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International Master Al-Ali Hussein Ali Hussein of Iraq won the over-50 division while Tilek Takyrbashev of Kyrgyzstan and Mohammad Moaaz Boshy of Syria tied for first in the over-65 division of the Asian Seniors Chess Championships organized by the Syrian Arab Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE from 6^th to 15^th December 2021 in Damascus, Syria. Players gather above for group photo above with Syrian Arab Chess Federation President Ali Abbas.

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher of the United Arab Emirates (front row, second from right) attended the closing ceremony and awarded trophies, medals and certificates for International Master titles.

Hussein finished alone with 7 points, undefeated in the 9-round Swiss system. Thirty four players competed in the Over-50 division from seven countries, namely Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Syria and Yemen.  The field included three International Masters, three FIDE Masters and one Candidate Master. Follow us on twitter and  facebook.

Takyrbashev of Kyrgyzstan and Moaaz Boshy of Syria finished with 7 points each but the Kyrgyz prevailed in the Direct Encounter tie break for the champion’s trophy. FIDE Master Sursock Sameer of Lebanon finished in a 3-way tie for 3^rd place with 6 ponts but prevailed in the Direct Encounter tie break. Fifteen players competed from six countries, namely Iran, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine and host Syria.

FM Sursock Sameer of Lebanon won the over-65 Rapid chess championship alone in first place with 5.5 points out of 7 rounds followed by Tilek Takyrbashev of Kyrgyzstan with 5 points for second place. Mohammad Moaaz Boshy of Syria finished in a 3-way tie for third with 4.5 points each but won the bronze medal by tie break. Visit chess-results.com for over-65 rapid results.

Syria’s Ali Hammoudi and CM Al Aqrabi Saleh of Yemen finished with 6 points each out of 7 rounds of the over-50 Rapid chess championship but Hammoudi won the gold medal with a better tie break. IM Talal Alzaim of Syria finished in a 3-way tie with 5 points each and won the bronze medal by tie break. Visit chess-results.com for over-50 rapid results.

Visit chess-results.com for combined blitz results.

 

 

Palarong Pambansa Continuity Plan Pilot Event Visayas Leg title

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—James Ian Vega of Region VII won the overall title in the MVPSF Secondary Online Rapid Chess Championships 2021 Palarong Pambansa Continuity Plan Pilot Event Visayas Leg, Boys Division tournament held virtually at the Tornelo Platform.
The Cebu City bet Vega collected a total of 5.5 points to win the tournament.

John Dave Lavandero of Region VII also had the same points but had to settle for the second place since Vega had the superior tie-break score.

Also with 5.5 points were third placer Jave Mareck Lebumfacil Peteros of Region VII, fourth placer Michael Jan Stephen Rosalem Inigo of Region VII and fifth placer Kenneth Cris Alican of Region VIII.

Rounding up to the top ten (10) were in sixth Aaron Dee Paglinawan of Region VII, seventh Lance Nathaniel Orlina of Region VII, eighth Kert Rolevan Rusia of Region VII, ninth Tyrone Valencia Yao of Region VI and tenth Vincent Canillo Acidilla of Region VII.

In the Girls Division, Maria Kristine Lavandero of Region VII led the 10 qualifiers to the national finals namely Ryien Bahita of Region VII, Shiela Mer Donoga of Region VIII, Wena Barzaga Escalicas of VII, Rianne Jean Boncales of VII, Edelyn Arances Vosotros of VII, Roxanne Serrano Region VI, Janna Remus of Region VI, Angel Nheazy Nicole Po of Region VIII and Rhean Marie Barbosa Region of VI.

Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Dr. Maximo Abalos and MVPSF Executive Director Jude Turcuato declared the winners assisted by Tournament Manager NA Jun Uka and Tournament Director IA James Infiesto.

by Marlon Bernardino
CORDOVA, CEBU, PHILIPPINES—Daniel Quizon  won the 2021 Philippine National Championship at the Solea Hotel and Resort in Mactan, Cebu Tuesday night. Photo shows top three winners IM Ricardo de Guzman (2nd), IM Daniel Quizon (Champion) and IM Ronald Dableo (3rd).

The 17-year-old Quizon split the point in the final round with fellow International Master Ronald Dableo in 36 moves of a King’s Indian Attack to finish with an unbeaten of 8.5 points on six wins—all coming in the first six rounds—and five draws to win the 11-round, 12-player tournament 1.5 points ahead of the field.

IM Ricardo de Guzman won over Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. via time forfeit in the final round to clinch second place with seven points while Dableo and GM Darwin Laylo, who split the point with IM Jem Garcia in 30 moves of a Pirc Defense, finished third and fourth, respectively, with 6.5 points each.

