3 encounter to anchor the campaign of the Philippine women's contingent.

Jedara Docena, playing Black, extracted a full point against WCM Lindiawati Evi of Indonesia as WIM Beverly Mendoza punished Bayarmaa Bayarjargal of Mongolia.

Also, Mikee Charlene Suede defeated the higher-rated WFM Sihite Chelsie Monica of Indonesia while while Jan Jodilyn Fronda whipped fellow unititled Rahayu Wita of Indonesia.

Shania Mae Mendoza essayed a sweet win by beating WFM Lo Yin Ling Melissa of Singapore.

On the other hand, Christy Lamiel Bernales, Rulp Ylem Jose, and the newly-crowned national juniors champ Janelle Mae Frayna took the other route.

Overall, it was a competitive show by our Pinays in Round 4.

Asian Championship

2011-05-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

BY: BOBBY ANG

(An abridged version of Chess Piece, BusinessWorld, 27 May 2011)

2011 Asian Individual Championship
Mashhad, Iran
May 2-10, 2011

Final Top Standings

(in tie-break order)

1-3. GM Penteala Harikrishna IND 2666, GM Yu Yangyi CHN 2646, GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son VIE 2635, 6.5/9

4-8. GM Rinat Jumabayev KAZ 2558, GM Bu Xiangzhi CHN 2662, GM Krishnan Sasikiran IND 2676, Lu Shanglei CHN 2473, GM Elshan Maradiabadi IRI 2536, 6.0/9

9-12. GM Parimarjan Negi IND 2622, GM Zhao Jun CHN 2574, GM Zhou Weiqi CHN 2610, GM Wesley So PHI 2667, 5.5/9

13-21. IM Oliver Barbosa PHI 2506, GM Anuar Ismagambetov KAZ 2500, GM Wen Yang 2545, GM Surgya Shekhar Ganguly IND 2643, GM Abhijit Kunte IND 2526, GM SP Sethuraman IND 2527, GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov UZB 2685, GM John Paul Gomez PHI 2538, GM Cao Sang VIE 2547, 5.0/9

Total of 50 participants

Time Control: 90 minutes for the whole game with 30 seconds increment added after each move starting move 1

There were four (4) qualifying slots available from this tournament to the FIDE World Cup which will be held in August 2011 in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia. The top three plus GM Jumabayev (by virtue of his better tie-break points) took these slots.

(Omitted part - rusticbull). Remember the 2009 World Cup where GM Wesley So (in photo) beat Vassily Ivanchuk and Gata Kamsky in mini-matches?

And, by the way, have you noticed that Wesley has shifted his opening repertoire to the French from the Sicilian? He had hardly ever played it before but after beating Kamsky with it in the 2009 World Cup there has been a slow shift from a surprise weapon to a mainstay line. In this tournament Wesley had Black twice against 1.e4 and scored 1.5/2 with the French.

The more interesting game was only a draw, but it did not lack in fighting content.

Negi,Parimarjan (2622) -- So,Wesley (2667) [C11]
ch-Asian Individual Mashhad IRI (9.5), 10.05.2011
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WATCH GAMES: ZONE 3.3 Chess Championship (WOMEN) ROUND 2

2011-05-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

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WATCH GAMES: ZONE 3.3 Chess Championship (WOMEN) ROUND 1

2011-05-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

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WATCH GAMES: ZONE 3.3 OPEN Chess Championship ROUND 1

2011-05-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is making available for the chess public to see the games in the ongoing Zone 3.3 OPEN and WOMEN Chess Championship.

This is what the chess public has been waiting for. Let's commend the NCFP for this effort.

We hope to view the games up to the final round.

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WATCH GAMES: Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011

2011-05-25T19:46:00.001-07:00

Here are some games played in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011. Only the games in the Open 18 age-category were made available by the Asia Chess Federation. The ideal thing is to be able to view all the games in all age categories. Anyway, it's good that at least we have something to see. Enjoy the games!

