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The inaugural ceremony of the nationwide Marks Active School Chess Champs was held 4th July at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The chess championship is organised by the Bangladesh Chess Federation under the auspices of Abul Khair Group.

Hon’ble Minister of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, MP inaugurated the school chess competition as chief guest.

Dr. Benazir Ahmed, BPM (bar), Inspector General of Police and President of the South Asian Chess Council and Bangladesh Chess Federation presided over the ceremony.

Md. Mesbah Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Sports, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present as the Guest of Honor.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police and Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation Dr. Shoeb Reaz Alam and Grand Master Niaz Murshed gave speeches in the ceremony.

Abu Saeed Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director of Abul Khair Group and Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, KM Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Masudur Rahman Mallick Dipu, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Executive Member and Member-Secretary of School Chess Committee International Organiser Mahmuda Haque Chowdhury Moly,

Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman and Grandmaster Enamul Hossain Razib and Executive Members of Bangladesh Chess Federation were present.

All the district police superintendents, general secretaries of district sports association and other officials and students of the school attended the inaugural function through virtual zoom and before the inaugural function chess workshops were held in all the districts today to impart brief training on chess to the school students.

Superintendents of Police of different districts and general secretaries of district sports association bodies and officials of chess committees spoke through Zoom.

Before the inaugural function, three Grandmasters of the country Niaz Murshed, Ziaur Rahman and Enamul Hossain Razib along with 50 school students participated in the Simultaneous Chess.

This year’s school chess is being held at the team level. 4 regular 2 additional players from each school will participate. Each match will be played on four boards and a school will have four players on four boards. Through a two-day selection competition, 8 to 10 teams will be selected in each district for the school chess competition in a home and away system. After the district level, school chess will be held at the divisional level and the final competition will be held in Dhaka with the winners of the divisional level.

The champion team of the final competition will be awarded one million taka, the runner-up team five lakh taka and the third place team three lakh taka. In addition, four students (2 males and 2 females) selected from the school chess competition will be sent to Europe for 4 months’ chess training.

IM Bardiya Daneshvar is a new Iranian champion. The 16-year-old youngster from Teheran, who has rapidly progressed in the FIDE rating list this year, emerged as the winner of the 55th Iranian Championship and took his maiden national title.

The 14-player round-robin with classical time control took place in Sari, the capital of Mazandaran province in northern Iran, from June 15-24. The event, which did not attract top Iranian GMs, turned into a close race between Bardiya Daneshvar and the rating-favourite IM Seyed Khalil Mousavi, who was coming into the final round a half-point ahead of his main rival.

However, Bardiya pulled off a crucial victory over Arash Dahli and caught up with Seyed Khalil (pictured below), who made a quick draw with White against Ali Rastbod. Both scored an impressive 9½/13 and tied for the first place, but the title went to Daneshvar by dint of better Sonnerborn-Berger (second tiebreak variable).

The 13-time national champion Ehsan Ghaem Maghami took the last place on the podium after edging out Ali Rastbod again, thanks to better tiebreaks.

Photos: Sharif Nataj and Mazandaran Chess Association Telegram channel. Story from fide.com.

FIDE Disabled Commission Chairman GM Thomas Luther was Guest of Honor at the closing ceremonies of the Asian Juniors and Girls Online Chess Championships for players with disabilities. GM Luther congratulated the medalists and thanked the Asian Chess Federation as the only continental association organizing championships for disabled players. See previous story for full results.

A large number of fans of the junior champion, Kimsanboyev of Uzbekistan, attended the closing ceremonies and were spotlighted in zoom rising for the Uzbekistan national anthem as his Certificate was awarded online.

Girls champion Kurmanalina of Kazakhstan was also spotlighted below as the national anthem of Kazakhstan was played at the closing and her Certificate of Achievement was awarded online.

Now on its 28^th year, the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival is scheduled 16-26 August 2022 in Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates. A strong field of 42 GMs, 24 IMs and 8 WGMs are among 113 players registered from 26 countries.

Top prize in the Masters is $15,000 out of a total of $78.000 in cash prizes for the Festival.

