National Chess Federation of the Philippines

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and secretary-general Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. tapped Asia's first GM Eugene Torre and NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales to be the coaches of the Philippine Team that includes Woman International Masters Catherine Perena, Bernadette Galas and WIM elect Janelle Mae Frayna.

Delegation Head is NCFP deputy secretary-general Red Dumuk. Paragua and Barbosa will join compatriot GM Wesley So in the 2013 World Chess Cup in Tromso, Norway from August 10 to September 5. So is fresh from winning National Open Championship dubbed as Las Vegas International Chess Festival 2013 held at the Riviera Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA last weekend.-Marlon Bernardino-

ref:http://chessaccount.wordpress.com/live-ratings-phi/wesley-so-live-ratings/

GM Wesley So Live Ratings:
2708.1 (Standard)
2642 (Rapid)
2685 (Blitz)
FIDE Rating (June 2013) :
2705 (Standard) : World Rank : 44
2642 (Rapid)
2685 (Blitz)
references:
http://ratings.fide.com/card.phtml?event=5202213
FIDE Top 100 Players
::: ::: ::: ::: :::
GM Wesley So Peak Rating : 2705 (May 2013) - Standard
Highest 'LIVE RATING' : 2714.7 (24 May 2013: R2: 22nd Chicago Open 2013)
Previous High (Live Rating):
2713.3 (23 May 2013: R1: 22nd Chicago Open 2013)
2712.5 (20 May 2013: R9: 6th Calgary International)

::: ::: ::: ::: :::
CURRENT TOURNAMENT
:::
LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL
National Open Championship
Riviera Casino & Hotel
Rnd: Date : Players/FED/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1: FM Banawa, Joel (USA)2349: W1: not rated
R2: GM Margvelashvili, Giorgi (GEO)2555: ½ : not rated
R3: GM Gurevich, Dmitry (USA)2492: W1: not rated
R4:GM Mikheil Kekelidze (GEO)2503 vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 : 0-1 : +2.4
R5: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs GM Tamaz Gelashvili (GEO)2560:1-0:+3.1
R6: GM Alejandro Ramirez (USA)2574 Vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705:½-½:-1.8
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 5.0/6
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 6th Calgary International Chess Classic : +7.5
2. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 22nd Chicago Open : -8.1
3. National Open Championship (Las Vegas Int'l Chess Festival: +3.7
Total Gain/Loss: +3.1
FIDE Rating (May 2013) : 2705
LIVE RATING: 2708.1
::: ::: :::
22nd Chicago Open
May 23-27, 2013
Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel, Wheeling, Illinois.
Rnd: Date : Players/FED/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1: FM Robby Adamson (USA)2284 Vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 : 1-0 : +0.8
R2: GM Wesley So(PHI)2705 Vs IM Daniel Fernandez(USA)2396 : 1-0 : +1.4
R3: GM Conrad Holt(USA)2513 Vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 : ½-½ : -2.5
R4: GM Aleksandr Lenderman (USA)2585 Vs Wesley So (PHI)2705 : ½-½ : -1.6
R5: GM Wesley So(PHI)2705 Vs GM Nikola Mitkov (MKD)2484 : ½-½ : -2.8
R6: IM Edward Porper (2423) Vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs: ½-½: -3.4
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 4.0/6
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 6th Calgary International Chess Classic : +7.5
2. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 22nd Chicago Open : -8.1
Total Gain/Loss: -0.6
FIDE Rating (May 2013) : 2705
LIVE RATING: 2704.4
http://chesstournamentservices.com/cca/chicago-open/
:::
6th Calgary International Chess Classic

May 14 – 20, 2013
VRnd: Date : Players/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1: 14 May: FM Michael Langer (USA)2237 Vs GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 : 0-1 : +0.8
R2: 15 May: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs GM Victor Mikhalevski(ISR)2551: 1-0 : +2.9
R3: 15 May: GM Eric Hansen (CAN)2577 Vs GM Wesley So(PHI)2705: ½-½: -1.7
R4: 16 May: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs GM Robin Van Kampen (NED)2580:1-0:+3.3
R5: 17 May: FM Adarsh Jayakumar(USA)2336 Vs GM Wesley So(PHI)2705: 0-1 :+1.0
R6: 18 May: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs IM Edward Porper (CAN)2423:½-½: -3.4
R7: 18 May: GM Eugene Perelshteyn(USA)2517 Vs GM Wesley So(PHI)2705: 0-1 :+2.6
R8: 19 May: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs FM Jason Cao (CAN)2026: 1-0 :+0.8
R9: 20 May: GM Wesley So (PHI)2705 Vs IM Richard Wang(CAN)2365: 1-0 :+1.2
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 8.0/9
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 6th Calgary International Chess Classic : +7.5
FIDE Rating (May 2013) : 2705
LIVE RATING: 2712.5
::: PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT(S) RESULTS for CY-2013 :::
The Bill Wright Saint Louis Open
12-14 April 2013
Reference: http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201304142712.1
Wesley So (PHI)2701
R1: Agrest, Inna (SWE)2208 : Win : +0.8
R2: Vitaly Neimer (ISR) 2421 : Win: +1.6
R3: Manuel Leon Hoyos (MEX) 2582 : Draw: -1.6
R4: Andre Diamant (BRA) 2479 : Win : +2.2
R5: Georg Meier (GER) 2652 : Draw: -0.7
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 4.0/5
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ U.S.A. College Chess Final Four : +1.9
2. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ Bill Wright Saint Louis Open : +2.3
Total Gain: +4.2
FIDE Rating (April 2013) : 2701
LIVE RATING: 2705.2
U.S.A. College Chess Final Four