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PHOTO: Zone 3.3 opening ceremony

2011-05-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino and top seed Li Ruofan of Singapore perform the ceremonial moves at the start of the 2011 Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championships at the Tagaytay Interntional Convention Center last Tuesday. Also in photo (from left) are tournamenrt director Toti Abundo, Vietnam Chess Federation head Dang That Tang, NCFP president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay, NCFP director Judge Gonzalo Mapili and Asia's first IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

(NOTE: Photo and caption courtesy of NM Marlon Bernardino)

ROUND 1: ZONE 3.3 OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

2011-05-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

It was a bloody Round 1 at the start of the Zone 3.3 Open Chess Championship that runs from May 24 to 30 at the Tagaytay Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

The dramatic first day of event saw the promising games of Filipino youth versus the Filipino legends, with FM Haridas Pascua beating GM Eugene Torre and FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, fresh from winning a gold medal in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011, splitting the point with the current No.2 strongest player of the country, GM Joey Antonio.

The power of the Filipino youth was simply felt in the initial salvo, with untitled Alcon John Datu halving the point against GM Cerdas Barus, and the newly crowned national juniors champ NM Mari Joseph Turqueza essaying a draw with Black versus IM Roland Nolte.

If the promising performance of the young Filipino participants holds until the finish - we pray - we could see a new Filipino IM at the end of this tournament.

How we hope and pray, too, to see young Filipinos gaining IM norms at the culmination of this event.

Notable performers in ROUND 1:

FM Haridas Pascua (win vs GM Torre)
FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (draw vs GM Antonio)
Alcon John Datu (draw vs GM Cerdas)
NM Joseph Mari Turqueza (draw vs IM Nolte)

Pairings/Results

Round 1 on 2011/05/24 at 1600

Bo.	No.		Name	Rtg	Pts.	Result	Pts.		Name	Rtg	No.
1	1	GM	Zhang Zhong	2592	0	1 - 0	0	FM	Kasmiran	2346	24
2	25	FM	Garcia Jan Emmanuel	2344	0	½ - ½	0	GM	Antonio Rogelio Jr	2589	2
3	3	GM	Cao Sang	2547	0	1 - 0	0	FM	Novita Anjas	2344	26
4	27		Olay Edgar Reggie	2343	0	0 - 1	0	GM	Paragua Mark	2542	4
5	5	GM	Gomez John Paul	2538	0	1 - 0	0	IM	Tirto	2337	28
6	29		Gunbayar Myagmarsuren	2334	0	½ - ½	0	GM	Megaranto Susanto	2529	6
7	7	GM	Laylo Darwin	2516	0	1 - 0	0	FM	Habla Jony	2333	30
8	31		Legaspi Rhobel	2329	0	½ - ½	0	GM	Dao Thien Hai	2512	8
9	9	IM	Barbosa Oliver	2506	0	1 - 0	0		Nasanjargal Urtnasan	2325	32
10	33	FM	Pascua Haridas	2323	0	1 - 0	0	GM	Torre Eugenio	2495	10
11	11	GM	Nguyen Anh Dung	2481	0	½ - ½	0	FM	Khairul Anam	2319	34
12	35	FM	Segarra Randy	2311	0	½ - ½	0	IM	Bitoon Richard	2480	12
13	13	IM	Nguyen Huynh Minh Huy	2464	0	½ - ½	0		Kaisar Jenius Hakiki	2258	36
14	37	IM	Bao Khoa	2256	0	½ - ½	0	FM	Nguyen Duc Hoa	2458	14
15	15	IM	Nguyen Van Huy	2454	0	1 - 0	0		Surya Wahyudi	2234	38
16	39		Datu Alcon John	2218	0	½ - ½	0	GM	Barus Cerdas	2443	16
17	17	IM	Nolte Rolando	2429	0	½ - ½	0		Turqueza Mari Joseph	2181	40
18	41		Paez Alfredo	2146	0	0 - 1	0	IM	Goh Wei Ming Kevin	2424	18
19	19	GM	Liu Dede	2418	0	0 - 1	0		Tong Thai Hung	2103	42
20	43	FM	Bersamina Paulo	2098	0	0 - 1	0	IM	Dimakiling Oliver	2408	20
21	21	IM	Purnama Tirta Chandra	2404	0	1 - 0	0		Polao Ben	2074	44
22	46		Alidani Leonardo	1985	0	½ - ½	0	FM	Hamdani Rudin	2368	22
23	23	IM	Halay Taufik	2346	0	0 - 1	0	FM	Tin Jingyao	1859	47
24	48		Emperado Emmanuel	0	0	½ - ½	0		Ricana Leodegario	2068	45

PHOTOS: Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011.

