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Haritha Hansana from Denipitiya Primary School emerged Champion at the Inaugural CFSL Online Youth (Under 12Yrs) Championship 2021 yesterday with the perfect score of 9 out of nine games. Hansana beat Krithik Koneshwaran, Methan Sritharan, Asini Gamage, S Fairooz, BAM Arachchi, Sithum Pahasara, Pamok Samaranayake, Sasula Pathirana and SSLN Dandeniya, the all opponents without hesitation to be the Champion. Hansana is one of the strongest Youth Chess Players in Sri Lanka who won the National Youth Under 10 years event in 2019 and has represented Sri Lanka in many International events with victories.

Thehara Galagedara of Musaeus College won the Silver medal with 8 points out of 9 Games. Sh is also outstanding since she had done the performance in an open event with 250 players. She is also one of the strongest youth Girls Chess players in the country. She won all games except Dinith erera in the 2^nd round.

Aloka Hettiarachchi of Nalanda College also scored 8 points out of 9 games to share the 2^nd place with Thehara but had to satisfy with the Bronze medal according to the tie breaker. He was unbeaten throughout the event, just giving 2 draws to Sethum Manuwaruna in the first round and  Ashad Mohammed in the 7^th round and scored seven wins.

The CFSL Online Youth under 12 Yrs Championship was also a remarkable event with a participation of more than 230 Chess Players from all over the country. The event was held in the Chess.com flatform on 27th and 28th February 2021 according to the Swiss system in 9 round. The time control was 15 minutes per player + 10 second increment per each move played.

Due to the pandemic situation Chess world changed to Online Chess and now the all the important events are in online as well. The CFSL started the youth Chess activities with the SL Online Youth (under 14 years ) and continued to under 14 Girls event in last 2 months. Both events were great successes with nearly 300 players in Open and 200 in Girls.

The event was played with very strict Anti-cheating guidelines according to the FIDE Laws. Only the laptops were allowed to play the event while all players are observed through a Zoom meeting open throughout the play. If anyone found cheating, sever punishments were announced.

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds

Stay Safe! Enjoy Chess!

Newly re-elected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino called for national selections for the chess event of the 31st Southeast Asian Games scheduled November 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Tolentino won a hotly contested battle in the POC elections late last year, winning 30-22 over Clint Aranas of the Archery Federation. Tolentino’s ticket got three of the four spots on the POC executive board. In total, 53 people representing the national sports associations and various sports sectors cast their votes. All the elected officials will serve four-year terms that will last until just after the 2024 Paris Olympics. The new batch of POC officials began their new four-year term on Jan. 1^st  2021.

Tolentino is long serving Secretary General of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and former FIDE Secretary General.

Tolentino plans on lobbying for the resumption of training of all national athletes and not just the country’s Olympic hopefuls for Tokyo.

He said coming international events are the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, Guandong, China 20-28 November 2021, Southeast Asian Games 21 November to 2 December 2021 and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) March 2022 in Thailand.

Tolentino also shared that coming off a tough 2020 and a highly contentious POC election in November, they in the agency can move on and accomplish more under his latest term.

“The push is the same for me. Despite the hardships that we had last year and the limitations, I think we still accomplished some things. Coming from that experience, maybe we can handle the challenges moving forward. We survived, even if we were a minority in the executive board. So, now we have a new majority and maybe we have more good vibes towards a new direction,” Tolentino said at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

