Porto Santo Island, Portugal —Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat, 65, won the FIDE World Seniors 65+ Rapid Chess Championshipo held 23rd November 2024 in Porto Santo island in Portugal. Mangubat (third from left) hails from Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines.
Mangubat, whose stint here is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Cong. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, Victoria Sports Club, Nova Wellness Store and Minglanilla, Cebu Mayor Rajiv Enad, tallied 4.5 points in six outings to clinch the title in the 65 over category.
International Master Aitkazy Baimurzin and Marat Primetov of Kazakhstan notched 4.0 points apiece to settle for second and third place, respectively.
Last Friday, Mangubat also won the bronze medal in the Blitz event of the FIDE World Senior 65 and over category.
Mangubat duplicated the feat of IM Chito Danilo Garma who won the 50 and above category of the Blitz competition.
“I m really happy with my performance today. Winning the Rapid event is so much meaning to me. Aside from winning the bronze medal in the Blitz competition,” said Mangubat.
Other members of the Philippine team are International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Coach Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (Marlon Bernardino).