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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.

To Presidents and Secretaries of Zone 3.6 Federation Members, and new members

Dear members of the chess fraternity,

I am very happy to announce that GM Kevin Goh Wei Ming will be coming on board full time as the new SCF CEO from 25th November. He will step down as Vice-President of the SCF when he assumes this role.

Kevin is a chartered accountant by profession, and was the CFO of Lucence Group – a precision medicine company specialising in liquid biopsy technology for cancer patients – in his previous employment. During his stint with Lucence, he oversaw several fundraising rounds and the expansion of the company to four different cities.

Kevin is no stranger to the local and international chess community. He is Singapore’s second homegrown Grandmaster, and is also a seven-time National Champion. He has represented Singapore in 8 Chess Olympiads and 3 South-East Asian Games, where he won a total of three bronze medals. He has also authored a popular chess book (The Sicilian Najdorf 6 Bg5. Chess Developments. Everyman Chess. ISBN 978-1781940211) that was widely rated highly by chess players globally.

Besides being a strong chess athlete, Kevin has served actively in the chess community for almost two decades. He has coached numerous individuals and teams in Singapore and the region towards achieving chess excellence, generously sharing his extensive opening preparation and experience. He has also organised events to promote the popularity of the game, including the Chess against Covid charity initiative in 2020 that raised over SGD160,000 for Lakeside Family Services’ Caring Amidst Covid-19 Fund.

Due to his achievements and contributions to chess, Kevin has won several accolades which are unprecedented for a chess athlete. For instance, he had won the NTU Sportsman of the Year award in 2005 and was included in Tatler Asia’s prestigious Gen-T list of leaders of tomorrow in 2020.

During his brief tenure as VP of the SCF, he led the organization of the very successful Singapore Chess Festival in 2022, established the Singapore Chess Magazine, brought in GM Thomas Luther as the SCF’s Training Director and revamped our dated training program for our top players, setting up the National Squads in the process. He was also instrumental in raising the funds that made the above possible.

Kevin has many more ideas to increase the popularity of chess here in Singapore, and to link us more closely to the regional and international chess community. I have every confidence that with Kevin at the helm and with all your support, we will have a vibrant, growing local community with more and better events. We can also look forward to greater international success for our players, and for Singapore to feature more prominently on the global chess scene.

Dr Hsu Li Yang
President

Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2022 and Sheikh Kamal First Division Chess League-2022

Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2022 sponsored by Saif Powertech Limited began Wednesday 30th November at the Crown Hall, Asia Hotel & Resort, Label-11, Topkhana Road. Visit chess-results.com

Eleven teams are participating in this year’s Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2022. Three consecutive times Premier Division Chess League champion Bangladesh Police got off to a good start by defeating Leonine Chess Club by 4-0 game points. GM Ziaur Rahman, Indian GM Sandipan Chanda, GM Harsha Bharathakoti and FM Mehdi Hasan Parag on behalf of Bangladesh Police team won against Ahmed Hossain Majumdar, FM Mohammed Abdul Malek, Indian IM Muthaiah Al and WFM Tanima Parveen of Lionine Chess Club respectively.

Palli Sanchay Bank got off to a good start by defeating Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar by 4-0 game points. GM Niaz Murshed, Shafiq Ahmed, Russian GM Rakhmanov Aleksandr and FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia of Palli Sanchay Bank defeated Md. Mesbah Uddin, Habibur Rahman Sohel, Abdul Momin and Warsia Khusbu of Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar respectively.

Last year’s runners-up Saif Sporting Club had a break in this round.

The Sheikh Kamal 1^st Division Chess League-2022 started at the same time at Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-Room. Bangabandhu Premier Division Chess League-2022 and Sheikh Kamal First Division Chess League-2022 are being held in round robin league format.

FM Arash Daghli of Iran won the FISU World University Chess Championship 2022 for men held 12-17 September 2022 in Antwerp Belgium. Daghli won undefeated with 7.5 points in the 9 round Swiss with time control of 90 minutes for the entire game plus a 30-second increment starting on move one. Chess-results. Thirty six players from 15 countries joined the event (see table below).