2011-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

(Photos courtesy of NM Marlon Bernardino)

Honor roll

2011-05-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to commend our youth who did well in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011. Let me cite those who made it in the Top 5 of each age category.

Since I am not sure of the respective medals won by our players , I think I'd be safe simply by citing their final rankings. (Ah, ok, I visited NCFP's website and the medal awardees were already named, courtesy of Journal sports editor Ed Andaya. I'm not sure though if Sir Ed is part of the NCFP.)

I believe that more than the medals and monetary incentives, our deserving youth players need a morale boost to at least make them smile. And for the parents who have provided all the sacrifices for them, the public's recognition of the successes of their kids could be priceless.

(Standard, Individual)

OPEN U-16

OPEN U-8

GIRLS U-18

WFM

Camacho Chardine Cheradee

GIRLS U-16

WFM

Mejia Cherry Ann

Frayna Janelle Mae

GIRLS U-12

Revita Samantha Glo

San Diego Marie Antoinette

Pinoys in Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011

2011-05-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a hiatus from blogging for almost two weeks, so let's get going again from where we stopped. Let's go back to Subic, the battle site of the recently concluded Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011.

As we all know, sports is all about competition and comparison. In sports, we don't just measure ourselves. We always measure ourselves in comparison with our counterparts.

And so, by any comparison, our Filipino youth generally had a difficult time slugging it out against their Asian counterparts. We produced only One Gold Medal, courtesy of FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (Open U-16), which was expected of him since he was the top seed in his age group category.

It was the young guns from India who dominated the field, almost sweeping all the Gold Medals at stake! India won 10 of the 12 Gold Medals awarded (Standard, Individual). With the 44-player Indian contingent and dominating medal haul, it's as if India hosted the event. Or shall we say Indians are already very much at home in the Philippines, with the Filipino and Indian cultures long intertwined?

Of the 20 participating chess federations (countries), only three won the Gold: India, Iran, and the Philippines. If I were the publicist of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), I would highlight this angle: Philippines is one of only three countries that won Gold in the Asian Youth Chess Championship 2011.

Is that comforting enough?

Or is it better to assess ourselves again - in comparison with the direction and development of our counterparts - so that we could win more Gold in the future?

Let us review the PERFORMANCE/FINAL RANKING of each Filipino participant in the tournament:

OPEN U-18

Ramos Alfonso Baldomero R

OPEN U-16

Garcia Jan Emmanuel

Lagula Dominique

Dulay Dave Patrick

Evangelista Paul Robert

Casiano Paul Benjamin

OPEN U-14

OPEN U-12

De Leon Haince Patrick

OPEN U-10

OPEN U-8

Dela Cruz Khulene Lord

GIRLS U-18

WFM

Camacho Chardine Cheradee

Suede Mikee Charlene

Laz Christine Joyce

Nahudan Eibtizam

GIRLS U-16

WFM

Mejia Cherry Ann

Frayna Janelle Mae

Jean Karen Enriquez

Pernites Ma Clark Encar

GIRLS U-14

GIRLS U-12

San Diego Marie Antoinette

Paez Charlotte

GIRLS U-10

Docena Jesca

Palaming Regyne

Guirhem Fiona Geeweneth

GIRLS U-8

Busy

2011-05-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy in the past few days which has deprived me of the luxury of time to blog. My Inbox has already been bombarded with chess emails that I intend to post one by one in the next few days ahead, well, that's if the May 21 'doomsday' prediction turns out be a hoax.

Sitemeter tells me that you keep on visiting this blog even if it has kept silent for a week, which gives me sweet reasons to keep on blogging for you.

Just watch out. Regular blogging to resume soon.