by Marlon Bernardino
FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and Vince Angelo Medina came through with stirring victories as the Laguna Heroes team crushed Camarines Soaring Eagle, 12.5-8.5, in the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) on Saturday, February 27, 2021 on online tournament at the lichess platform.
NM Bagamasbad displayed a persistent attack to beat National Master Carlo Lorena in 72 moves of Dutch defense on Board 4, GM Gomez trounced Mark Daluz in 34 moves of a French defense on Board 5 while Medina nipped Virgen Gil Ruaya in 57 moves of Trompovsky Opening on Board 6 ensured the win for the Heroes in the rapid format, 9-5.
Two-time Asian Junior champion GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla (in photo), FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo took care of the other boards.
The Arizona, US based Barcenilla halved the point with New York, US based GM Mark Paragua in  29 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening on Board 1, Literarus settled for a truce with Ellan Asuela in 40 moves of Reti Opening on Board 2 while Lorenzo split the point with NM Ronald Llavanes in 44 moves of King’s Pawn Opening on Board 7.
Virgenie Ruaya won by default against WNM Jean Karen Enriquez on Board 3 for Bicol’s full point in the rapid competition.
The blitz are even tighter, ending in 3.5-3.5 tie, in favor of Laguna.
GM Gomez and Medina kept the game close with victories over Daluz and Virgen Gil Ruaya while GM Barcenilla, FM Literatus and Lorenzo drew with GM Paragua, Asuela and NM Llavanes, in order.
Virgenie Ruaya won by default against WNM Enriquez while NM Lorena toppled FM Bagamasbad for the twin wins of Bicolanos in the blitz portion.
“I really appreciate the determination of the Laguna Heroes Team. Since WNM Jean Karen Enriquez failed to play due to asthma against Camarines, it propelled the the team to play harder.” said Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) president Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that includes Engineer Benjamin Dy, engineer Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
In their first match of the day, the Laguna Heroes backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice and Jolly Smile Dental Clinic face the Zamboanga Sultans.
With both teams tied at 10.5 points apiece after the results of blitz and rapid play and force an armageddon play off.
With one tie breaker scheduled game against Zamboanga and a win against Camarines, Laguna sharing the top 2 and 3 spots of the Northern Division standings with an 19-3 win-loss record alongside Caloocan Loadmanna Knights with also one pending game.
Camarines, on the other hand leads 19-4 in the Southern Division, the same output of Iloilo Kisela Knights.
San Juan Predators and Negros Kingsmen tallied similar 20-3 win-loss record and lead the way in the Northern and Southern division, respectively.
The 24-team pro chess tournament is organized by PCAP, headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria; Chairman Michael Angelo Chua; and treasurer Atty Arnel Batungbakal.
The games are sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra and supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-

(Team Standings/ Note: * with pending games)
Northern Division
San Juan 20-3
Laguna * * 19-3
Caloocan * 19-3
Manila 16-7
Rizal * * 15-7
Cavite 12-11
Pasig 11-12
Antipolo 10-13
Isabela 8-15
Olongapo 7-16
Quezon *4-18
Cagayan 4-19
Southern Division
Negros 20-3
Camarines 19-4
Iloilo 19-4
Toledo * 13-9
Zamboanga * * 13-9
Lapu-Lapu 11-12
Mindoro 10-13
Cordova 7-16
Surigao * * 5-17
Cebu 5-18
Iriga * 3-19
Palawan  2-21

Overnight leader of the SL National Inter Club (Super League) Championship 2021, University of Sri Jayawardenapura team continued their winning path today by scoring 4 – wins against Anandians CC in 3^rd Round and Sokians CC in the 4^th round respectively.  Dimithri Premachandra, National Champion, Ranindu Liyanage (in photo above) and MAAH Rathnayake scored wins in the 3^rd round while Lakshith Randil and WCC Perera drew their games in the 3^rd round to collect 4 points. Only loss was AACB Amarasinghe who went down against the National No. 4, Theekshana Denuwan (photo below). Laksith Randil, Dimithri Premachandra, WCC Perera and Ranindu Liyanage scored points in the 4^th round while AACB Amarasinghe lost to Sasith Nipun Piyumantha and Akila Rathnayake lost to Kasun Wimalasooriya.

The Sri Lanka Navy Chess Team is following the USJP very closely having 7 match points, just a point behind. SL Navy beat Grand Prix 3 ½ – 2 ½ in the 3^rd round while they edged Kandy YMCA also 3 ½ – 2 ½ in the 4t round in the evening. Chamil Priyankara is leading the points battle with 3 ½ out of 4 while Oshen De Silva was also unbeaten with 3points out of possible four. LDP Madushan is also having 1 ½ points out of the 2 games he played.

The Blue and Gold who were in the 1^st equal in match points yesterday lost to the Sokians CC 3 ½ – 2 ½  in the morning, the 3^rd round. They strongly came back in the 4^th round scoring a 3 ½ – 2 ½ win against the Maroons Chess Club. Sasith Piyumantha and Kasun Wimalasuriya scored full points to Sokian’s from S Anojman & Isara Banindu Dahanayake while Minul Doluweera (photo above) beat Gihan de Silva for Blue and gold CC. The other three games were drawn.

Only, the National Chess Champion, Ranindu Liyanage, No. 2, Minul Doluweera and No. 4, Theekshana Denuwan is having four points out of possible 4 games showing that they are really superior.  Only Two girls in the event out of 80 players, Former Women’s National Chess Champions, WIM Sachini Ranasinghe are making the way with Sachini having 1 ½ out of 4 and Sayuni having 1 out of 3 games.