April 6-7, 2013 in Rockville, Maryland
Rnd: Date : Players/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1: 6 Apr: Michael W Auger (USA)2089 Vs Wesley So (PHI)2701 : 0-1 : +0.8
R2: 6 Apr: Wesley So (PHI)2701 Vs Niclas Huschenbeth (GER)2533 :½-½: -2.2
R3: 7 Apr: Wesley So (PHI)2701 Vs Julio Sadorra (PHI)2573: 1-0 : +3.3
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 2.5/3
Total ELO Gain/Loss @ U.S.A. College Chess Final Four : +1.9
FIDE Rating (April 2013) : 2701
LIVE RATING: 2702.9
2. Reykjavik Open 2013
February 19-27, 2013
Reykjavik, Iceland
Rnd: Date : Players/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1:19Feb: Wesley So (PHI)2684 Vs Palmqvist Fredrik(SWE)2050 : 1-0 : +0.8
R2:20Feb: Kislik Erik Andrew(USA) 2359 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2684: 0-1 : +1.3
R3:20Feb: Wesley So (PHI)2684 Vs Andersen Mads(DEN)2462 : 1-0 : +2.2
R4:21Feb: Gretarsson Hjorvar Steinn (ISL)2509 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2684:½-½: -2.3
R5:22Feb: Wesley So (PHI)2684 Vs Yi Wei(CHN)2501: 1-0 : +2.6
R6:23Feb: Vachier-Lagrave Maxime(FRA)2715 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2684: ½-½: +0.4
R7:24Feb: Wesley So (PHI)2684 Vs Halkias Stelios(GRE)2566: 1-0 : +3.4
R8:25Feb: Yu Yangyi (CHN)2688 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2684: ½-½: +0.1
R9:26Feb: Wesley So (PHI)2684 Vs Dziuba Marcin (POL)2602: 1-0 : +3.9
R10:27Feb: Pavel Eljanov (UKR)2678 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2684: ½-½: -0.1
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 8.0/10
1
. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 3.3 ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP Open Division : +5.0
2. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ Reykjavik Open 2013 : Iceland: +12.3
Running Total ELO Gain/Loss: +17.3
FIDE Rating (February 2013) : 2684
LIVE RATING: 2701.3
ref: http://chess-results.com/tnr72648.aspx?art=9&lan=1&fed=PHI&flag=30&wi=821&snr=7
::: ::: :::
1. 3.3 ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP Open Division
January 22-29, 2013
Tagaytay City, Philippines
Rnd: Date : Players/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1:22Jan: Wesley So (PHI) 2682 Vs Rustum Tolentino (PHI)2364 : 1-0 : +1.3
R2:23Jan: Eugenio Torre(PHI) 2485 Vs Wesley So(PHI) 2682: 0-1 : +2.5
R3:24Jan: Wesley So (PHI)2682 Vs Mark Paragua(PHI) 2519: 1-0 : +2.8
R4:24Jan: Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son(VIE)2631 Vs Wesley So(PHI)2682: ½-½: -0.7
R5:25Jan: Wesley So (PHI)2682 Vs Gundavaa Bayarsaikhan(MGL)2522: 1-0: +2.9
R6:26Jan: Megaranto Susanto(INA)2529 Vs Wesley So(PHI)2682:½-½: -2.0
R7:27Jan: Wesley So(PHI)2682 Vs Nguyen Duc Hoa(VIE)2495: 1-0 : +2.6
R8:28Jan: Rogelio Antonio Jr (PHI)2541 Vs Wesley So (PHI)2682: ½-½: -1.9
R9:29Jan: Sang Cao(VIE)2488 Vs Wesley So (PHI)2682 : ½-½ : -2.5
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 7.0/9
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 2012 PanAm Intercollegiate Chess Championship, NJ : +2.1
2. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 3.3 ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP Open Division : +5.0
Running Total ELO Gain/Loss: +7.1
FIDE Rating (January 2013) : 2682
LIVE RATING: 2689.1
:::
::: PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT(S) RESULTS for CY-2012 :::
2012 PanAm Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship

