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The games of Bangabandhu 47^th National Chess Championship under the financial sponsorship of Abul Khair Group and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation began from today (Thursday) afternoon at the Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-Room.

A total of 14 players including 4 grandmasters, 2 International Masters, 4 FIDE Masters and 2 Candidate Masters are participating in this year’s Bangabandhu 47^th National Chess Championship-2022 in round robin league system.

In the first round games today, reigning national chess champion GM Enamul Hossain Razib, last time runner-up GM Ziaur Rahman, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman, FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia of Bangladesh Ansar, IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin of Bangladesh Navy and CM Manon Reja Neer of Bangladesh Police won their first round game and got full points.

Anata Choudhury drew with GM Niaz Murshed. In the first round, GM Niaz played with black pieces in the Sicilian defense, the game continued to Taimanov variation and GM Niaz drew with Anata after 60 moves.

GM Razib defeated FM Mehdi Hasan Parag of Bangladesh Police. GM Razib played with black pieces, in the Taimanov variation of Sicilian defense and won against FM Parag after 35 moves.

GM Zia beat his teammate GM Reefat Bin Sattar. GM Zia played with white pieces against English Defense of GM Reefat and GM Zia won at 33 moves.

IM Fahad defeated FM Khandekar Aminul Islam of Bangladesh Navy. IM Fahad played with white pieces against FM Amin’s Queen’s Gambit accepted and IM Fahad won at 47 moves.

IM Minha CM Md Shawket Bin Osman Shaon of Dhaka City. IMaster Minhaz played with black pieces against Nimzo-Indian Defense of CM Shaon and IM Fahad won after 52 moves.

CM Neer defeats FM Subrota Biswas. CM Neer played with white pieces against Caro-Kann defense of FM Subrota, the game continued Tartakower Variation and CM Neer won at 30^th moves. FM Tahsin defeated Hrishin Talukdar of Chattogram. FM Tahsin played with black pieces with Caro-Kann defense and won against Hrish after 36 moves.

Saif Sporting Club became unbeaten champion in the Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2022 sponsored by Saif Powertech Limited held at the Asia Hotel & Resort, Topkhana Road. Saif Sporting Club earned 18 points out of 10 matches to clinch the Premier League title.

Players of Saif Sporting Club are: GM Enamul Hossain Razib, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman, Indian GM S L Narayanan, Iranian GM Idani Pouya and FM Subrota Biswas. IO, WCM Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly was non playing captain of Saif Sporting Club.

Last three years Premier Chess League champion Bangladesh Police became runners-up. Bangladesh Police earned 16 points out of 10 matches. Players of Bangladesh Police are: CM Manon Reja Neer, GM Ziaur Rahman, Indian GM Sandipan Chanda, CM Sakline Mostafa Sajid and Indian GM Harsha Bharathakoti & FM Mehdi Hasan Parag. Dr. Shoeb Reaz Alam is non playing captain of Bangladesh Police.

New team of Premier Division chess Palli Sanchoy Bank became 3^rd with 15 points. Players of Palli Sanchoy Bank are: GM Niaz Murshed (Captain), Shafiq Ahmed, Georgia Pantsulaia Levan, Russian GM Rakhmanov Aleksandr, FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia and Md Anichuzzaman.

Manha’s Castle & Bangladesh Biman earned 14 points each. Their position was decided by game points. Manha’s Castel became 4^th with 26½ game points and Bangladesh Biman became 5^th with 25½ points. Leonie Chess Club became 6^th with 10 points, Titas Club became 7^th with 9 points, Uttara Central Chess Club became 8^th with 6 points, Sheikh Russel Chess Club became 9^th with 4 points, Rupali Bank Krira Parisad became 10^th 2 points and Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar became 11^th with 1 points.