The Sri Lanka National Inter Club Chess Championship 2021 is conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from 26th February to 2nd March 2021 for a Rs. 120,000/= Prize fund at Sanhinda hall, Gangodawila. The strongest National Team Chess Championship is played on the round robin system with the strongest 10 Chess Clubs in Sri Lanka in 9 rounds. The games of the first 3 Matches are webcasted live using DGT Boards while a live streaming of the day is started at 5.00 p.m. all days in Chess Federation of Sri Lanka FB page with commentaries by the former National Chess Champion, Dulan Edirisinghe and FIDE Master LMST De Silva who is also one of the strongest Chess Player in Sri Lanka.

The Event is approved by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health as well as the Director General of Sports Medicine Institute of the Ministry of Health to play with the health guidelines. The CFSL has taken all precautions as per the health regulations published for COVID 19 prevention.

The event has become an exact battle for the supremacy of the Chess Clubs with local player since allowing 2 foreign players for a team rule could not be implemented due to the current COVID 19 preventive regulations.

The 5^th  round starts tomorrow at 9.00 a.m with the following pairing.

Anandians CC Vs Black & Gold CC, Sokians CC Vs Super Knight CC, Maroons CC Vs USJP CC, SL Navy CC Vs    Blue and Gold CC and Grand Prix CC Vs YMCA Kandy.

Standings after 4^th Round

1. University of Sri Jayawardenapura CC        8
2. SL Navy CC                                7
3. Blue and Gold CC                                6
4. Anandians CC                             4
5. Sokians CC                                4
6. Grand Prix CC                                3
7. Kandy YMCA                                3
8. Maroons CC                                2
9. Super Knights CC                                2
10. Black and Gold CC                                1

Live Games link

SL Super League (Sri Lanka Inter Club Super League)

Link https://view.livechesscloud.com#f4a7480d-5b8b-4e06-acba-03eab455ebe2

Five Players joined the lead after the 5^th round of the CFSL Inaugural Online Youth (Under 12Yrs) Championship 2021 scoring total points 5 out of five games at the close today. Haritha Hansana (in photo) from Denipitiya Primary Modal School in the top spot while Hasindu Gamage (DS Senanayake College), Dithnal Chandula (DS Senanayake College), Pamok Samaranayake (Rahula College, Matara), and Sithum Pahasara (Dhammissara National SChool) joined with him.

3 players Ashad Mohammed (Lycium International School), Jayandi Bimansa (Bandaragama Central College) and Aloka Hettiarachchi (Nalanda College) are closely following the leaders with just a half a point behind with 4 ½ points out of 5 games

Due to the pandemic situation Chess world changed to Online Chess and now the all the important events are in online as well. The CFSL started the youth Chess activities with the SL Online Youth (under 14 years ) and continued to under 14 Girls event in last 2 months. Both events were great successes with nearly 300 players in Open and 200 in Girls.

The CFSL Online Youth under 12 Yrs Championship is also going to be a remarkable event with a participation of 230 Chess Players from all over the country. The event is planned to have in the Chess.com flatform on 27th and 28th February 2021 according to the Swiss system in 9 round. The time control is 15 minutes per side + 10 second increment per each move played.

The event is played with very strict Anti-cheating guidelines according to the FIDE Laws. Only the laptops are allowed to play the event while all players are observed through a Zoom meeting open throughout the play. If anyone found cheating sever punishments are announced.

The winner is declared as the CFSL Online Youth Chess Champion for under 12 Years and Medals and Certificates will be offered. A virtual Prize Giving Ceremony will be held after the last round.

by Marlon Bernardino.
Ivan Travis Cu pocketed the top honors in the Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca 12th Birthday Celebration online rapid chess tournament held at the lichess platform on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
The San Juan City bet Cu collected six points on account of six wins and one loss in seven outings, organized by Mobile Chess Club Philippines Libangan Team.
Cu scored victories over Princess Simbajon in the first round, Joshua Mallari in the third round, Jian Carlo Rivera in the fourth round, Christian Tolosa in the fifth round, Oshrie Jhames Reyes in the sixth round and Al-Basher Buto in the seventh and final round. His only loss was at the hands of Arnel Mahawan Jr. in the second round.
“I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” said Cu, who is also the champion in the 1st Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament held at the lichess platform last February 13, 2021.
It shall be recalled that the 12-year-old Cu, a grade six pupil of Xavier School under the guidance of coach Rolly Yutuc, defeated Oscar Gao (rated 1595) of Australia in the eight and final round to finish second place in the Boys 10 and under of the 36th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships held at the Expo MAX Atria last Dec. 27–30, 2019. Cu who amassed seven wins and one loss got a total performance of 1622 for his effort.