Princeton University, New Jersey
Dec 27 – 30, 2012
Rnd: Date : Players/FIDE Rtg : Result : rtg+/-
R1:27Dec: Wesley So (PHI) 2682 Vs Ardito, Andrew (USA) No FIDE rating : 1-0 : —
R2:28Dec: Rest
R3:28Dec: Wesley So (PHI) 2682 Vs Flores Rios, Mauricio (Chile) 2488 : 1-0 : +2.5
R4:29Dec: Steingrimsson, Hedinn (ISL) 2560 Vs So, Wesley (PHI) 2682:0-1: +3.3
R5:29 Dec: So, Wesley (PHI)2682 Vs Bykhovsky, Anatoly (ISR) 2513:½-½: -2.2
R6:30 Dec: Yotov, Valentin(BUL)2575 Vs So, Wesley (PHI)2682 : ½-½ : -1.5
Total Points/Nr-Of-Rnds: 4.0/5
1. Total ELO Gain/Loss @ 2012 PanAm Intercollegiate Chess Championship, NJ : +2.1
FIDE Rating (January 2013) : 2682
LIVE RATING: 2684.1

Final Standings:
5.0 points---GM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Jaan Ehlvest (Estonia), GM Varuzhan Akobian (Armenia), GM Alejandro Ramirez (Costa Rica), GM Manuel Leon Hoyos (Mexico), GM Enrico Sevillano (Philippines)
4.5 points---GM Ray Robson (USA), GM Elshan Moradiabadi (Iran), GM Dmitry Gurevich (Russia), IM Mackenzie Molner (USA), IM Joseph Mark Bradford (USA)

Individual standings after Round 5:
4.5 points---GM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Alejandro Ramirez (Costa Rica), GM Manuel Leon Hoyos (Mexico)
4.0 points---GM Ray Robson (USA), GM Jaan Ehlvest (Estonia), GM Varuzhan Akobian (Armenia), GM Tamaz Gelashvili (Georgia), GM Victor Mikhalevski (Israel), GM Enrico Sevillano (Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino International Masters (IM) Oliver Dimakiling and Rolando Nolte both seeking their third and final grandmaster norms/results when the DYTM Raja Dr Nazrin Shah Invitational KL Masters 2013 gets underway on June 13 to 21 at the at the Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dimakiling, fresh from winning the gold medal in the blitz event of the PSC-POC Philippine National Games, seeks his third GM norm in the event Organized by Polgar Chess Asia for the Kuala Lumpur Chess Association (KLCA) with support from the Malaysian Chess Federation and Malaysian Intellect Development Foundation.

"Sana makuha ko na ang 3rd at final GM norm ko dito sa KL Masters," said the Davao City native Dimakiling, who earned his first GM norm after finishing as co-champion in the 2006 Malaysian Open.

The pride of Quezon City Nolte, meantime is targeting his 3rd and final GM norm"Gaya ni (Oliver) Dimakiling ay target ko din makuha ang 3rd at final GM norm sa KL Masters," .

According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., a player needs to complete the required three norms and at least reach 2500 Elo rating once. Dimakiling and Nolte, both have already accomplished the latter.

Filipino pawnpushers expects to face stiff competition from GMs Sergei Tiviakov of the Netherlands, Thomas Luther of Germany and IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia, among others.-Marlon Bernardino-

INTERNATIONAL Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso opened the One Meralco Foundation Jr. Chess Masters Championship held last Saturday at the spacious Meralco Fitness Center. With almost 200 youth in attendance, IM Cardoso made the ceremonial move with youthful Emmanuel Barbosa of Muzon Elementary School and younger brother of World Cup Qualifier Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa Meralco Chess Club at One Meralco Foundation sa pag-organisa ng libreng tournament para sa mga kabataan na itinuring ng ating Pambansang Bayani Dr. Jose Rizal na pag-asa ng ating bayan.

Napakalaking tulong po ito sa mga kabataan na nag-aaral sa mga public schools. More power po sa Meralco!" added IM Cardoso who helped train now GMs Wesley So and Darwin Laylo.

Jonathan Jota of General Mariano Alvarez Science and Technology High School electrified the field with a perfect score of 6 wins in as many games to win the Jr. Section while Kenneth Gelua of Ilugin Elementary School conceded just a draw to win the Kiddy Section. Both took home the specially crafted orange trophy and a bag full of goodies from One Meralco Foundation. Medals and bags of goodies were also given to the 2nd to 10th placers of both sections.

"Gusto naming makatulong sa pag-develop ng character ng mga bata sa pamamagitan ng sports, at ang chess ay isang paraan. Gusto rin naming ma-develop ang kanilang chess skills para lumaki ang chance na makakuha sila ng college education sa pamamagitan ng chess scholarship." added Mike del Rosario of One Meralco Foundation.

FIDE Master and MVP Olympics Gold medalist Leonarado Carlos will spearhead the free trainings for these kids from public schools as part of Meralco's youth and sports advocacy.-Marlon Bernardino-

THE Midsayap Active Chess Excellence formed according to National Master Roger M. Sarip, one of the members of the said chess club located at LTO Midsayap, Mun. Hall Comp., Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The complete officers and members of the Midsayap Active Chess Excellence (National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) affiliated club member) are Mr. Elias A. Catedral (President), Engr. Antonio P. Relles Jr. (Vice-President), Rose Anne Marie I. Perbillo (Secretary), Genalinda P. Ganotice (Treasurer), Mrs. Ethelyne S. Baula (Auditor), Ramon Toledo (Business Manager), Ivan Carl Umali (Business Manager), Kares M. Gumaan (Sgt. at Arms), Allan Castardo (Sgt. at Arms), Ronald S. Arcenas (PIO) and members NM Roger M. Sarip, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, NM Allan Macala, NM Ruel Filipinas, Vanessa C. Domato, Melchor S. Arcenas, Danilo P. Alam, Alikhan Impa, Rosalie Bornea and Pangandamun B. Ambor.For registration and inquiries, interested parties may keep in touch at celfone numbers 0910-252-9051 and 0929-400-5190.