Board Prizes- First Board-GM Enamul Hussain Razib of Saif Sporting Club, 7½ points out 9 games rating performance 2459, Second Board-GM Mendonca Leon Luke of Manha’s Castle, 7½ points in 10 games, rating performance -2442, 3^rd Board- GM Diptayan Ghosh, 7½ points in 10 games, rating performance-2553, 4^th board-GM Rakhmanov Alekandr of Palli Sanchoy Bank, 8 points out of 10 games, rating performance-2622, Reserve 1- GM Harsha Bharathakoti of Bangladesh Police, 8 points out of 10 games, rating performance-2557 and Reserve 2- Asif Mahmud of Leonine Chess Club, 2½ points, out of 6 games, rating performance-2212.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA–Filipino Grandmaster John Paul Gomez forged a four-way tie for the lead after scoring a crucial third-round victory in the MCPL’s Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess Festival in General Santos on Wednesday, Dec. 14. In photo above are all Filipino titled players and Chief Arbiter IA Patrick Lee and Deputy Chief Arbiter IA James Infiesto. In photo below are all foreign players. The tournament is financially supported by FIDE Open Aid Project through the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Gomez defeated International Master Michael Concio Jr. in 56 moves of a Guioco Piano Opening to share the top spot with fellow three pointers GMs Hovhannes Gabuzyan of Armenia, Lucas Van Foreest of the Netherlands and Pier Luigi Basso of Italy in this event that coincided with the 44th birthday of patron and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao o,n Saturday.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings, Instagram, Twitter, and facebook.

Gomez, 37, who was the country’s best scorer with an undefeated seven points out of 10 games in the World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India early this year, showed his vast knowledge of the opening and his superb endgame technique to ground the 17-year-old Concio.

Thanks to the win, the Binan, Laguna native continued to inch closer to reigning supreme in this nine-round tournament that stakes P1.14 million to the eventual titlist, the biggest prize in recent years.

Gabuzyan toppled American IM John Daniel Bryant; Van Foreest routed Russian Konstanin Sek; and Basso subdued Filipino IM Kim Steven Yap.

In the chase pack just half a point behind with 2.5 points were six others headed by FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri, who crushed Jeriel Manlimbana.

GM Darwin Laylo, GM Vitaly Sivuk of Sweden, GM Joey Antonio, IM Cris Ramayrat, IM Rolando Nolte and FM Jeth Romy Morado were in that same bunch of 2.5 pointers.

Panabo City wonder boy and Dasmarinas City, Cavite resident, 13-year-old National Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca (above left) sustained his fairy tale run as he followed up his stunning win over ninth seed IM Dragos Ceres of Moldova (above right) in the opening round Tuesday with two straight draws with Ramayrat and IM Chito Garma to climb to a huge group with two points.

The 13 years old Arca, Grade 8 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, playing under the guidance of Rep. Pidi Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, National Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, and Class Adviser Mrs. Melinda Calumaya, wielded the Caro-Kann Defense with impunity and delivered the knockout blow via an unstoppable queenside passed pawn to hack out the stunning 57-move win.

When it was over, the 18-year-old Ceres, a European Under-15 silver winner and a reserve of the Moldovan team that saw action in Chennai Olympiad early this year, was left with two pawns down, an exposed king and an Arca b-file pawn ready to get promoted to a queen.

Arca was eyeing a fitting follow up to his mammoth win as he was clashing with veteran IM Cris Ramayrat in the second round at press time.

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA—International Master Michael Concio Jr. scored a crucial win over Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego in the ninth and final round to claim the championship of the 6th Edition of Kamatyas Rapid Invitational Chess Tournament 2022 dubbed as Chess Avengers held at the SM City Sucat in Paranaque City last Saturday, Dec.10.

Photo shows from left IM Ronald Dableo (2nd), IM Michael Concio Jr. (champion) and IM Angelo Abundo Young (3rd).
Also in photo Kamatyas Chess Club president International Master Roderick Nava and Kamatyas Chess Club co-founding head David Almirol Jr

After losing to International Master Ronald Dableo in the sixth round, Concio bounced back with aplomb to down FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado, National Master Christian Mark Daluz and San Diego in his last three assignments.

That was all Concio needed to nail the title with the highest output of 8.0 points in nine rounds. He pocketed P30,000 for his efforts in this FIDE rated tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Concio, figured in a triple tie with Dableo and International Master Angelo Abundo Young with similar 8.0 points but Concio settled for the top honors by virtue of a higher tie-breaker.

Dableo and Young got P10,000 and P7,000 for winding up second and third, respectively.

Actually, Dableo was a full point ahead going to the last round but was beaten by Young.

“I am very happy with this victory,” said the 17-year-old Concio, a Grade 12 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, National Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, Mr. Martin Meneses and Papadu Sportswear.

International Master Daniel Quizon finished solo fourth with 7.5 points followed by Rowell Roque, Morado, National Master Prince Mark Aquino, Mark Daluz and Kevin Mirano with 7.0 points each.

In tenth place was San Diego who had 6.5 points in a tie with FIDE Master David Elorta, National Master NM Noel Dela Cruz  and Chester Neil Reyes but the former (San Diego) was given the tenth spot with superior tie break.

