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On the path to producing world level players, the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka has acknowledged the need for polished chess trainers in the country. And hence the National Chess Trainers Commission has developed many programs and strategies to standardize the skills of chess trainers in Sri Lanka. “Knowledge for masters” is another unique attempt at developing skills and equipping our coaches with the required knowledge, with the long-term goal of producing sustainable talent. The event will kickstart on the 4^th of July 2021 at 9.00 AM via Zoom.

We are delighted to announce that Grand Master R B Ramesh has accepted our invitation to join the very first session of this unique program. Grand Master R B Ramesh is undoubtedly one of the leading chess trainers in the world, having produced talents like GM Praggnanandhaa, GM Aravindh Chithambaram and GM Karthikeyan Murali. He was also the driving force behind India’s Bronze medal journey at the World Chess Olympiad 2014. As of 2021, he has produced as many as 29 World Youth Medals, 40 Asian Youth Medals and 23 Commonwealth Medals. Grand Master R B Ramesh is excitedly looking forward to sharing his wisdom and hard-earned experiences of his journey to the top with our fellow trainers.

We invite all the chess trainers in Sri Lanka to join us and get the maximum benefit of this golden opportunity. We hope to cover many practical issues faced by coaches, including but not limited to matters such as handling parental pressure and building resilience in face of unfavourable results. We would like to hear from you as well. A question-and-answer segment will be held towards the end where you can raise any important issues. Furthermore, you can also let our committee know of any such crucial matters, and we will direct them to our guests accordingly.

This event will be held on 04^th July 2021 at 10:00 AM via the Zoom platform.

Webinar  ID –  842 7008 0374       Webinar Password – 481300

Join with us for this wonderful experience.

To get more details about the program please contact;

Mr.Sanjeewa Anuradha – +94 77 8028100

To submit your questions;

Mr. Lalantha Mudalige –  +94 71 3696780 / lalantha.mudalige@gmail.com

 

Let’s all come together to develop Sri Lankan Chess

National Chess Trainers’ Commission

 

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines— National Master Julius Sinagote led Faeldonia Chess Team Philippines to victory in the recently concluded Colegas De EloyOff Team Battle. The tournament was played at lichess. com last June 30, 2021, with 57 teams participating worldwide.

NM Sinangote and the top 10 leader boards crushed their opponents in bullet 1+0 time control with a duration of 3 hours. Other top leader board members of the team were Rommel Valdez, Eduardo Tare, Ralph Jordan Floro, Jordaine Tupaz, Roland Villa, Louise Manuel Macalintal, Ervil Villa, Eric Calacday, Pherry James Baloc and were supported by 25 more players who were not included in the top 10 scoring board.

“Congratulations Faeldonia Chess Team Philippines. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipinong manlalaro ng ajedrez.” said Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia.

The top 10 teams that joined the tournaments are:
1st- Faeldonia Chess Team Philippines- Philippines
2nd- Keluarga Pecinta Catur- Indonesia
3rd- Karo Team- Indonesia
4th- Colegas de Kike- Madrid, Spain
5th- Gujarat Lions – India
6th- IM Roderick Nava Chess Team- Philippines
7th- Lichess  Swiss-  Worldwide
8th- Dark Horse – Netherlands
9th- Allepey Team – India
10th- Cabuyao Chess Plaza – Philippines

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Romblon’s Jasper Faeldonia captured the championship crown in the latest “7th RCC Grand Prix” last June 26, 2021, at lichess. com. This was his 3rd championship crown out of 7 GP in the RCC 2021 Grand Prix series after being a champion of GP-2 & GP-4. Overall the young National Master gathered a total of 15 championships, 12 in the weekly Blitz edition & 3 in the Grand Prix series.

However, Arena Grand Master Joseph Galindo bagged the overall Championship for the Month of June, due to the missed game of NM Faeldonia in GP-6 where he participated in the National Schools and Youth Chess Championships.

Rounding up the top 30 of GP-7 are as follows:
AGM Joseph Galindo 2nd, Dr. Jenny Mayor 3rd, Orly Jon Pascual 4th, Jerry Jher Jr Morada 5th, Christian Ygerr Servanez 6th, Jeff Ferran 7th, Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia 8th, Engr. Gerald Gas 9th, Noe Ramon 10th, John Paul Canulo 11th, Nash Relano 12th, Eddie Mame 13th, Neph Bantang 14th, Raymond Arevalo 15th, Engr. Arc Hindap Meñez Aliyah Keziah 16th, Joel Forcadas 17th, Vance Fetil Fajarit 18th, Carlito Faina Jr. 19th, Emmanuel Reyes Jr. 20th, Engr. Aurel Haber 21st, Rey Fajarito 22nd, Miguel Maupay Jr. 23rd, Renato Mame 24th, Jerick Concepcion Faeldonia 25th, Meliton Yu 26th, Jemaicah Yap Mendoza 27th, Abril Selga 28th, Jayson San Jose Visca 29th & Jeremiah Yap Mendoza 30th.