2011 Asian Youth Chess Championships

2011-05-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Philippines will be under the spotlight once again - at least in Asia - for the staging of the 2011 Asian Youth Chess Championships that will run from May 14 to 22 in Subic.

It's therefore an opportunity for the country to showcase its excellence in hosting an international event of this magnitude.

At least 254 players from 18 countries will flock to Subic for the quest of their respective national pride.

Imagine 18 countries watching out for the results - and games - from this event, and whose satisfaction depends on how the host, the Philippines, handles the conduct and promotion of this tournament.

	COUNTRIES	NO. OF PLAYERS
1	AUS	2
2	BRU	2
3	CHN	11
4	INA	1
5	IND	44
6	IRI	20
7	KAZ	11
8	KOR	12
9	KYGZ	10
10	MAC	13
11	MAS	16
12	MGL	17
13	PHI	24
14	SIN	2
15	THAI	3
16	UZB	15
17	VIE	31
18	SRI	20
		254

As I see it, more than our players need to do their best to showcase their talents against their Asian counterparts, it would be a higher imperative for the country, as a host, to run the event at its best.

The Asian chess community would be too glad, I guess, if the host provides a live coverage of the games even of the top board only.

If that's not possible, at least make the PGNs of the games available the soonest as possible after the games.

Please have the Asian chess audience some games to see.

I know that this wish isn't that easy, especially with the death of former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executive Director Willy Abalos. Let us all hope and pray that the demise of Abalos would not greatly affect the operations of NCFP in hosting this event. (Again, condolences to his family and relatives.)

As of today, at least 24 Pinoy players have already been listed to see action in this tournament. They are mainly the Top 2 finishers in each age category in National Age-Group Championships that was held in Pangasinan.

More names, I guess, will be added to the list of Pinoy campaigners, particularly those who performed well in the National Age Group and National Juniors tournaments held recently in Davao City.

Here are the initial list of Pinoy campaigners:
B10 GONZALES Julius
B10 RILLORAZA Istraelito
B12 SAMANTILA Daryl Unix
B12 DE LEON Haince Patrick
B14 MEJIA Giovanni
B14 DOCENA Jerad
B16 GARCIA Jan Emmanuel
B16 EVANGELISTA Paul Robert
B18 DATU Alcon John
B18 PASCUA Haridas
B8 DELA CRUZ Khulene Lord
B8 GUTIERREZ Dennis III
G10 GUIRHEM Fiona Geeweneth
G10 PALAMING Regyne
G12 SAN DIEGO Marie Antoinette
G12 REVITA Samantha Glo
G14 FUERTE Mary Joyce
G14 MEMBRERE Merlene
G16 WFM MEJIA Cherry Ann
G16 FRAYNA Janelle Mae
G18 CAMACHO Chardine Cheradee
G18 LAZ Christine Joyce
G8 DE GUZMAN Rheam Arah
G8 SAN DIEGO Jerlyn Mae

Now, let's have a review of the performance of the 10-player RP contingent that participated in the 2010 Asian Youth Invitational Chess Championships in Beijing, China.

Last year, only then 12-year-old Paulo Bersamina (Boys 12, 3rd place) and Janelle Mae Frayna (Girls 14, 4th place), won medals for the Philippines.

Here's the overall performance of the RP contingent in China last year:

GIRLS
Jesca Docena (Girls U10)
29th place (3.0 points)

Shania Mae Mendoza (Girls U12)
20th place (4.0 points)

Janelle Mae Frayna (Girls U14)
4th place (6.0 points)

WFM Christy Lamiel Bernales (Girls U18)
12th place (5.0 points)

BOYS
Julius Gonzales (Boys U8)
8th place (5.0 points)

Haince Patrick de Leon (Boys U10)
18th place (5.0 points)

Paulo Bersamina (Boys U12)
3rd place (7.0 points)

Austin Jacob Literatus (Boys U14)
12th place (5.0 points)

Jan Nigel Galan (Boys U16)
18th place (4.0 points)

FM Haridas Pascua (Boys U18)
10th place (5.0 points)

BUTING NON-MASTER OPEN CHESS TOURNEY

2011-05-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE 2011 Buting Non-Master Chess Tournament gets underway on May 21, 10 am at the Barangay Buting Covered Court in Pasig City.