DIONIVER Medrano of RIMD proved unstoppable, scoring 6.5 out of 7 games to claim the championship trophy in the just ended SSS Individual Chess Tournament held at the SSS Main Building in East Avenue, Quezon City.

The champion who last won the title back in 2002 showed everyone his regained youthful magic compiling spectacular wins after another. His sterling performance included a hard-earned repeat victory against the defending champion, Arvin Olorvida (5.5/7) of Anti Fraud Dept. who took second place honors. Rounding up the 3rd to 4th place winners are Kristofferson Ursal (5/7) of ID-CPD and Rey Valencerina (4.5/7) of OSD.

In the Round Robin Team competition, White Team (composed of Rey Valencerina, Jose Charlie Suyom, Herman Gonzaga, Jay Caban, Rozil Jabonero, Lito Bancaso, Edwin Selma, Stephen Dela Cruz, Arnel Encarnacion and Rodolfo Roque, Jr.) won all its 7 matches in dominating fashion to score a whopping 29 game points enroute to claiming this year's crown. Gold medalists from Board 1 to 6 are: Dioniver Medrano (Blue) 5/7, Froilan Acido (Blue) 5.5/7, Luisito Miclat (Orange) 6/7, Jay Caban (White) 4/5, Dennis Lagman (Green) 4.5/7 and Hermelito Bancaso (White) 4/6, respectively. Top Alternate is Edwin Selma (White) 5//5.-Marlon Bernardino-

2012 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship NCR Leg Kiddies Division 4th Placer Jayson Tapia of Antipolo National High School topped the tough 7th Casiano Sol Cruz, Jr. Memorial Chess Championship held at Meralco Chess Club yesterday. Tapia, seeded 6th with an NCFP rating of 1833 hurdled the 4-round knock-out tournament patterned after the FIDE World Cup where our Manny Paquiao Cup Pinoy masters like GM Antonio, GM Paragua, GM Barbosa have competed. Tapia posted wins over Palarong NCR Finalist Bea Oltiveros of Ramon Magsaysay High School in Round 1, 2nd seed Aldous Coronel of UP, rated 2037, in Round 2, 4th seed Paul Casiano of Bulacan State University, rated 1933, in Round 3 semi-finals, and top seed Jose Castro of FEU, rated 2038, in Round 4 Finals.

Jose Castro won the silver medal while Paul Casiano took home the bronze in the 16-player invitational event that includes UAAP and NCAA veterans Coronel and Paulo Cristobal of UP, John Margarito of Adamson, Juan Castro of San Beda, and JC Andan of Ateneo.

Tapia is set to defend his title in the 3rd One Meralco Foundation Jr. Chess Masters Chess Championship scheduled on May 25 at Meralco Fitness Center in Pasig City. The tournament, with elementary and high school divisions, is open to all students of public schools and is free of charge.

Meanwhile, the pride of Muzon Elementary School Eman Barbosa, younger brother of Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, topped the elementary batch while Jeric Regis of Ramon Magsaysay High School won in the high school batch of the One Meralco Foundation Summer Chess Workshop for public school students.-Marlon Bernardino-

FILIPINO Grandmaster (GM) Wesley Barbasa So cemented his status as one of the Philippines' elite sportsmen by beating Canadian International Master (IM) Richard Wang in the final round to enroute the coveted title in the just concluded 2013 Calgary International Chess Classic held at the Best Western Village Park Inn in Calgary, Canada.

The 19-year-old So, a freshman student at Webster University in United States finished a total score of eight points on seven wins and two draws. GMs Robin Van Kampen of the Netherlands, Eric Hansen of Canada and Victor Mikhalevski of Israel finished in a three-way tie for second with six points each while GM Eugene Perelshteyn of the United States and IM Edward Porper of Canada ended up sharing the fifth spot with 5.5 points apiece.

In other final round results, Hansen subdued Yam, Kampen crushed Jayakumar, while Piatsetski and Porper agreed to a silent draw.

Meanwhile, IM Leon Piasetski of Canada and FIDE Master (FM) Michael Langer of US scored five points for seventh to eighth places followed by Wang, FM Adarsh Jayakumar of US (4.5), National Master (NM) Alex Yam of Canada (4.5), FM Dale Haessel of Canada (4.5), untitled Georgi Kostadinov of Canada (4.0), Beehrooz Ebrahim-shirazi of Canada (4.0), NM Robert Gardner of Canada (3.5) and NM Steven Peter of Canada (2.5).