The 2022 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports has come to an end and its champions are known.

In the men’s category Arash Daghli from Iran managed to keep his half-point lead over the other players, although he certainly had to fight for it. His fellow Iranian and opponent Mahdi Gholami Orimi could still win the title if he beat Arash, followed by an interesting and sharp game that saw Mahdi attacking from the beginning. However, after Dimitris Alexakis lost on board 2, Arash was certain that a draw would be sufficient to get the world title and he could play safely against his teammate. In the end Mahdi didn’t manage to force a win and Arash secured the world title with a draw against his opponent.

Where Arash was the clear favorite to win the men’s title, it was anyone’s guess who would grasp the women’s title. No less than eleven players still had a chance to end up with a (tied) first place. It is no wonder then that all of the top boards saw great attacking play from both sides. After a couple of hours, it seemed like Fiona Sieber and Katarzyna Dwilewicz had the best chances of ending up on top. When Fiona won her game, it was up to Katarzyna to tie for the first place with her. However, Katarzyna’s opponent Anastasia Avramidou proved her worth and managed to neutralize Katarzyna’s advantage. A draw was agreed, leaving one player ahead of the pack. As a result, Fiona Sieber goes home with the women’s World University Champion title.

The winners of standard chess and blitz chess competition were awarded at the Official Awarding Ceremony.

Women’s Standard Chess Champions:

1. Fiona Sieber – Germany – 6.5
2. Anastasia Avramidou – Greece – 6
3. Anna Kubicka – Poland – 6

Men’s Standard Chess Champions:

1. Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran – 7
2. Igor Janik – Poland – 6.5
3. Tin Jingyao – Singapore – 6.5

TEAM Classical Chess Podium:
(including 3 best players)

1. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN – Arash Dashli – Mobina Alinasab – Mahdi Gholami Orimi –  19.0
   (Zhina Paktinat – Tannaz Azali )
2. POLAND – Igor Janik – Anna Kubicka – Katarzyna Dwilewicz – 18.5
   (Marcin Molenda, Patryk Chylewski, Alicia Sliwicka , Julia Antolak – Honorata Kucharska)
3. GERMANY – Tristan Niermann – Fiona Sieber – Steffi Arnold – 17
   (Simon Leeb, Olga Weis)

Women’s Blitz Chess Champions:

1. Alicja Sliwicka – Poland – 6.5
2. Honorata Kucharska – Poland – 6
3. Mobina Alinasab – Islamic Republic of Iran – 6

Men’s Blitz Chess Champions:

1. Tin Jingyao – Singapore – 7.5
2. Igor Janik – Poland – 7.5
3. Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran – 7

TEAM Blitz Chess Podium:

(including 3 best players)

1. POLAND – Igor Janik – Alicia Sliwicka – Honorata Kucharska – 20.0
   (Marcin Molenda, Patryk Chylewski, Anna Kubicka, Katarzyna Dwilewicz, Julia Antolak)
2. ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN – Arash Dashli – Mobina Alinasab – Mahdi Gholami Orimi –  18.5
   (Zhina Paktinat – Tannaz Azali )
3. FRANCE – Yovann Gatineau – Elise Tomasi – Floryan Eugene – 15.0
   (Sarah Djidjeli)

During this tournament, no less than 5 players have achieved a norm needed to obtain a higher FIDE title.

The following two men achieved a norm to obtain the title of FIDE International Master:

• Arash Daghli – Islamic Republic of Iran
• Marcin Molenda – Poland

The following three women achieved a norm to obtain the title of FIDE Women International Master

• Anastasia Avramidou – Greece
• Honorata Kucharska – Poland
• Katarzyna Dwilewicz – Poland

WFM Noshin Anjum of Bangladesh Navy became unbeaten champion in the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib 41^st National Women’s Chess Championship-2022. The event was sponsored by Abul Khair Group and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation at the Chess Federation Hall-Room, 2^nd floor of the old building of National Sports Council.