According to tournament organizer Hernan Jojo Arabejo, the one-day event, seven round Swiss-system tournament, is open to all non-master chess players regardless of their sexes and ages with a time control of 25 minutes per player to finish the game.

At stake are cash prizes:

Non-Master -- P6,000 (champion), P3,000 (runner-up), P2,000 (third placer), P1,000 (fourth placer) and P500 (fifth).

Category winners for the top kiddies and lady also receive P500 each. Registration fee is P300, however for lady and kiddies need only to pay P200 each.

For inquiries, call tournament organizer Hernan Jojo Arabejo at cell. 0908-4694978 or visit Gudalupe Chess Club at Guadalupe Complex Mall.

IM Barbosa earns GM norm

2011-05-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa drew his match against former Asian Junior Champpion Indian GM Abhijit Kunteto to earn his first GM Norm in the ninth and final round of the 10th Asian Continental Individual chess championships at the Hotel Pardisan in Mashhad, Iran on Tuesday.

The draw enabled Barbosa to earn the first of three norms he needs to become the Philippines’ newest GM.

The news broke up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. "Nakausap ko si (Fide delegate ) Toti (Abundo), nakuha ni (Oliver) Barbosa ang kanyang 1st GM norm kasi mataas ang rating ang mga nakalaban niya," long-time sports patron Pichay told to this writer yesterday.

"Naniniwala ako bago matapos ang taong ito ay magiging pinakabagong grandmaster ng Pilipinas si Barbosa" he added.

The Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa (ELO 2506) used the advantageous white pieces to split the points with Kunte. He thus earned 5 points to tie with Kunte, GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly and GM Sethuraman SP of India, compatriot GM John Paul Gomez, GM Wen Yang of China, GM Anuar Ismagambetov of Kazakhstan, GM Cao Sang of Vietnam and former world champion top seed GM Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan at 13th to 21st place.

Barbosa, who collected a total performance rating (TPR) 2606 drew his first match against GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2676) of India, GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (2635) of Vietnam and GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami (2606) of Iran.

He beat FM Al-Ali Hussein Ali Hussein (2394) of Iraq in the fourth then bowed to GM Zhao Jun (2574) of China in the fifth then toppled IM Alavi Sayed Javad (2428) of Iran in the sixth.

He drew with Kasimdzhanov (2685) in the seventh, GM Adhiban B (2543) of India in the eight and Kunte (2526) in the ninth and final round.
Gomez, meantime Wen.

GM Wesley So, country's top rated player with an ELO rating of 2667 halved the points with GM Parimarjan Negi of India to finished in a tie for 9th to 12th place in the company of 5.5 pointers that includes Negi, GM Zhao Jun and GM Zhou Weiqi of China.

Zhou inflicted the second straight loses of GM Mark Paragua. Paragua was stuck at 4.5 points, the same output of GM Darwin Laylo, who settled a truce with world's no.1 female player GM Hou Yifan of China.

GM Pentala Harikrishna of India bested fellow 6.5 pointers GM Yu Yangyi of China and GM Truong Son in the tie break points to captured the title.

Harikrishna beat Zhao while Truong Son dealt Yangyi in the final canto.
GM Rinat Jumabayev of Kazakhstan beat Kasimdzhanov to emerged over-all fourth place in the 6 pointers.

The top four (Harikrishna, Yangyi, Truong Son and Jumabayev)finishers in the annual tournament will earn the right to represent the region in the 2011 World Cup scheduled in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia later this year.