Quizon was at a positional disadvantage but found a way to salvage a draw, thanks to their opposite-colored bishops ending.

For his feat, the World Cup veteran pocketed the top purse worth P80,000 and a spot to next year’s Hanoi Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand.

He also became one the youngest to win the Nationals after Wesley So, who won it in 2009 as a 16-year-old.

“Dream come true,” said Quizon, who has set his sights at a GM title.

Other final round results saw IM Joel Pimentel winning over IM John Marvin Miciano; Allan Pason pulling the rug from under IM Michael Concio, Jr.; and Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna halving the point with top seed IM Paulo Bersamina.

The event was being supported by Barkadahan Para sa Bansa partylist, Philippine Sports Commission, CCLEX, Metro Pacific Tollways (MPTC), Alin Cargo, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, POC president Bambol Tolentino, Chess Movement Inc., chair Dr. Ariel Potot, RiChess Masters and Atty. Roel Canobas.-

Six-team event will boast of 2 Super GMs, 2 Indian GMs, 2 WGMS, 1 Indian Junior Boy, 1 Indian Junior Girl each

New Delhi, December 14:

The game-changing Indian Chess League boasting of the world’s and India’s top players will be held in June 2022, the All-India Chess Federation revealed here on Tuesday.

The first of its kind 6-team franchise model event will take place over two weeks in the double round-robin format in one or two Indian cities. The top two teams will clash in the finals.

‘Our dream is coming true,’ Dr Sanjay Kapoor, president of AICF told at a press conference. ‘The Indian Chess League is going to change the face of chess in the country. It will help us attain our goal of becoming World No. 1 in the near future,’ he added.

AICF secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan explained that each team will consist of eight players, including 2 Super GMs, 2 Indian GMs, 2 Women GM and 1 Junior Indian Boy and Girl each.

‘The idea is to not only draw the best players from around the world but also to provide India’s players a formidable platform to sharpen their skills,’ he said.

The AICF has roped in GamePlan to promote and market the Indian Chess League. They are expected to bring in sponsors and commit a minimum amount every year to make it sustainable and profitable.

‘The matches will be telecast live to draw more and more players to chess,’ Bharat Singh said. ‘We will announce the criteria for becoming a franchise owner shortly. We have already received a good response from corporates,’ he revealed.

‘We are delighted to partner with the AICF to make the Indian Chess League a reality,’ GamePlan Director Jeet Banerjee said. ‘Our aim is to build a buzz around it, make it as exciting as the IPL,’ he added.

The AICF has been aggressively promoting the sport since a new set of office-bearers took charge last year. It recently announced its calendar for 2022, with as many as 13 international tournaments lined up.

The prize money in the national championships, too, has been hiked up, with MPL coming on board as the main sponsor. The AICF is also close to realising its Chess in Schools project, with the sport set to be introduced as part of the curriculum in schools across the country.

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA—FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri captured the Boys Division of the Philippine National Juniors Chess Championship Grand Finals held at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) in Quezon City last Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

The Escalante City, Negros Occidental native Nouri, playing under the guidance of Senator Manny Pacquiao  collected seven points on six wins, two draws and one loss to win the nine-round over the board chess tournament. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results.

“I am very happy because this event is one of my dreams. I dedicate this to my family, to my friends, to my sponsor Senator Manny Pacquiao and to God. Thank you to all of you even during the pandemic you’re still here supporting my chess career,” said Nouri who will turn 16 on December 12.

With his latest feat, Nouri received P10,000 plus championships trophy and the right to represent the country in the 2022 Asian Junior Chess Championships and 2022 World Junior Chess Championships.

Nouri scored victories over AIM Jeremiah Luis Cruz in the first round, Karlycris Clarito  Jr. in the third round, Adrian Othniel Yulo in the fourth round,  Khent Darylle Delig in the fifth round, Christian Marcelo Olayba in the sixth round and AFM Johnmari Joseph Lu in the seventh round.

He split the point with Ronald Canino in the eight round and Istraelito Rilloraza in the ninth and final round. His only setbacks at the hands of Jarvey Labanda in the second round.

Adrian Othniel Yulo of Cagayan de Oro City placed second overall with 6.5 points on six wins, one draw and two loses while another CDO bet Ronald Canino took third place honors with 6 points, the same output of fourth placer Istraelito Rilloraza of Las Pinas City whom he beat in the break points.