Earlier, Kamatyas Chess Club co-founding head David Almirol Jr., Kamatyas Chess Club president International Master Roderick Nava, San Diego and 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., made the ceremonial moves to kick off the one-day rapid tournament also graced by International Arbiter Reden Cruz, FIDE National Arbiter Byron Gabrentina Villar, National Arbiters Boyet Tardecilla and Fedinand “Ferdie” Reyes Sr. of the Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation.

Final Standings: (150 participants)
8.0 points—IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Ronald Dableo, IM Angelo Abundo Young
7.5 points—IM Daniel Quizon
7.0 points—Rowell Roque, FM Jeth Romy Morado, NM Prince Mark Aquino, NM Christian Mark Daluz, Kevin Mirano
6.5 points—WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, FM David Elorta , NM Noel Dela Cruz , Chester Neil Reyes

The 5th Leaders Abu Dhabi Business Summit will be held 1-2 March 2023 at the Yas Marina Circuit in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sport Council.

Combining over 400 senior leaders in sport from across the globe with world renowned sports venues and topics that look towards the future of sport. This event will give sports leaders a chance to learn, connect and experience the opportunities for sport in Abu Dhabi.

The key themes that we will be covering include:

• Importance of sporting landmarks
• Keeping fans involved
• Navigating the transition from Web2 to Web3
• From global to grassroots

Among the fantastic speakers already confirmed are Peter Silverstone, Chief Commercial Officer, Newcastle United, Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer, Arsenal, Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals & Benny Bonsu, Director of Daily Content, International Olympic Committee.

Early bird rate is £795+VAT until the middle of January where it will increase to £995+VAT.

Visit The Sport Business Summit, Abu Dhabi – Sport Business (leadersinsport.com)

by Marlon Bernardino MANILA–After two months of elimination phase and playoffs, the Negros Kingsmen and the Pasig City King Pirates will be squaring off in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) grand finals.
This came after the Negros Kingsmen beat the Davao Chess Eagles, 12-9, 4-17, 2-1 (Armageddon), in the Southern division finals while Pasig City King Pirates trounced the San Juan Predators, 15-6, 12-9, in the Northern division finals dubbed as Wesley So Cup season 2 online chess tournament held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
“The Negros Kingsmen maiden grand final championship vs Pasig will be a historic meeting of the best of the best.” said sportsman/National Master Tony Aguirre, one of the five co-team owners of the Negros Kingsmen together with Antonio Martin Olendo, Jeanshen Rosalem, Atty. Rodelio Solon and Atty. Marlon Padayhag.
International Master Joel Pimentel subdued FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus on Board One while FIDE Master David Elorta toppled National Master Dale Bernardo on Board Two to clinch the victory for Negros Kingsmen in the three-game playoffs.
FIDE Master Sander Severino averted a shutout for Davao when he defeated FIDE Master Mari Joseph Turqueza on Board Three.
The two teams went all out, with Negros winning the first match, 12-9, and Davao of Atty. Jong Guevarra and team captain Chris Yap taking the second match,17-4, to send the match into Armageddon.
In the North division finals, Pasig City King Pirates of Mayor Vico Sotto, Coach Franco Camillo and Expedito Bolico relied on the heroic wins of Grandmaster Mark Paragua, Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, International Master Eric Labog Jr., Kevin Arquero and draws by International Master Cris Ramayrat Jr. to dominate the rapid phase,9-5, and claim the win in the first set.
Pasig, earlier crushed San Juan, 6-1, in the blitz category.
In the second set, Pasig edged San Juan, 4-3, in the blitz event but smashed in the rapid play, 9-5, to arrange a titular showdown with Negros.
“Congrats to our team Pasig City King Pirates for winning in North Division Championship.” said Coach Franco Camillo.
PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines led by chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.
The PCAP was established in collaboration with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with the end view of bringing further to the fore the sport of chess, which has experienced a resurgence during the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Game on Saturday/Dec. 10:
Grand Finals
Championship
Negros vs Pasig
Battle for third
Davao vs San Juan

The 1st Ly Hout Chess FIDE Rated Championship is scheduled 10-11 December 2022 at 32-36 St.242 Sang Kat Beung Prolit Khan 7 Makara in Cambodia. This is the first FIDE rated event in Cambodia who joined FIDE in the year 2000.  Congratulations to IA K.K. Chan, president of Hong Kong Chess Federation, who liaised with Ly Hout, President of Cambodian Chess Federation. In photo, K.K.Chan (6th from left) with local Arbiters he is training in Cambodia.