Pinoys in Asian Individual Open Chess Championhips 2011

2011-05-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

Here are the individual outputs of the five Pinoy campaigners in the just concluded Asian Individual Open Chess Championships 2011:

No.12 GM Wesley So

Rd.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Pts.	Res.
1	28	GM	Ismagambetov Anuar	2500	KAZ	5.0	w ½
2	26	GM	Dao Thien Hai	2512	VIE	3.0	s ½
3	38	IM	Alavi Sayed Javad	2428	IRI	4.0	w 1
4	18	GM	Adhiban B	2543	IND	4.5	s 0
5	29	IM	Vidit Santosh Gujrathi	2495	IND	4.5	w ½
6	32	IM	Shyam Sundar M	2457	IND	4.0	s 1
7	20	GM	Gomez John Paul	2538	PHI	5.0	w 1
8	5	GM	Bu Xiangzhi	2662	CHN	6.0	w ½
9	9	GM	Negi Parimarjan	2622	IND	5.5	s ½

No.13 IM Oliver Barbosa

Rd.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Pts.	Res.
1	2	GM	Sasikiran Krishnan	2676	IND	6.0	w ½
2	8	GM	Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son	2635	VIE	6.5	s ½
3	12	GM	Ghaem Maghami Ehsan	2606	IRI	4.5	w ½
4	42	FM	Al-Ali Hussein Ali Hussein	2394	IRQ	2.5	s 1
5	14	GM	Zhao Jun	2574	CHN	5.5	w 0
6	38	IM	Alavi Sayed Javad	2428	IRI	4.0	s 1
7	1	GM	Kasimdzhanov Rustam	2685	UZB	5.0	w ½
8	18	GM	Adhiban B	2543	IND	4.5	s ½
9	24	GM	Kunte Abhijit	2526	IND	5.0	w ½

No.20 GM John Paul Gomez

Rd.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Pts.	Res.
1	45	FM	Sadeh Shahin	2343	IRI	3.5	s 0
2	41	IM	Yang Kaiqi	2409	CHN	4.0	w ½
3	39	IM	Gao Rui	2419	CHN	4.0	s 1
4	43	IM	Debashis Das	2392	IND	3.0	w ½
5	33		Wang Chen	2436	CHN	4.5	s ½
6	47	FM	Pourramezanali Amirreza	2330	IRI	3.5	w 1
7	3	GM	So Wesley	2667	PHI	5.5	s 0
8	37	FM	Ahmadinia E	2429	IRI	4.5	w 1
9	17	GM	Wen Yang	2545	CHN	5.0	s ½

No.22 GM Darwin Laylo

Rd.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Pts.	Res.
1	50		Yang Ching Wei Austin	1717	TPE	0.0	w 1
2	6	GM	Yu Yangyi	2646	CHN	6.5	s 0
3	44	FM	Bakr Jwan	2368	SYR	3.0	w 1
4	14	GM	Zhao Jun	2574	CHN	5.5	s ½
5	1	GM	Kasimdzhanov Rustam	2685	UZB	5.0	w ½
6	18	GM	Adhiban B	2543	IND	4.5	s 0
7	34	IM	Lou Yiping	2435	CHN	4.5	w ½
8	12	GM	Ghaem Maghami Ehsan	2606	IRI	4.5	s ½
9	10	GM	Hou Yifan	2612	CHN	4.5	w ½

No.29 GM Mark Paragua

Rd.	SNo		Name	Rtg	FED	Pts.	Res.
1	44	FM	Bakr Jwan	2368	SYR	3.0	w 0
2	40	GM	Annageldyev Orazly	2418	TKM	3.0	s 1
3	42	FM	Al-Ali Hussein Ali Hussein	2394	IRQ	2.5	w ½
4	28	GM	Ismagambetov Anuar	2500	KAZ	5.0	s ½
5	38	IM	Alavi Sayed Javad	2428	IRI	4.0	w ½
6	29	IM	Vidit Santosh Gujrathi	2495	IND	4.5	s 1
7	41	IM	Yang Kaiqi	2409	CHN	4.0	w 1
8	9	GM	Negi Parimarjan	2622	IND	5.5	w 0
9	11	GM	Zhou Weiqi	2610	CHN	5.5	s 0

Complete Final Rankings HERE:

WATCH GAMES: Asian Individual Open Chess Championships 2011 (ROUNDS 8 and 9)

2011-05-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

REQUIRES JAVA TO VIEW THE GAMES

Onwards to Palarong Pambansa

2011-05-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

BY: ANTHONY NAVARRO (Chesswindows Laguna correspondent)

IN PHOTO: Jasper Marce (kid with cap) with Barangay Wesley's joeyj, sugardom, regge, and the author's son Christian.