Meanwhile, Apayao pride Woman National Master (WNM) Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian topped the Girls Division after tallying 7.5 points.
Woman National Master (WNM”  Ruelle “Tawing” Canino of Cagayan de Oro City settled for second place with 7 points while Woman National Master (WNM) Vic Glysen Derotas of Cebu end up third with 6 points.

Philippine Chess Movement Chairman (CPA Phd) Dr. Ariel Potot and NCFP CEO GM Jayson Gonzales led the closing rites

Final Standings:
(Boys Division)
7 points—FM Alekhine Nouri
6.5 points—Adrian Othniel Yulo
6 points—Ronald Canino
6 points— Istraelito Rilloraza
5.5 points—Jarvey Labanda
5 points—Karlycris Clarito  Jr.
4.5 points—Christian Marcelo Olayba
3 points—AFM Johnmari Joseph Lu
1.5 points—AIM Jeremiah Luis Cruz
0.0 (zero)—Khent Darylle Delig
(Girls Division)
7.5 points—WNM Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian
7 points—WNM  Ruelle Canino
6 points— WNM Vic Glysen Derotas
5 points—WNM Rinoa Mariel Sadey
4.5 points—WNM Ma. Elayza Villa
3.5 points—Bea Mendoza
3.5 points—Divine Grace Luna
3 points—WNM Lexie Grace Hernandez
2.5 points—Jarel Renz Lacambra
2.5 points—Precious Eve Ferer

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—Knarf Lawrence Batislaong (in photo) emerged solo champion in the Boys category while Aliyah Lumangtad bested Mary Joy Asis Tan by tie break to capture the Girls crown in the just ended Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation Secondary Online Rapid Chess Championship 2021 Palarong Pambansa Continuity Plan Pilot Event virtually held at Tornelo Platform last Sunday.

Batislaong outdueled National Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Region XI in the seventh round and Charliemagne Arias of Region XI in the eight round before halving the point with Wenlan Temple of Region XII in the final to finish with eight points, a full point ahead of runner-up place James Catayas of Region XIII and third placer Arca, each with 7 points apiece.

” I am so very happy because this is my first time to win a national event. Besides, I didn’t expect to win the tournament, Ill just play my very best,” said the 15 years old Batislaong, a Grade 10 Student of Tacurong National High School, playing under the guidance of FIDE Arbiter Margie Cobrado Narcilla.

Lumangtad and Tan, meantime tallied 7.5 points each followed by third placer Nathalie Liscano of Region XII who accumulated 7 points.

Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Director Joel Erestain and MVPSF Program Director Community Sports and Youth Development head Oscar P. Moreno Jr. said that the Top 10 finishers will advance to the grand finals.-

Final Standings: (Mindanao Leg)
(Boys Division)
8 points—Knarf Lawrence Batislaong of Region XII
7 points—James Catayas of Region XIII
7 points—NM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Region XI
6.5 points—Wenlan Temple of Region XII
6.5 points—Joemel Narzabal of Region IX
6 points—Lamont Alexander Baptista of Region XI
6 points—Jerome Pullos of Region XI
6 points—Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa of Region XI
6 points—John Gerald Esencia of Region XI
6 points—Julian Rogelio Labaja of Region X
(Girls Division)
7.5 points—Aliyah Lumangtad of Region XI
7.5 points—Mary Joy Asis Tan of Region X
7 points—Nathalie Liscano of Region XII
6.5 points—Lynn Jael Maureal of Region X
6 points—Trina Mhariz Temple of Region XII
6 points—Sara Deloso Dalagan of Region X
6 points—Kyla Deloso Dalagan of Region X
6 points—Lyn Getubig of Region X
6 points—Mechiel Cabating of Region XIII
6 points—Jenaica Betty  Lynn Julom of Region XII

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—National Master Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan City ruled the Chess Palace Philippines Age-Group Chess Championships Under-12 division nationwide online chess tournament via tornelo platform on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

The 12-year old Cu, a Grade 7 pupil of Xavier School in San Juan City came out on top with 6 points on account of six wins and one loss in seven outings in this 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format organized by Chess Palace Philippines in cooperation with Pwede Pa Kami Group Chess Club sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and officiated by Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation, Inc.

Cu scored victories over Aelona Lou Tomas Mendoza in the first round, Z.M. in the second round, Aaron de Asas in the third round, Cassey Miguel Tabarno in the fourth round, Jian Carlo Rivera in the sixth round and National Master Al-Basher Buto in the seventh and final round.

His only setback was at the hands of Keith Adriane Ilar in the fifth round.

