by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. won the 3rd edition of the BVP Santos Optical Arbiter Online Chess Tournament Sunday, July 4, 2021 at lichess.org.
MANILA, Philippines—National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. won the 3rd edition of the BVP Santos Optical Arbiter Online Chess Tournament Sunday, July 4, 2021 at lichess.org.
Bernardino, an online Arena Grandmaster and a veteran sportswriter put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the Open crown with 77 points and take home the top prize of P250 in this bullet 1 minute plus 1 second increment time control format, backed up by Dr. Bien Ven P. Santos, an Optometrist in Ibaba, Malabon.
“I didn’t look to defend my title, just to play my best,” said, Bernardino, one of the top players of the multi-titled Rizal Technological University chess team during his College days in the mid 90’s.
“I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the arbiter players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” added Bernardino, a certified United States chess master, FIDE Arbiter and FIDE trainer.
Rounding up the top five are second placer National Master Julius Sinangote of Quezon City (65 points), third placer Tino Laurio of Masbate (56 points), fourth placer National Master Cesar Mariano of Iloilo City (46 points) and fifth placer Engr. Joel Hicap of Muntinlupa City (43 points).
Bernardino placed 5th overall in the first edition of the BVP Santos Optical Arbiter Online Chess Tournament last June 20, 2021 and took home the title in the second edition last June 27, 2021.
He also won the Rizaldy Galleros Over The Board Chess Championship last June 25, 2021 at the Goldland Chess Club in East Village, Cainta, Rizal.
Bernardino is the founding president of the Bayanihan Chess Club.
A file photo before the global pandemic, FIDE Master Robert Ramos Suelo Jr. (left) and National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. (right), boards 1-2 of the multi-titled Rizal Technological University chess team during their College days in the mid 90’s.