Jasper Marce made it through as topnotcher of Board 2 group and locking horns with contenders like Highryll Tan of Cavite, Mago of Tanauan and Corteza of Cabuyao.

The format is the 2nd placer in Board 1 would meet the topnotcher in Board 2, while the top spot was dominated by Alanan with a perfect result.

There was a 5 way tie for 2nd spot among Noel Geronimo of Quezon, Los Banos' Oquendo, Sta Rosa's MJ Marcellana, Calamba's Jhoemar Mendiogarin and Dasmarinas' Jayson Danday.

Jasper eventually made it through 3 tense, grueling playoff matches after having 2 initial draws in 2 rapid matches then eventually prevailing in a 5 minute blitz playoff!

All the best to the Region 4 / Calabarzon Team chess team composed of the following STCAA 'suvivors' !

ELEM BOYS
Board 1 - Brent Lenard Alanan Rizal Province
Board 2 - Jasper Marce Sta Rosa City

ELEM GIRLS
Board 1 - Marie Antoinette San Diego Dasmarinas City
Board 2 - Julie Ann Magro Rizal Province

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS
Board 1 - Karl Angelo Perez San Pablo City
Board 2 - Christian Nanola Calamba City

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
Board 1 - Lucelle Bermundo Dasmarinas City
Board 2 - Shania Mae Mendoza Santa Rosa City

IM Barbosa nears GM norm

2011-05-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO International Master (IM) Oliver Barbosa defeated Iranian IM Alavi Sayed Javad in the sixth round to boost his chance to a first Grandmaster (GM) norm in the on-going 10th Asian Continental Individual chess championships at the Hotel Pardisan in Mashhad, Iran on Saturday.

The Taytay, Rizal ace Barbosa, thus, maintained himself in the joint 13th with 3.5 points along with compatriots GM Wesley So, GM Mark Paragua and GM John Paul Gomez, GM Anuar Ismagambetov of Kazakhstan, GM Zhou Weiqi, IM Yang Kaiqi and Lu Shanglei of China and former world champion GM Rustam Kasimdhanov (2685) of Uzbekistan, his seventh round opponent.

So split the points with IM Shyam Sundar M of India, Paragua halved the points with IM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi of India and Gomez toppled FM Pourramezanali Amirreza of Iran.

Kasimdhanov, who captured the World Chess Crown by beating Briton GM Michael Adams during their title match in 2004 World Championships in Tripoli, Libya, settled a truce with Indian GM Parimarjan Negi.

With the norm in sight, Barbosa needed to score at least 5.5 points in nine outings enroute to his first GM Norm according to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/ president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

"Nakumpleto na ni (Oliver) Barbosa ang requirments na may nakalaban na tatlong grandmaster sa iba't-ibang federation. Kailangan niya lamang maka iskor at least 5.5 points para sa 1st GM norm. As of round 6, mataas din ang total performance rating (TPR) 2623 ni Barbosa," said Pichay yesterday.

The No. 27 Barbosa who hold an Elo rating of 2506, drew his first three games against higher rated opponents in the likes of No.2 GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2676) of India, No.8 GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (2635) of Vietnam and No.12 GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami (2606) of Iran, respectively.

He beat No.42 FM Al-Ali Hussein Ali Hussein (2394) of Iran in the fourth, bowed to No.14 GM Zhao Jun (2574) of China in the fifth before beating No.38 IM Alavi (2428).
" Sana makuha ko na ang GM norm dito sa Iran. Lagi kasi ako kinakapos eh. Malaki chance dito kasi Asian Continental Championships ito," said Barbosa.

GM Darwin Laylo, meantime succumbed to Indian GM Adhiban B. The San Roque, Marikina City bet Laylo remains at 3 points and was dropped into a tie for 22nd to 31st place.
Meanwhile, GM Yu Yangyi of China settled a draw with GM Pentala Harikrishna of India to still on top of the leadership board with 5 points.

Sasikiran outclassed GM Zhou Weiqi of China to share Harikrishna for 2nd to 3rd place with 4.5 points apiece.