Final Standings: ( 7 Round Swiss-System)
6 points—NM Ivan Travis Cu
5.5 points—NM Al-Basher Buto, Pat Ferdoff Macabulos
5 points—Keith Adriane Ilar, Oshrie James Reyes, Cassey Miguel Tabarno, Christian Tolosa, Kaye Lalaine Regidor, Iana Angela Sotaridona, Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—San Juan Predators clinched the third Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) title after beating Iloilo Kisela Knights in their two-leg encounter, 19-2 (first set) and 11.5-9.5 (second set) in the grand finals on Saturday night,November 27, 2021 virtually held at chess.com platform.

“The results belie the fierce competition that happened during this Championship Round. Perhaps the one big factor this time around is that San Juan Predators stayed focused and kept the fiery determination not to have a repeat of the second conference. Congratulations to all the players of both teams.!” said San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.

International Master Rolando Nolte (in photo), Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda, International Master Ricardo de Guzman, FIDE Master Narquingden Reyes, Narciso Gumila and Narquingel Reyes delivered victories for Predators after beating Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., National Master Karl Victor Ochoa, Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, National Master Cesar Mariano, National Master Fritz Bryan Porras, National Master John Michael Silvederio and Mark Jossel Mariano ruled the blitz portion, 7-0, in the first set.

In the rapid play (first set), 12-2, only Antonio survived after subduing Nolte in their top board encounter.
However in the second set of blitz category, Barbosa, De Guzman, FM Reyes, Reyes and Gumila combined forces to spearheaded Predators into 5.5-1.5 victory.

Antonio and Mejia gave the good fight for Kisela Knights. Antonio drew with Nolte while Mejia toppled Fronda.

In the rapid play (second set), Antonio, Mejia, Silvederio and Porras won their respective matches but was not good enough to lift their team.

Kisela Knights won the rapid play, 8-6, however Predators total output of 11.5 better than 9.5 for Kisela Knights preventing a possible armageddon tie breaker.

“Big applause to San Juan Predators, Grand Champion, Open Conference! To the Kiselas, congratulations for stunning performance this season as grand champion Wesley So Cup, 1st Runner Up Open Conference, 3rd Runner Up All Filipino Conference, and 1st Runner Up Tag Team Tuesday! Foremost, congratulations to Paul Elauria and the PCAP management for a very successful Season 1.” said Iloilo Kisela Knights Team Owner Leo Sotaridona.

Meanwhile, Atty. Arnel Batungbakal of Caloocan Loadmanna Knights bested Penang, Malaysia, 14.5-6.5, in the battle for third.

Pishgam Novin 1 of Iran held to a draw erstwhile solo leader Elegant International Chess Academy of Bangladesh to allow Pishgam Novin 2 to overtake and win the Asian Academies Hybrid Chess Championship held 20-27 November 2021 on Tornelo.

Pishgam Novin 2 and Elegant International Chess Academy finished with identical 12 match points each but Pishgam won the tiebreak with 23 game points over Elegant’s 19.5 game points for silver.

Bronze went to Pishgam Novin 1 (photo above) with 17 match points. Pishgam 1 team: Girls: Dashtpeyma, Helia- Gholizade, Roomina- Heydari, Simon and Boys: Babei, Amirhossein- Sadeghi, Ali

Watch games live on  followchess,  chessbase,  chess.com and  chessbomb. Visit chess-results.com for round by round pairings, standings and to download games. Here is the final crosstable.

Awards are given to the top 3 in each age group based on performance rating:

Awards ceremonies will be held 10:00 (Dubai time) tomorrow Sunday.

Sri Lanka National Chess Academy, from left: Amarathunga Piyumi Uthpala, Indrajith J A K N T, Amarathunga Kosala Sandeepa Chamikara, De Silva L M S T, Newansa M Esandi and Sendanayake Anujana Hasandi

The Basir Memorial Chess Academy of Bangladesh.

 

 

 

 

 

The Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championships 2021 shall mark a return to over-the-board tournaments. The Sri Lanka Chess Federation, on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, shall host the event from 16 December (arrival) to 24 December 2021 (departure) at the plush Citrus Hotel in Colombo.

Direct FIDE titles and norms: GM/WGM norm, IM/WIM titles and FM/WFM titles.

Direct titles shall be awarded for Standard Chess. The gold medalist shall receive a Grandmaster/WGM norm. Equal first (best 3 players after tie break) shall receive the title of International Master/WIM, silver and bronze medalists receive International master norms (or corresponding women’s titles) and FM/WFM titles in accordance with FIDE title regulations.

Download Regulation of the Asian Junior 2021 – Final and Reg.Form.2021 Asian Juniors and Girls

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