GM Barcenilla wins Online Philippine National Bullet Chess Championship
Reigning Philippine National Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. won the online 1st Philippine National Bullet Chess Championship at chess.com Monday, March 23, 2020.
Barcenilla, a two-time Asian Junior champion, 1989 in India and 1990 in Dubai, and 1991 bronze medalist in the World Juniors championship in Romania, split the point with FM Sander Severino in the final round to clinch the title of the 18-round 200 player tournament. The tournament was sponsored by Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., who is also the chairman/president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Barcenilla is based in Arizona, USA, Many other overseas Filipinos joined the 200 player event. Barcenilla, the pride of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City, registered a total score of 15 points from 14 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses.
“It was a great feeling winning in this tough 200 player 18 round tournament,” said the Iloilo born Barcenilla, who also has roots from Cebu and Iligan City.
International Master Daniel Quizon came second with 14 points followed by third placer non-master Samson Chhiu Chhin Lim with 13.5 points and fourth placer 13-time Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. with 13 points, who also won the top Senior award.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 1st leg of our 1st Philippine National Bullet Chess Championship online! After 18 rounds of gruelling non-stop bullet chess action, our reigning National Champion in Standard Chess GM Rogelio Barcenilla proved to all that he is also very strong in this extremely fast format of chess. The best is also the fastest! Although already 47 years old, he outpaced the field and finished a full point ahead of the 2nd placer, 15-year old IM Daniel Quizon. Hurray for GM Banjokov! Walang kupas talaga ang ating Grandmaster from Cebu!” said tournament director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, the chess federation executive director.
“The lightning kid from Dasmariñas, IM Daniel Maravilla Quizon, also proved his strength in this format by placing solo 2nd in this very strong and start-studded field. Finally, the surprise solo third placer is Samson Chhiu Chhin Lim from UST. Although untitled, he defeated GM Barcenilla and IM Richeliu Salcedo in successive rounds to finish alone in third place! Bravo!” last word of Atty. Orbe.
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