There will be 11 tournaments, namely the Masters, Open tournament, Juniors, Blitz, Juniors Blitz, Seniors, Academies, Community teams, Frontline Heroes, Family Team Tournament and Simultaneous Exhibition. The tournament will be held in the 5* Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Top seed is GM Wang Hao of China (2744). See chess-results.com for full list of players in all events.

Download regulations Abu Dhabi Chess Festival 2022

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA—The University of Makati (UMAK) Herons varsity chess team emerged as the overall champion at the recently-concluded national chess tournament of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Sports Friendship Games 2022 held June 23 to 25 at the Quezon Memorial CIrcle in Quezon City, Philippines.

Led by team captain Japeth Jay Tandoc, the UMAK Herons team bested tough opponents from different schools after three grueling days of the chess championship, applying the standard time control format of 60 minutes + 16 seconds increment.

Members of the team were  Joshua Abrera, Vincent Mariano, Joshua Francisco, Ariel Joven Jereos , Lyle Oliver Nabual and assistant team captain Theresa Saquilayan.

Under the mentorship and coaching of Clark “CJ” Dela Torre, the varsity chess team brought pride and honor to UMAK Herons backed up by UMAK OIC President Elyxzur C. Ramos, Vice President for Student Services and Community Development Prof. Virgilio B. Tabbu, Athletic Development Center Dir. Dominador B.Lera and Makati City Mayor Mar-len Abigail “Abby” Sombillo Binay-Campos.

“All that hard work and determination really paid off.” said UMAK Herons chess coach Clark “CJ” Dela Torre. ” UMAK OIC President Elyxzur C. Ramos, UMAK Vice President for Student Services and Community Development Prof. Virgilio B. Tabbu, UMAK Director, Athletic Development Center DIR. Dominador B.Lera and Makati City Mayor Mar-len Abigail “Abby” Sombillo Binay-Campos, thank you for the undying support and guidance.” he added.

The UMAK Herons scored victories over Pateros Technological College, 4-0, in the first round, Pangasinan State University, 2.5-0.5, in the second round, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, 4-0, in the third round, Tarlac State University, 3-1, in the fourth round, Dr. Yanga’s College Inc., 4-0, in the fifth round and Technological University of the Philippines, 3.5-0.5, in the sixth and final round.

Adjudged individual gold medalists were Board 1 Jacob Sta. Ana of Tarlac State University, Board 2 Japeth Kay Tandoc of University of Makati, Board 3 Vincent Mariano of University of Makati, Board 4 Joshua Francisco of University of Makati, Board 5 Rica Alcantara of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University.

Mark Louie Maurera of University of Makati defeated Mary Grace Sagles of Pangasinan State University in the last round to clinch the title in the individual competition with perfect score of 6.0 points in six outings.

Tournament Director was NA Joel Villanueva while Chief Arbiter was IA Patrick Lee. Dr. Alfredo Paez is the CHED Commissioner in Chess Sports.

Visit chess-results.com for team and individual results.

Final Ranking after 6 Rounds: (Match Points System)
12.0 points—University of Makati
10.0 points—Tarlac State University
8.0 points—Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
7.0 points—Pangasinan State University
6.0 points—Marikina Polytechnic College
6.0 points—Technological University of the Philippines
5.0 points—Dr. Yanga’s College Inc.
4.0 points—Pateros Technological College
2.0 points—Immaculada Concepcion College
0.0—Perpetual Help College of Manila

Visually impaired Axadxon Kimsanboyev of Uzbekistan scored a perfect 7 points in as many rounds to win the Asian Juniors Chess Championship for players with disabilities organized by the Asian Chess Federation over the weekend of 24-26 June 2022 on Tornelo. Iranians deaf players Armin Rahmat Pour and Parsa Sardari followed with 5.5 and 5 points to finish 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Physically disabled Loo Pin Xie of Malaysia also scored 5 points but lost in his direct encounter with Sardari to finish 4th.

Kimsanboyev used Tornelo blind mode and was able to play without an assistant.

Follow us on Twitter,  facebook and  Instagram. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results.