WFM Noshin earned 8½ points to clinch the national woman chess title. WIM Rani Hamid of Bangladesh Ansar became runner-up with 7½ points. Kazi Zarin Tasnim of Bangladesh Navy & Nusrat Jahan Alo of Bangladesh Police earned 7 points each and tying for 3^rd & 4^th places. They will play-off in a match. WFM Nazrana Khan Eva of Manikganj became 5^th with 6 points. WCM Ahmed Walijah & Wadifa Ahmed of Bangladesh Navy and WArsia Khusbu of Dhaka city earned 5½ points each. They will have play-off matches for 5^th, 6^th & 7^th position.

Last year’s woman champion WCM Jannatul Ferdous of Bangladesh Police and Tasnia Tarannum Orpa of Dhaka City earned 4½ points each, they will play play-off matches for the 9^th and 10^th position. Umme Taslima Protiva Takulder of Bogura became 11^th with 2½ points and Sabiha Marjana of Rajshahi Division became 12^th with 2 points. 11^th or last round games were held on today (Monday). In the last round game: WFM Noshin drew with Alo, WIM Rani Hamid drew with Wadifa, Zarin beat Khusbu, WCM Jannat beat Protiva. The event was held in round-robin league system and total 12 players participated. The play-off matches will start tomorrow (Tuesday) from 3:00 PM at same venue.

Roll of Honor: 1979- WIM Rani Hamid, 1980- WIM Rani Hamid, 1981- WIM Rani Hamid,1982- WIM Rani Hamid,1983- WIM Rani Hamid,1984- WIM Rani Hamid,1985- Yesmin Begum, 1986- Yesmin Begum, 1987- Not held, 1988- WIM Rani Hamid, 1989- WFM Syeda Shabana Parveen, 1990- WIM Rani Hamid, 1991- WFM Tanima Parveen, 1992- WIM Rani Hamid, 1993- WFM Zakia Sultana, 1994- WFM Tanima Parveen, 1995- WFM Syeda Shabana Parveen, 1996- WIM Rani Hamid, 1997- WFM Syeda Shabana Parveen, 1998- Woman nternational Master Rani Hamid, 1999- WIM Rani Hamid, 2000- WFM Nazrana Khan Eva, 2001- WIM Rani Hamid, 2002- WFM Syeda Shabana Parveen, 2003- WFM Syeda Shabana Parveen, 2004- WIM Rani Hamid, 2005- WIM Shamima Akter Liza, 2006- WIM Rani Hamid, 2007- WIM Rani Hamid, 2008- Women International Master Rani Hamid, 2009- WFM Sharmin Sultana Shirin, 2010- WIM Shamima Akter Liza, 2011- WIM Rani Hamid, 2012- Woman FIDE Sharmin Sultana Shirin, 2013- Not Held, 2014- WIM Shamima Akter Liza, 2015- WIM Shamima Akter Liza, 2016-WFM Nazrana Khan Eva. 2017- Woman FIDE Sharmin Sultana Shirin, 2018-WIM Rani Hamid, 2019-WIM Rani Hamid, 2020-Not Held, 2021-WCM Jannatul Ferdous, 2022-WFM Noshin Anjum.

AICF bags Best National Sports Federation of the year award at TURF 2022 & India Sports Awards of FICCI; R B Ramesh adjudged Best Coach

New Delhi (27 Nov 2022):- All India Chess Federation bagged the Award for the Best National Sports Federation of the year at the TURF 2022 & India Sports Awards by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Saturday. Grandmaster R B Ramesh bagged the Best Coach award.

On behalf of AICF, Dr Vipnesh Bhardwaj, Secretary and Shri Naresh Sharma, Treasurer received the award in a colourful function at the FICCI House Delhi.

In other categories, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar who support chess in a big way becomes the Best Educational Institute Promoting Sports while Deputy Editor of the Hindu, Shri Rakesh Rao adjudged as the Sports Journalist of the Year in print medium.