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Sheikh Russell Cup Invitational Team Chess Championship 2022 under the patronage of Saif Powertech Limited has started 13th September at Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-Room on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Russell Day.

Before the start of the games, the opening ceremony was held in the Conference-Room on the ground floor of the old building of the National Sports Council. Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mejbah Uddin officially inaugurated the event as the chief guest. Tarafder Md. Ruhul Saif, Director of Saif Powertech Limited, was present as guest of honor. Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation and President of Zone 3.2 of World Chess Federation (FIDE), was present as a special guest. KM Shahidulllah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation presided over the ceremony. Major Farukh Ahmed Khan (Retd), Executive Director of SAIF POWERTEC Limited, Masudur Rahman Mallik Dipu, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation, two executive members of Bangladesh Chess Federation Md. Moniruzzaman Palash and Sajal Mahmud and Chief Arbiter Md. Haroon Or Rashid were present at the event.

Apart from Bangladesh, all the countries of Zone 3.2 of the World Chess Federation, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are participating in this six-nation invitational team chess event. All teams will participate in the round robin league system. At the end of the first phase, the Super League will be held with the top three teams. The Super League will also be held in round robin league format. A total of 10,000 USD will be awarded in this event, of which the champion team will receive 4,000 USD, the runner-up team will receive 3,000 USD, the third-placed team will receive 2,000 USD and the fourth-placed team will receive 1,000 USD.

First round matches started after the inauguration ceremony, in the 1^st round Bangladesh played with Sri Lanka, Pakistan played Maldives and Nepal played Bhutan.

The second round matches are Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Bhutan vs Sri Lanka and Maldives vs Nepal.

Yuma Okabe, 15, a first year student at Tokay High School in Japan, is the first foreign player registered for the Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championship scheduled 17 to 26 November 2022 at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Okabe was 11th at WSCC 2022 U15 Open.

The deadline for registration is 17th October 2022. Federations may submit the Registration Form Asian Jrs and Girls 2022 to asianchessfederation@yahoo.com and casto.abundo@gmail.com. Visit previous announcement on Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships to play in Knights Templar – Asian Chess

Other countries expected to participate are strong juniors and girls from the chess powers of India, Iran, Uzbekistan and neighboring countries of Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Host Philippines will be represented by national juniors and girls champions FM Alekhine Nouri and Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian who are competing now at the World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Italy.

MANILA—The Laguna Heroes beat Isabela and Cavite to maintain their place as Northern division’s best team in the ongoing 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) conference Oct. 8 at Chess.com Platform.

With the twin wins, the Laguna Heroes notched their fourth-consecutive win in the tournament and improved their win-loss record.

“Cavite (photo above) and Isabela (photo below) are great teams. We would like to congratulate Laguna for scoring twin victories tonight. The decision of GM John Paul Gomez to play in the 3rd Conference is a big help to bring up the morale and confidence of Laguna Heroes.” said Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Inc, Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippines Corp. and Dr. Fred Paez of Jolly Smile Dental Clinic.

Laguna was fresh off a stellar match day against Manila and Cagayan and continued their surge after asserting their mastery over Isabela,16.5-4.5, and Cavite, 12-9.

The Heroes held Isabela to two points after the blitz category,4.5-2.5 , and struck the final blow in the last seven playing boards after winning six of them, 12-2.

Laguna’s performance against Isabela became one of their best offensive outputs and brought their momentum against Cavite in the very next game.
Richie Jocson scored another 6/6, while GM John Paul Gomez, IM Angelo Abundo Young and FM Abelgas scored 5/6.

Jocson blasted Arena GM Melchor Fronda III and Lordwin Espiritu of Isabela and Lourecel Hernandez Ecot of Cavite.
Gomez, meantime subdued Nick Marinduque of Isabela then edged IM Joel Banawa of Cavite, 2-1.

Young, on the other hand, defeated NM Gerardo “Gerry” Cabellon of Isabela, 2-1, then blanked IM Petronio Roca of Cavite.

Abelgas, for his part, dismantled Manolito Manaois and Alvin Aguinaldo of Isabela and FM Julius Joseph de Ramos of Cavite, 2-1.-

MANILA—FM Roel Abelgas and Richie Jocson powered the Laguna Heroes to a 12-9 victory over Manila Indios Bravos in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) match held Oct. 5 at Chess.com Platform.
“We are delighted by the twin victories of the Laguna Heroes against Manila and Cagayan. The field is tough but we are hoping to perform well in every match.” said Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippines Corp., one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Inc., Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods and Dr. Fred Paez of Jolly Smile Dental Clinic.