The top four finishers in the annual tournament will earn the right to represent the region in the 2011 World Cup scheduled in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia later this year.
China and India have the most number of entries with 12 players each, while host Iran has 10. The Philippines has five players, followed by Vietnam with three, Kazakhstan with two and Chinese-Taipei, Indonesia, Iraq, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan with one each.

Of the 50 participants, 28 are GMs and 10 IMs.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by chairman/ president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), thru Chairman Richie Garcia, are supporting the Filipinos’ campaign.

Abalos pushes last move

2011-05-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

Condolences to the family and relatives of former National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executive Director Willie Abalos. His body lies in state a St. Peter Chapel, Quezon Ave in Quezon City. Call or text 0949-1760889/0929-2266210 for details.

DE LA SALLE CANLUBANG CHESS CUP ON IN BINAN

2011-05-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE De la Salle Canlubang Chess Cup gets underway on May 14 at the DLSC Covered Court in Binan, Laguna.

Competitions are for seniors (19-years-old, U-1800 rating), juniors (under-18, unrated), kiddies (under-12, unrated).

At stake are gift certificate prizes and medals (seniors/juniors/kiddies):
P1,000 gift certificate plus medal (champion), P700 gift certificate plus medal (runner-up), and P300 gift certificate plus medal (third placer).

Category winners for the top DLSC male/ female will receive P300 gift certificate each plus medals.

All Categories is limited to 20 players. Deadline of registration on May 12.
The five-round event is organized by the Office of Sports Development DLSC and Laguna Chess Center.

Call or text Dr. Alfredo Paez at cell.0921-2728172 or tel.no. (049) 832-0795 and Mr.Douglas Dumanon at cell. 0916-4321413.

MALIBAY NON-MASTER OPEN CHESS TOURNEY ON MAY 14

2011-05-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

IT’S all systems go for the staging of the 2011 San Juan Nepomuceno Non-Master Open Chess Tournament on May 14 in Malibay, Pasay City.

According to tournament organizer barangay captain Danny Francisco, the one-day event held coincide the celebration of San Juan Nepomuceno Feast, open to all non-master chess players.

"We do this to promote chess in the grass-roots level," said barangay captain Danny Francisco.

At stake are cash prizes:

Non-Master Open -- P6,000 (champion), P4,000 (runner-up), P2,000 (third placer), P1,000 (fourth placer), P800 (fifth) and P500 (sixth to 10 th placers).

Category winners for the top kiddies, lady, seniors and barangay 169 Malibay also receive P1,000 each. Registration fee is P250. Free lunch and snacks.

For inquiries, call barangay captain Danny Francisco at cell. 0917-6438068, Allan Cantonjos at cell.0905-2971225/ tel.no.854-2656, Ninoy Endrina at cell.0917-2492113 and Mean Francisco at 0929-1076300.

Samantila rules Bangkal tourney

2011-05-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon City and Israelito Rilloraza of Paranaque emerged champion in their respective divisions of the 1st Bangkal Kiddies Age-Group Chess Tournament Sunday night at the Bangkal Elementary School in Makati City.

The 11 years old Samantila, top player of Adamson University head coach Christopher Rodriguez tallied 4.5 points to enroute 14 Under Kiddies category title.

"Masayang-masaya po ako sa pagkapanalo ko," said Samantila, who is fresh from a back to back victory in the 2011 Pangasinan National Age Group Chess Championship in Lingayen, Pangasinan and 2011 Davao National Age Group Chess Championship in Davao City.

Samantila who is schedule to represnt the country in the Asian Youth Championship in Subic set May 14-22 and Asean+ Age Group Chess Championship in Takaran, Indonesia set June 11 to 20 wil seeing in action in the 2011 Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte set May 8 to 14 playing for National Capital Region (NCR) Elementary chess team.

At second place is Michelle Yaon of Calamba, Laguna with 4 points followed by Angelo Manansala of Quezon City at 3rd with 3.5 points.

In the 10 Under Kiddies category, Israelito won tie break points against fellow 5.5 pointers Joshua Tan of Makati for the title.