In the blitz competition, So who hails from Bacoor, Cavite defeated all his rivals to a perfect 9.0 points finish.-Marlon Bernardino-

THE 2013 Social Security System Intercolor and Individual Chess Tournament went smoothly from March 15 to May 15 at the 2nd floor canteen, SSS Main Building in East Avenue, Quezon City. IM Barlo Nadera graced the event's opening with a simultaneous chess exhibition against 25 top SSS chessplayers.

In the Round Robin Team competition, White Team (composed of Rey Valencerina, Jose Charlie Suyom, Herman Gonzaga, Jay Caban, Rozil Jabonero, Lito Bancaso, Edwin Selma, Stephen Dela Cruz, Arnel Encarnacion and Rodolfo Roque, Jr.) won all its 7 matches in dominating fashion to score a whopping 29 game points enroute to claiming this year's crown. Gold medalists from Board 1 to 6 are: Dioniver Medrano (Blue) 5/7, Froilan Acido (Blue) 5.5/7, Luisito Miclat (Orange) 6/7, Jay Caban (White) 4/5, Dennis Lagman (Green) 4.5/7 and Hermelito Bancaso (White) 4/6, respectively. Top Alternate is Edwin Selma (White) 5//5.

In the Individual Swiss Tournament, Dioniver Medrano of RIMD proved unstoppable, scoring 6.5 out of 7 games to claim the championship trophy. The champion who last won the title back in 2002 showed everyone his regained youthful magic compiling spectacular wins after another. His sterling performance included a hard-earned repeat victory against the defending champion, Arvin Olorvida (5.5/7) of Anti Fraud Dept. who took second place honors.
Rounding up the 3rd to 4th place winners are Kristofferson Ursal (5/7) of ID-CPD and Rey Valencerina (4.5/7) of OSD.-Marlon Bernardino-

FILIPINO Grandmaster Wesley Barbasa So (ELO 2705) settled for a draw with GM Eric Hansen of Canada (ELO 2577) but kept his share of the lead in the 2013 Calgary International Chess Classic at the Best Western Village Park Inn in Calgary, Canada.

GM Robin Van Kampen of the Netherlands (ELO 2580) defeated NM Alex Wang of Canada (ELO 2283) to raise his total to 2.5 points and and forge a three-way tie for first after three rounds.

Bunched with Van Kampen are So and Hansen.

In the fourth round, the 20-year-old So will be facing Van Kempen while Hansen opposite GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel (ELO 2551), who was yielded to So in the second round. Mikhalevski, bounced back in contention by crushing NM Robert Gardner of Canada (ELO 2217) in the third round.

So's campaign is backed up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

The tournament serves as So's build up for the forthcoming 27th Summer Universiade on July 6-17 in Kazan, Russia and 2013 World Chess Cup scheduled on August 10 to September 5 in Tromso, Norway.-Marlon Bernardino-

US-BASED GM Julio Catalino Sadorra and Darwin Laylo will lead a contingent of Filipino wood pushers to the $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Open and Women's Chess Championships on Saturday at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

"Malaking factor yung magtulungan for the game preparation against foreign counterpart para makapasok sa main draw ng World Cup," said Sadorra, a senior year Business Administration focus on Entrepreneurship student at Jindal School of Management (JSOM) in University of Texas Dallas.

"Gagawin namin ang best para makapasok sa World Cup," added Laylo.

The tournament is held under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, and organized by the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation.

The top five qualify to the 2013 World Chess Cup scheduled on August 10 to September 5 in Tromso, Norway. Filipino Grandmasters Wesley So and Oliver Barbosa are the early qualifiers. Barbosa finished in the top five in last year's Asian Continental in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam while So qualified from the Zonal Championship organized by NCFP Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino last January in Tagaytay City. The Asian Women's champion advances to the 2014 Women's World Championship tournament. Last year's Asian women's champion was Irene Sukandar of Indonesia.

Sadorra and Laylo will join comrades GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez, Richard Bitoon, International Masters (IMs) Rolandon Nolte, Emmanuel Senador, Barlo Nadera, as well National Master Ronald Llavanes, among others.

Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan is expected to make the ceremonial moves during the formal opening ceremony, along with Sarangani rep. and Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, NCFP president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Asian Zone 3.3 president NCFP secretary-general and newly-elected 7th district Cavite rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr.

Also expected to grace the opening ceremony are NCFP executive director GM Jayson Gonzales, NCFP deputy-secretary general and treasurer Red Dumuk and Asia's first IM Rodolfo Tan Cardoso.

Concurrent with the championship will be a FIDE Trainers Seminar on May 20-24, organized by the Florencio Campomanes Chess Academy under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and conducted by FIDE Trainers Commission Secretary GM Efstratios Grivas of Greece and GM Eugene Torre. Asia's first grandmaster was recently conferred the FIDE Senior Trainer title, the only FST in Southeast Asia.-Marlon Bernardino-

THE COUNTRY's top rated Grandmaster Wesley Barbasa So (ELO 2705) scored back-to-back win after beating GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel (ELO 2551) in the second round of the 2013 Calgary International Chess Classic at the Best Western Village Park Inn in Calgary, Canada on Wednesday.