Abelgas (photo above) defeated NM Rolando Andador while Jocson trounced NM Carlos Edgardo Garma.
Also delivering for Laguna in the blitz event were WNM Jean Karen Enriquez and AG Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.
Enriquez subdued WNM Ludivina Ortega Nadera while Lorenzo crushed Jhulo Goloran.
FM Jose Efren Bagamasbad split the point with FM Nelson “Elo” Mariano III while IM Angelo Abundo Young drew with IM Chito Garma.
Alji Cantonjos provided the full point for Manila after beating Christian Nanola.
After their blitz encounter ended in a 5-2 triumph in favor of Laguna, Abelgas struck the hardest in the rapid chess phase which ended in a 7-7 all deadlock.
Laguna, meantime blasted Cagayan Kings, 14.5-6.5, in the following match.

Sobhan Zahmati and Niki Nadernia, both of Iran, won the Asian Amateur Chess Championship Open and Women’s, respectively. 146 men and 51 women from 20 countries participated in the tournament organized by the Oman Chess Committee on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation 29 September to 5 October 2022 at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Oman. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and to download games.

In photo above Zahmati receives the champion’s trophy from Her Excellency Layla Al-Najjar, Minster of Social Development in Oman. At left is Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher of the UAE and at right is Oman Chess Committee Chairman Ahemd Bin Darwish Al Bulushi. Zahmati finished alone in first with 8.5 points for the top prize of $1,500 Compatriot Fooladi Behrooz placed second with 7.5 points for $1,000 in cash prize.

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Above, Niki Nadernia receives the women’s champion’s trophy from Her Excellency Layla Al-Najjar, Minster of Social Development in Oman finished alone in first with 8 points for the top prize for women of $1,000.

Dignitaries at the closing ceremony. At center is Her Excellency Layla Al-Najjar, Minster of Social Development in Oman flanked by Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher at right and Oman Chess Committee Chairman Ahemd Bin Darwish Al Bulushi at left.

Her Excellency Layla Al-Najjar, Minster of Social Development in Oman (right) presents a memento to Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher of the UAE.

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA—IM Angelo Abundo Young (above left) and FM Alekhine Fabiosa Nouri topped their respective division in the 1st PEZA Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament held at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority September 30, 2022.
IM Young, the 8-time Illinois (USA) champion and two-time MVP for the Chicago Blaze in the United States Chess League, trounced GM Darwin Laylo, a 4-time member of the Philippine team in the Chess Olympiad, to rule the Group A Division in this 15 minute plus 5 seconds increment time control format, supported by JC Premiere Marikina Business Center.
Other Group A finishers were chess ironman GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and IM Petronio Roca for 3rd and 4th place, respectively.

For the Group B top two winners, current Philippine Junior Champion FM Nouri (above) and the youngest FM in the world at the age of 7, foiled the winning streak of FM Suelo who recently bagged the top spot this year at the Singapore Holiday Rapid III championship.
As for the teen chess sensation Nouri, he is set to compete this month at the World Juniors Under 20 Chess Championships in Sardinia, Italy. For the last 2 spots, another teener NM Jasper Faeldonia defeated CM Genghis Katipunan Imperial.
Earlier, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Officer-In-Charge Director General Mr. Tereso “Theo” O. Panga led the opening rites.

National Ecozone Premier Queens Lady Eagles Club, with its President Elvira Roca visited the chessfest to show support. In photo are Leomarie Roca, Mary Grace Echapare, Rose Anova, National Ecozone Premier Eagles club members Alden Echapare, Paolo  Anova and Lady Eagle Atty. Nori Tañag.
Washington State based Mr. and Mrs. Jessie and Carol Villasin , New York based Jun Encarnacion, Elizsa Gayle Cafirma and Edel Fay Cafirma of Thick and Thin Donut, Mike Tamonan of Busog28 Chinese-style Fried Chicken and Gerald Yulo also watched the event that featured some of the country’s top chess players.

Final Standings and Tournament Winnings
(Group A)
Champion IM Angelo Young (P10,000)
2nd GM Darwin Laylo (P7,000)
3rd GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (P4,000)
4th IM Petronio Roca (P3,000)
(Group B )
Champion FM Alekhine Nouri (P7,000)
2nd FM Robert Suelo Jr. (P5,000)
3rd NM Jasper Faeldonia (P4,000)
4th CM Genghis Imperial (P3,000)

PASIG Pirates and Isabela Knights of Alexander continued their strong showing after five rounds in the 2022 PCAP Third Conference chess championships at the Estancia Mall in Pasig recently.