“If I succeed here good chance international chess will be inserted into the SEA games,” K.K. said. “That’s the reason I spend so much time here pro bono very costly but if successful well rewarded,” he added.

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by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA–Pasig City King Pirates and Davao Chess Eagles advanced to the finals of their respective divisions in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup season 2 online chess tournament held at Chess.com Platform on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Pasig brought down Manila Indios Bravos of Atty. Joey Elauria and Val Mendoza, 14.5-6.5, 8.5-12.5, and 2-1 in Armageddon in the Northern Division, while Davao survived Toledo City Trojans,11.5-9.5, 10.5-10.5, and 2-1 Armageddon in the Southern Division.

IM Eric Labog Jr. toppled FM Deniel Causo, while GM Mark Paragua escaped in a losing position against FM Nelson “Elo” Mariano III to clinch the victory for Pasig team of Mayor Vico Sotto, coach Franco Camillo and Expedito Bolico in the three-game playoffs.

IM Ronald Dableo averted a shutout for Manila when he defeated GM Oliver Barbosa.

The two teams went all out, with Pasig winning the first match, 14.5-6.5, and Manila taking the second match, 8.5-12.5, to send the match into Armageddon.

In the North final, Pasig will meet San Juan Predators of PCAP chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua and coach Hubert Estrella, 11.5-9.5 and 14.5-6.5 winner over inaugural PCAP All-Filipino Conference champion Laguna Heroes of Dr. Fred Paez in the other semifinal.

Over in the South, Davao team of Atty. Jong Guevarra and team captain Chris Yap relied on FM Austin Jacob Literatus and FM Sander Severino to eliminate the hard-fighting Toledo side.

Literatus subdued Ronald Ganzon while Severino nipped NM Merben Roque. However, NM Dale Bernardo was beaten by Allan Pason of Toledo.

Davao’s championship opponent is Negros Kingsmen of Antonio Martin Olendo and Jeanshen Rosalem, who swept Iloilo Kisela Knights of team owner Leo Sotaridona, 13.5 – 7.5, and 12.5 – 8.5.

PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines led by chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA–Laguna Heroes advanced to the Northern Division semifinals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online chess tournament after eliminating Isabela Knights of Alexander in the two-match quarterfinals, 18-3 and 15.5-5.5, held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday, Nov.30.
The Laguna Heroes banked on the chess prowess of their seasoned veterans from the get-go.
GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., FM Roel Abelgas and ACM Michella Concio led Laguna during the back-and-forth blitz category where they ended up leading by three points,5-2.
However, Laguna pulverized Isabela in the rapid play, 13-1, with Barcenilla, Abelgas, Concio, IM Angelo Abundo Young, Apollo Agapay and AGM Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo delivered the wins while Richie Jocson added a draw.
During the second game, Laguna started strong in the blitz category that rewarded them with an early 4.5-2.5 lead in the first seven playing boards.
Laguna trounced Isabela in the rapid play, 11-3.
Best players for Laguna were Barcenilla and Abelgas who both tallied perfect 6.0 points apiece.
The Laguna Heroes’ huge win over the Isabela Knights of Alexander will set up a highly-anticipated northern division semifinals clash against San Juan Predators who swept Cavite Spartans, 12.5-8.5 and 17-4, in two games during the quarterfinals.
In the other quarterfinals results of the northern division, the Pasig King Pirates smashed the Rizal Batch Towers by twin sets of scores, 21-1, to arrange a final four duel with the Manila Indios Bravos, who brought down Cagayan Kings, 11-10, and 15-6.
“We were able to improve our results in the quarterfinals against Isabela. Though we had bigger winning margins compared to the eliminations, the matches were still tough and exciting.” said AGM Dr. Fred Paez of Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and St. Peregrine Dental Clinic,  one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Inc., Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippines Corp. and Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods.
“Against San Juan in the Division Semifinals, it will surely be hard. The team is strong in every board and Coach Hubert, a well-experienced coach, will surely prepare a good game plan. To be able to beat this team, we have to, at least, equalize in the lower boards.” he added.
In the Southern Division, Davao Chess Eagles ending the Tacloban Vikings Cinderella run 16.5-4.5 and 17-4,  the Toledo Trojans ousted the Palawan, 14.5-6.5 and 13-8, the Iloilo Kisela Knights defeated the Camarines-Iriga Soaring Eagles 16.5-4.5 and 12.5-8.5, and lastly, the Negros Kingsmen weren’t troubled by the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates by the twin scores of 16-5.