(Final Standings: 7 Round Swiss System, 5 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format, 21-player’s field, )
6 points—Ivan Cu
5 points—Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Keith Adriane Ilar
4.5 points—Al-Basher Buto, Christian Tolosa, Monica Lorraine Togonon, Karl Adrian Dalauta
3.5 points—Arnel Mahawan Jr., Joshua Mallari, John Curt Valencia

by Marlon Bernardino. 
THE Cavite Spartans scored another 16.5-4.5 sterling victory over Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors to strengthen their bid in the on-going All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP)  Wednesday, (February 24, 2021) held online on the lichess platform.
After absorbing a heart-breaking loss to Zamboanga Sultans, 10-11, and Camarines Soaring Eagles, 8-13,  last Saturday (February 17, 2021), the Cavite woodpushers came back strong as Kevin Arquero (in photo, right), International Master Petronio Roca, Ricardo Batcho, Jayson Visca and Louercel Hernandez Ecot mauled their respective foes.
Arquero toppled National Master Edsel Montoya in 46 moves of Caro-Kann defense on board one, Roca dismantled National Master Mario Mangubat in 39 moves of Modern defense on board four, Batcho subdued Rex Androe Cabungcal in 37 moves of Caro-Kann defense on board five, Visca checkmated Franciso Rivera in 65 moves of Queen’s Pawn Game on board six while Ecot outclassed Dione Patrick Minoza in 41 moves of Stonewall System Opening on board seven to win the rapid section, 11-3, victory was sealed.
Allan Pason and Woman International Master Bernadette Galas carried the fight for the Dutchess Dagami Warriors.
Pason halved the point with Arena Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino in 18 moves of London System Opening on board two while Galas defeated Melizah Ruth Carreon in 74 moves of French defense on board three.
The Spartans encountered an easy win in the blitz portion, scoring a 5.5-1.5.
The Spartans improved to 11-10 win-loss record in the Northern Division while the Dutchess Dagami Warriors dropped to 6-15 in the Southern Division.
Prior to beating the Dutchess Dagami Warriors, the Spartans, bannered by Arquero, crushed the Cebu City Machers, 13.5-7.5.
The Spartans backed up by Rep. Jon-Jon A. Ferrer, Mayor Ony A. Ferrer, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga, Mam Elvira Roca of Skin Magical Dist4 ,CARSIGMA Cavite and JC Premiere Business Center Office Marikina look to another great performance Saturday night (February 27, 2021) when they face Iloilo Kisela Knights and Iriga City Oragons.
The 24-team pro chess tournament is organized by PCAP, headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria; Chairman Michael Angelo Chua; and treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal.
The games are sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra and supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

by Marlon Bernardino.
The Philippines’ youngest Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Panabo City, Davao del Norte ruled the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament last Monday, February 22, 2021 at lichess.org.
Arca, a grade six pupil (Neptune) of Panabo Central Elementary School, tallied a total of Arena 36 points to win the title, in this event which attracted 74 woodpushers and backed up by Bayanihan Chess Club founding chairman Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas and Bethesda, Maryland US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas, as well Bayanihan Chess Club board member Jimmy Reyes and Engr. Ernie Faeldonia and Mam Rhina Mallari Aristorenas .
“It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now. Winning the Battle of Sharp Kids Diamonds Arena Under-18 online chess tournament meant so much to me,” said Arca, who will celebrate his 12th birthday this coming Saturday.
“I’m really happy,” added Arca, whose local and international online chess campaign is supported by Atty. Jong Guevarra.
Karlycris Clarito Jr.of Pasig City finished second place with Arena 34 points, in the 10 minutes plus 2 seconds time control format, organized by FA/FT/AGM and NM Rudy Ibanez, who is also the Worldwide Junior coordinator for Sharp Kids Diamonds Team.
In third place is Darwin Villanueva Jr. of Tanauan, Batangas who scored Arena 32 points followed by fourth placer Jeremiah Yap Mendoza of Santa Maria, Romblon who notched Arena 28 points.
Rohanisah Buto of Cainta, Rizal and Kate Nicole Ordizo of Alaminos, Pangasinan, meantime finished tied for fifth to sixth places with Arena 26 point.
At 7th to 10th place were Cyrus James Damiray of Tanza, Cavite (24 pts.),  Carl Daluz of Bulan, Sorsogon (24 pts.), Ericka Ordizo of Alaminos, Pangasinan (24 pts.) and Jasper Faledonia of Odiongan, Romblon (22 pts.).