Pasig overwhelmed Manila Indios Bravos, 14-7, in the fourth round and Cagayan Kings, 16-5, the following round while Isabela bested Rizal Towers, 13.5-7,5, and Mindoro Tamaraws,13-8, to remain as the only two unbeaten teams in the Northern Division with four straight victories in this tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Over in the Southern Division, Iloilo Kisela Knighs lead the way with three straight wins.

IM Idel Datu and WIM Sherily Cua carried the fight for the Pirates as they hurdled their respective opponents from Manila and Cagayan on boards two and three, respectively.

Datu humbled NM Rolando Andador of Manila, 2.5-.5, and NM Jose Aquino, Jr. of Cagayan,2-1; while Cua swept WNM Ludivina Nadera of Manila, 3-0, and April Joy Ramos of Cagayan, 2-1, to power the Pirates to their fourth straight victory after an opening-round bye.

The victories by Datu and Cua cushioned the impact of GM Mark Paragua’s upset 1-2 loss to FM Nelson Mariano of Manila on board one.

IM Chito Garma of Manila also won over IM Cris Ramayrat of Pasig, 2-1, in the senior board.

Defending champion San Juan Predators bounced back into contention with back-to-back victories over Menila, 12.5-8.5, and 2021 PCAP All-Filipino titleholder Laguna Heroes, 11.5-9.5.

Iloilo also posted twin victories over erstwhile unbeaten Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 11-10, and Toledo City Trojans, 16-5.

Iloilo led Davao, 11-8.

PCAP, the country’s first and only professional chess league, is headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, and Chairman Michael Angelo Chua.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

The Fujairah chess & culture club (FCCC) has the honour to invite all delegates of the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC), national teams and individual solvers, chess composers and all those interested and involved in chess solving & composing, to attend the 64^th World Congress of Chess Composition (WCCC) and 45^th World Chess Solving Championship (WCSC).
The congress will be held from Saturday, November 12^th (arrival) to Saturday, November 19^th, 2022 (departure) at the “Novotel Hotel” **** in Fujairah (UAE), with the WCSC on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 15^th and 16^th. The WCSC director is Ivan Denkovski.

The WCSC (ECSC) is a competition for national teams and individual solvers. It consists of 6 rounds over two days, with 3 rounds each day according to the following table:

The teams consist of three (four at ECSC) solvers and the team-leader who may be one of the solvers. Teams consisting of only two (two or three at ECSC) solvers are also permitted. The members of the teams simultaneously compete in the individual championship.

All countries are entitled to enter one team, the organising country two teams. A country participating with a team(s) is allowed to nominate one further solver for the individual championship.

Visit 64th World Congress of Chess Composition 2022 – Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, 12-19 November 2022 (wfcc.ch)

MANILA, Philippines – With teams, fans and even media still talking about the successful opening weekend of the third and last conference of the season — the Open Conference — for the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) that was held September 23 to 25 at the Estancia Mall in Pasig City, league commissioner Paul Elauria bared what is in store for the third season.

In photo above, PCAP commissioner Paul Elauria (far right) conferring a plaque of appreciation to former GAB Chairman Baham Mitra. PCAP chairman Michael Chua is on the left.

“I think it is quite a successful event,” noted Elauria. “Nakangiti lahat and the guests from Ortigas Land and the Pasig City office were happy and enthusiastic. Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto threw the city’s full support into this opening weekend that helped make for a memorable event considering first time na over-the-board (OTB) chess.”

The PCAP commissioner also appealed to the teams’ understanding surrounding delays and even housing concerns.

“We will get better at this,” promised Elauria.”

“Now the plan of the PCAP board is to hold an OTB chess event at least once a season,” bared the league official. “It is possible that we could do this at the start of the third season which is the All-Filipino Conference.

“We are also studying if we alternate between a northern city and a southern city. If we do go down to the south for next year’s season opener, we will look at Cebu, Davao, Iloilo or even Palawan to hold this,” said Elauria.

“We realize there are cost implications, which is why we are studying this. In due time, we will bare this to the board and then to the teams.”

One notable aspect of the past weekend’s opening was how teams were dressed in their team jerseys.

“Ang maganda rin sa may team uniform or jersey is feel mo na professional athlete ka at team kayo,” said Grandmaster Joey Antonio during the opening ceremony. “Maliban sa unity, ipinapakita na may pride ka to wear yung uniform niyo.”

Added Palawan Queen’s Gambit head coach Susan Neri, “Parang nasa UAAP kami ulit. Ang ganda ng feeling.”

“I think some players thought that nung umpisa laro-laro lang but this is really a professional league,” summed up Elauria. “Unti-unti nag-a-adjust sa liga at sa gusto natin ma-achieve. They are acting more professionally which is good for them, their team, the cities they represent, and for the league as well.”