In the girls division, Visually impaired Tomiris Kurmanalina of Kazakhstan, playing by Tornelo blind mode, scored 4.5 points out of 5 rounds to win the Asian Girls Chess Championships for players with disabilities followed by physically disabled players Mohd Afif Ainul Mardhiah of Malaysia with 4 points for second and Kudainazarova Dariia of Kyrgyzstan with 3.5 points for third place.

by Marlon Bernardino

Philippines — IM Daniel Quizon won the 3rd Kamatyas FIDE Rated Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament last Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the SM Sucat in Paranaque City, ahead of two GMs, five other IMs and five FMs in the 100 player tournament for his third Kamatyas title. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results.

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In photo are, front row from left, IM Ronald Dableo (3rd place). IM Daniel Quizon (Champion) and FM David Elorta (2nd place).
Back row from left are IM Roderick Nava and David Almirol Jr. , founder and CEO of software engineering solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corp.

The Dasmariñas City bet Quizon scored 8 points out of 9 rounds to finish in a tie with FM David Elorta, but with a better tie break score to win the title.

“I would like to thank Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and Mayor Jenny Barzaga for always helping my local and international tournament alongside coach FM Roel Abelgas, coach GM Darwin Laylo and coach Chester Caminong ,” said the 17-year old Quizon.

Sharing third to fourth places were IM Ronald Dableo and Kevin Arquero who got 7 points each.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers with 6.5 points each were FM Roel Abelgas, IM Angelo Young, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., FM Alekhine Nouri, Remark Bartolome and Leonel Escote.

Category winners were IM Chito Garma (top senior), Johann Cedrick Gaddi (top varsity), Paul Matthew Llanillo (top junior), WNM Francois Magpily (top lady), NM Roderick Nava, NM Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. (top media), Joey Villar (top media) and Reymundo Gregorio Nillama (top media).

Backed up by Founder and CEO of software engineering solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corp. David Almirol Jr., the 3rd edition Kamatyas FIDE Rated Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament was organized by Kamatyas Chess Club headed by IM Roderick Nava and was sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supervised by the Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation (PACC).

“The event aimed to develop good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,” said IM Nava.

Earlier, Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre and Yanie Ayesha Estavillo and NCFP chief operating officer GM Jayson Gonzales and Jeanne Marie Arcinue made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament together with IM Nava, GM Antonio, Tournament Director NA Byron Gabrentina Villar and Chief Arbiter IA Reden Cruz.

Final Standings: (9 Round Swiss System, 15 Minutes + 5 Seconds Increment, 100 player’

Champion: IM Daniel Quizon (8.0 points, P30,000 plus trophy)
2nd: FM David Elorta (8.0 points, P10,000 plus trophy)
3rd: IM Ronald Dableo (7.0 points, P7,000 plus trophy)
4th: Kevin Arquero (7.0 points, P5,000 plus medal)
5th: FM Roel Abelgas (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)
6th: IM Angelo Young (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)
7th: GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)
8th: FM Alekhine Nouri (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)
9th: Remark Bartolome (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)
10th: Leonel Escote (6.5 points, P2,000 plus medal)

Above, Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre and NCFP chief operating officer GM Jayson Gonzales shake hands with Yanie Ayesha Estavillo and Jeanne Marie Arcinue, respectively, making the ceremonial moves. Looking on are IM Roderick Nava, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Tournament Director NA Byron Gabrentina Villar and Chief Arbiter IA Reden Cruz.

The Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships for Players with Disabilities, organized by the Asian Chess Federation, has started on Tornelo with 9 countries participating, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Philippines and Uzbekistan. Disabilities are visually impaired, hearing impaired and physically disabled. FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan, Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher and ACF Disabled Commission Chairman Jamie Kenmure addressed participants at the opening ceremony.

The officials welcomed the participants and thanked national federations for their support of our disabled chess brothers and sisters, and thanked the Arbiters for their contribution to the success of the tournament.

Twenty two juniors are competing in a 7-round Swiss system while 9 girls compete in a 5-round Swiss System. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings. Time control is 10 minutes plus 10 second increments per move. Games start 3pm Dubai time over the weekend of Friday to Sunday, 24-26 June 2022.

Chief Arbiter is FIDE Rules Commission Chairman Abdulrahim Mahdi (UAE)  Tournament Director is IA Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran. Tornelo Certified Arbiter Michael Pagaran is Pairings Director.