The 20 year old So, a freshman at Webster University in the United States improved to a total of 2 points to share 1st place along with GM Eric Hansen of Canada (ELO 2577), who brought downed countryman IM Edward Porper (ELO 2423).

Earlier, the Bacoor, Cavite whiz kid So toppled FM Michael Langer of the United States (ELO 2237) in Tuesday's opening round while Hansen routed NM Robert Gardner of Canada (ELO 2217).

Hansen and So will battle out for the solo leadership board in Thursday's third round.

GM Robin Van Kempen of the Netherlands (ELO 2580), GM Eugene Perelshteyn of the United States (ELO 2519), FM Adarsh Jayakumar of the United States (ELO 2336) and NM Alex Wang of Canada (ELO 2283) shared third to sixth places after scoring 1.5 points each.

So's campaign is backed up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.

The tournament serves as So's build up for the forthcoming 27th Summer Universiade on July 6-17 in Kazan, Russia and 2013 World Chess Cup scheduled on August 10 to September 5 in Tromso, Norway.-Marlon Bernardino-

ANOTHER Wesley So is in the making as a young Filipino woodpushers emerged as the over-all champion in his divisions at the conclusion of Novelty Summer Chess Meet was held at the Jackman Plaza Munoz in Quezon City last Saturday (May 11).

The Manila based Pangilinan defeated former solo leader Emmanuel Paler in the seventh and final round. Pangilinan who hails from Bulacan finished the tournament with 6.0 points and won the kiddies division by half point against 2nd place Paler, 3rd placer Jesca Docena, 4th placer Eder de Jesus, 5th placer Dennis Gutierrez Jr. and 6th placer Juan Carlos Presente, all with 5.5 points each. Paul Uy, Brent Alanan, Jose David Tapia and John Paolo Medina shared seventh to tenth places after scoring 5 points each.

Pangilinan, a former top player of Milo Checkmate rose to prominence when he became the overall champion in his division in the 2009 Las Vegas International Chess Festival held at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.At age six, Pangilinan bested other competitors in the Susan Polgar under eight-year-old division. He won first place after garnering a total of 5 points.

Right now, Pangilinan is preparing for his next tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the 14th ASEAN + Age-Group Chess Championships schedule on June 5 to 14.

Meanwhile, Apollo Agapay and Ricky Batcho share the top honors with 6.5 points apiece in seven outings in the 1975 and below division.

Prizes were awarded by Novaliches Novelty Chess Club president Mr. Sonsea Agonoy. According to Mr. Agonoy, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament aims to promote the board game of chess, especially among the youth while facilitating the development of talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.-Marlon Bernardino-

JEROME Villanueva drew with Mark Prince Aquino in the seventh round then nipped Virgen Gil Ruaya in the eight and final round then edged Rey Aba-A and Clement Valledor in the tie-break to bag the title in the just ended 2nd J'Adoube Rapid Chess Tournament, 2050 and below at Alphaland Southgate Mall, Makati City, over the weekend.

Villanueva finished with seven points, the same output of Aba-A and Valledor, who also beat Carlo Caranyagan and Gerald Ferriol in the final canto, respectively in the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament.

Aquino, on the other hand split the point with Charles Daniel Abuzo in the final round and wound up tied for fourth with Jeazzir Kline Surposa, Jaime Criste and Abuzo at 6.5 points.

In the kiddies, 13 and under, Istraelito Rilloraza and Julius Gonzales toppled Jonathan Lay and Mark James Marcellana in the eight and final round to share the top honors with 7.5 points. Rilloraza took the title with a better tie break score over Gonzales. Dale Bernardo and Lejither Paul Uy shared the third and fourth places after scoring 6.5 psoints each.-Marlon Bernardino-

THE WORLD Chess Federation has published the May edition of the FIDE rating list. Filipino Wesley Barbasa So's latest rating of 2705 puts him at #40 in the world as well as #2 junior.

The 19 year old So, a freshman at Webster University in the United States actually was tied at 39th to 41st place along with Armenian Vladimir Akopian and Ukrainian Anton Korobov who also tallied 2705 Elo rating points.However, Akopian took world's no.39 ranking with a nine games listed, a one game ahead over world no.40 So and two games ahead over world no.41 Korobov.

Norway's Magnus Carlsen continues at the top position with 2868 while Hungrary's Judith Polgar still Top Women player with 2696. Top Junior's is Netherland's Anish Giri (ELO 2734) while Top Girls is Chinese Hou Yifan (ELO 2617).

So enters breaks the 2700 barrier and appears at 2701 at 50th postion in the 2013 March FIDE rating list.-Marlon Bernardino-

WOODPUSHERS from all over Metropolis including those coming from the nearby province are expected to swarm Quezon City anew for the staging of the Novelty Summer Chess Meet (1975 and below division) on Saturday, May 11 at the Jackman Plaza Munoz in Quezon City.

According to Novaliches Novelty Chess Club president Mr. Sonsea Agonoy, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament aims to promote the board game of chess, especially among the youth while facilitating the development of talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.

The 1975 and below division champion is set to clinch the top prize of P6,000 with a trophy, while the second placer will bring home P3,000 and a trophy.

