National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (above center) regained his form coming from the loser brackets and edged National Master Jeremy Marticio 2-1 in the Single Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SiKAT) held December 6, 2024 at the Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
Bernardino, a certified United States chess master, lost to Marticio in the first game and was relegated to the loser’s bracket.
But Bernardino, 47, a veteran sportswriter and radio commentator bounced back from the grave beating Juan Patallo, Roger Abisan, Candidate Master Genghis Imperial and National Master Romeo Alcodia, to move into the Finals. Marticio had to beat all opponents including Imperial and Alcodia.
In the finals, Bernardino had to beat Marticio (above right) twice.
Bernardino playing black with 5 minutes drew with Marticio who had white and 6 minutes in their King’s Indian skirmish.
In Armageddon format, a player with the black pieces needs a draw to secure the win.
Then Bernardino with white and 6 minutes defeated Marticio with black and 5 minutes in their second game tie breaker of the Catalan Opening.
“‘I am very happy with the results. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome,” said the Quezon City and Mandaluyong City bet Bernardino, who just arrived in Manila December 2nd from a 15 days European sojourn.
Bernardino was the coach and delegation head of the PH chess team who won 2 golds and 1 bronze medal in the 32nd FIDE World Senior Chess Championship held Nov. 16-29, 2024 in Porto Santo Island, Portugal.
Among those who are supporting his chess campaign here and abroad are ALC Group of Companies Chairman and CEO D. Edgard Cabangon , Mayor Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV, International Billiard and Snooker Champion Marlon Manalo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/ President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. , CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and Mr. Jessie Villasin.
It shall be recalled that Bernardino achieved another remarkable victory by winning first place in the 3rd Laos International Chess Open 2024 held September 1 to 6 at the 2nd floor Parkson@ Naga Mall in Vientiane, Laos.
He is set to compete in the Penang International Open Chess Championship to be held on December 23 to 27, 2024 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia upon the invitation of Penang Chess Association President Atty. See Swee Sie.