The third placer will receive P1,500 plus a trophy, while the fourth and fifth placer gets P800 and P600 plus medals, respectively, with the 6th to10th finishers to bring home P400 each plus medals and P300 each to 11th to 15th placer plus medals.

A P2,000 prize and trophy await the top winner in the kiddies division (14 and under section), while trophies and cash prizes of P1,000 and P700 will be given to second and third placers.

Fourth place finishers in the kiddies division will bring home P500 and the fifth place gets P300 plus medals while the 6th to 10th placers will receive Novelty medals.

Novelty Medals plus P500 each also await the special awardees for top ladies, junior (20 year old and below),senior (50 year old and above) and top Novelty Player.

Interested participants may call or text Special Event Manager Mr. Richard R. Dela Cruz at 0912- 450-8786, Novaliches Novelty Chess Club secretary Mr. Juancho Caunte at 0923-654-2806 and Novaliches Novelty Chess Club president Mr. Sonsea Agonoy at 0905-248-1733. -Marlon Bernardino-

EVERYTHING is set for the much awaited Novelty Summer Chess Meet on May 11 at the Jackman Plaza Munoz in Quezon City.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament is divided into two sections-1975 & below NCFP April 2013 rating and Kiddies, 14-Under division.

The 1975 and below section offers P6,000 to the Champion plus trophy; P3,000 to second plus trophy ; P1,500 to third placer plus trophy; P 800 to fourth placer plus medal; P600 to fifth placer plus medal; P400 each to 6th to 10th placer plus medals and P300 each to 11th to 15th placer plus medals in the one day tourney organized by Novaliches Novelty Chess Club.

Top finisher in different categories, such as ladies, junior (20 year old and below),senior (50 year old and above), top Novelty Player will also get P500 plus Novelty Medals.

In the 12 and under section, the Champion will receive P2,000 plus trophy, P1,000 to second plus trophy, P700 to third plus trophy; P 500 to fourth placer plus medal; P300 to fifth placer plus medal and Novelty Medals plus book for 6th to 10th placer.

For complete details please call or text Special Event Manager Mr. Richard R. Dela Cruz at 0912- 450-8786, Novaliches Novelty Chess Club secretary Mr. Juancho Caunte at 0923-654-2806 and Novaliches Novelty Chess Club president Mr. Sonsea Agonoy at 0905-248-1733.-Marlon Bernardino-

IVAN Gil Biag of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Darry Bernado of Angeles, Pampanga dominated the centerpiece events of the 2013 Manila Non-Master Open Rapid Chess Championship (Mayor's Cup) last Saturday, April 27 at the San Andres Complex, San Andres Street in Malate, Manila.

Biag finished with 6.5 points in this 7-round tournament organized by sportsman Bermar (MaiMai) Polancos and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, to bag the top purse of P10,000 to the champion plus trophy.

Nelson "Elo" Mariano III of Bacoor, Cavite on the other hand notched 6.0 points to finish in a tie for 2nd to 4th placers along with Gary Legaspi of Antipolo City and Tyrone delos Santos of Adamson University, Manila.

The former University of the East (UE) standout Nelson "Elo" Mariano III are the younger brother of of Grandmaster Nelson Mariano and Woman International Master Cristine Rose Mariano.

Adjudged category winners were Joel Cocjin of Iloilo City (Top Senior), Emir Gamis (Top 1950 and below) and WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila (Top Lady).

Meanwhile, Darry Bernado of Angeles, Pampanga took the kiddies title, top purse P3,500 and trophy with an impressive showing 6.5 points after seven games of play. Eden de Jesus Jr., settled for runner' up with 6.0 points for P2,000.

Dale Bernado, Rothsen Bautista and Istraelito Rilloraza wound up 3rd to 5th placers with 5.5 points each for P1,100 each.
-Marlon Bernardino-

NO less than Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will be the guest of honor when the 2013 Manila Non-Master Open Rapid Chess Championship gets under way today, Saturday, April 27 at the San Andres Complex, San Andres Street, Malate, Manila.

Lim, a staunch supporter of chess, will deliver the inspirational remarks during the 10am opening ceremony in this one-day, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament organized by sportsman Bermar (MaiMai) Polancos, Andrew Casiano and Noel Francisco.

Lim is also expected to make the ceremonial move, along with National Chess Federation of the Philippines president/chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and executive director GM Jayson Gonzales.

Vice Mayoral candidate Lou Veloso and other City Officials is also invited to grace the opening ceremony.

At stake are P10,000 cash prizes plus elegant trophy for the Non-Master champion and P3,500 plus trophy for the kiddies Under 14 category champion.

Registration fee worth P300 for the non-master and titled lady player and P200 for the kiddies woodpushers.

For registration please contact sportsman Bermar (MaiMai) Polancos at 0939-179-0788, Andrew Casiano at 0918-560-4470 and Noel Francisco at 0926-975-4612.-Marlon Bernardino-

THE 2013 Manila Open Non-Master Rapid Chess Championship gets under way on April 27 at the San Andres Complex, San Andres Street, Malate, Manila.

The one-day tournament, organized by sportsman Bermar (MaiMai) Polancos, Andrew Casiano and Noel Francisco and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), will begin at 10 a.m.
Expected to grace the opening ceremony are Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and other City Officials, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and NCFP executive director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
At stake are P10,000 cash prizes plus elegant trophy for the Non-Master champion and P3,500 plus trophy for the kiddies Under 14 category.
Registration fee worth P300 for the non-master and titled lady player and P200 for the kiddies woodpushers.
For registration please contact sportsman Bermar (MaiMai) Polancos at 0939-179-0788, Andrew Casiano at 0918-560-4470 and Noel Francisco at 0926-975-4612.-Marlon Bernardino-

Final Standings:
7.5 points---GM    Zhao Zong-Yuan (Australia)
7.0 points---IM Wan Yunguo (China), GM Jan Gustafsson (Germany), GM  Levente Vajda (Romania), GM Hansen Sune Berg (Denmark), GM Darwin Laylo (Philippines), GM Oliver Barbosa (Philippines), 

GRANDMASTER (GM) Zhao Zong-Yuan of Australia  made a quick draw against IM Wan Yunguo of China to capture the title even as Filipino GMs Darwin Laylo and Oliver Barbosa tied for second in the Bangkok Chess Club 2013 at the Dusit Thani Pattaya in Pattaya, Thailand on Sunday.

Zhao halved the point with Wan in just three moves of King's Indian defense in the final round to tally 7.5 points on six wins and three draws in the Open Section.

Laylo, meantime toppled GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia after 38 moves of Old Benoni defense while Barbosa routed IM Roy Saptarshi of India after 40 moves of Queen's Pawn game to finish in an sixth-way tie for second.

After the tie break points was applied, second place is Wan who also obtained a GM norm, 3rd place is GM Jan Gustafsson of Germany, 4th place is GM  Levente Vajda of Romania, 5th place is GM Hansen Sune Berg of Denmark, 6th place is Laylo and 7th place is Barbosa.

Hansen split the point with Gustafsson after four moves of King's Indian defense while Vajda defeated GM Gerhard Schebler of Germany after 38 moves of four knights game.

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. halved the point with IM Wang Chen of China after 48 moves of Sicilain defense to landed at over-all 8th place with 6.5 points.

In other ninth and final round results of the Filipino woodpushers, GM Mark Paragua settled for a truce with WGM Kulkarni Bhakti of India after 39 moves of Scandinavian defense, FM Hamed Nouri drew with GM Lu Shanglei of China after 49 moves of Vienna Opening as well GM John Paul Gomez opposite IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia. The triumvirate tallied 6.0 points each and tied for 17th to 38th places. Paragua overall 20th place, Hamed overall 21st place and Gomez overall 25th place.

In the Challenger Section, Filipino Marvin Ting was yielded to Russian Fide Master Sergey Birjukov in the seventh and final round but still emerged over-all champion after a better tie break points against fellow six pointers 2nd place Atul Kumar of India, 3rd place Andrian Endang of Indonesia, 4th place Birjukov and 5th place Dongre Chandrakant of India.

NM Rudy Ibanez, John Kristofferson de Leon, Australia-based Pinoy Angelito Camer and Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua (wife of GM Mark Paragua) tallied 5.0 points each for 9th to 17th place.

The Filipino Thailand chess campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.-Marlon Bernardino-

GRANDMASTER (GM) Darwin Laylo split the point with International Master (IM) Roy Saptarshi of India in 27 moves of Queen's Pawn game to share compatriot GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. into a tie for 4th to 14th place after the seventh round in the on-going Bangkok Chess Club 2013 at the Dusit Thani Pattaya in Pattaya, Thailand.

Antonio who grabs the solo leadership board in the sixth round failed to continued his impressive showing after losing to GM Sune Berg Hansen of Denmark in 64 moves of Queen's Indian defense to remains on 5.5 points in seven outings, the same output of Laylo and nine others woodpushers along with top seed GM Nigel Short of Britain, winner over GM Jha Sriram of India. The defending champion Short prevailed in 53 moves of Old Indian defense.

GM Oliver Barbosa halved the point with Ma Zhonghan of China in 66 moves of Slav defense to scored 5.0 points and share countryman GM Mark Paragua and NM Nelson Villanueva into a tie for 15th to 29th place.
Paragua, on the other hand was bowed to GM Gerhard Schebler of Germany in 37 moves of Sicilian defense while Villanueva suubdued IM Awam Wahono of Indonesia.

Hansen , Schebler and GM Zhao Zong-Yuan of Australia was tied at the leadership board with 6.0 points each. Zhao bested GM Ralf Akesson of Sweden in 30 moves of Queen's Gambit declined.

In the eight round, Laylo goes up against Antonio on board 7, Barbosa will meet FM Riste Menkinoski of Macedonia on board 9, IM Mas Hafizulhelmi of Malaysia opposite Paragua on board 10 while GM Venkatesh M.R. of India versus Villanueva on board 12.

The Filipino Thailand chess campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.-Marlon Bernardino-