The prizes sponsors for the month of June are: Mayor Dental Clinic & Chess Library, Engr. Ernie Faeldonia, Mr. Bryan Blair Fallarme, AGM/Engr. Joseph Galindo, NM Jasper Faeldonia, Mr. Jerry Morada Jr., Mr. John Paul Canulo, DILG-MLGOO Carlito Faina Jr., Engr. Aurel Haber and Mr. Jaymiel Piel.

The GP-8 for the month of July is scheduled for July 4, 2021, at 8:00 PM via lichess. com.

AGM Galindo wins June Grand Prix, Bantang Overall Leader

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines— Arena Grand Master HajiYusuf Riano Villanueva Galindo won the Romblon Chess Club June GP by gathering107 total GP points to edge Dr. Jenny Mayor with 104 and Neph Bantang with 102 GP Points.

Bantang who won the month of May Grand Prix is still the overall leader after GP-7 scoring total points of 189. He was followed by Dr. Jenny Mayor with 175 points & AGM Galindo with 163 points.

The top 30 for each month will receive prizes from our major sponsor Mayor Dental Clinic & Chess Library and from other Romblon Executives. The overall top 32 after GP-30 will qualify in the Grand Finals on December 19, 2021.

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines—Ivan Travis Cu won the under-12 boys section of the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals  held online via the Tornelo platform from June 26 to June 29, 2021.

“NCFP is pleased to Confirm Herewith That Ivan Travis Cu Has Obtained The Title of National Master In The Year 2021,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.

The 12-year-old Cu, a Grade 7 student of Xavier School, San Juan City under the watch of coach IA Rolly Yutuc, finished with 8.5 points on 8 wins, one draw and two losses in the tournament that had a standard time control and a single round-robin format. The event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Cu finished in a three-way tie with James Tuanda and Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca, who also had 8. 5 points, but clinched the title by virtue of higher tiebreak score.

Cu scored huge wins against Paulo Efren Castino in the first round, Gabriel Ryan Paradero in the fifth round, Kara Meneses in the fourth round, Jeanne Marie Arcinue in the fifth round, Keith Adriane Ilar in the sixth round, Nathan Maligaya in the seventh round, David Sean Romualdez in the eight round, James Tuanda in the ninth round, Jeroniel Perez in the tenth round and Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa in the eleventh and final round.

He split the point with Christian Gian Karlo Arca in the third round. Cu yielded to Joemel Narzabal in the second round and Mark Gabriel Usman in the fourth round.

With his latest feat, Cu got the Candidate National Master (CNM) title plus P3,000 top purse for his effot.
Cu, 2nd place in the 2021 National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals Under-13 division last June 14 to 17, 2021, will represent the Philippines in the FIDE online World Cadet and Youth Rapid World Cup set August 1 to 31, 2021.

“As the champion in the Under-12 Boys event, Ivan will receive a “Candidate National Master” title and 2 National Master norms (3 norms are needed to achieve the National Master title). He will also represent the Philippines in the FIDE Online Cadets  & Youth Rapid World Cup in August 2021.” said Mr. Teddy Cu of his son Ivan Travis.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank our son’s coach for the past year, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, who has treated our son like a younger brother. Thank you for your guidance and supervision. Ivan would not have reached this stage in his chess journey without your relentless instruction and constant support. Under your watch, Ivan has improved a lot. There is still much to be done, and more to accomplish. We look forward to journeying with you. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Xavier School Coach IA Rolando Yutuc, who first spotted Ivan’s potential and encouraged him to excel in chess. Thank you to the coaches who have helped Ivan grow along the way: Coach FM Nelson Mariano, NM Romeo Alcodia, NM Marlon Bernardino, NT Glenn Hullana Garcia and GM Oliver Barbosa who gave Ivan some pointers on his middle and endgame techniques. We are grateful for the courses he received from NM Robert Suelo, IM Barlo Nadera and  GM GM Joey Antonio, who continues to be our son’s idol. And thank you, too, to the players who sparred with Ivan and gave him inputs on how to improve his games. This achievement is all our achievement together.To the NCFP, its leaders and organizers, who worked with passion to make this event a reality, thank you for this opportunity. Our arbiter, NA Joel Manny Perplex Tatad who always arrived early despite going home late, thank you.,” he added-

Final Standings: (Under-12 division, Standard chess, Single Round Robin format)
8.5 points—Ivan Travis Cu, James Tuanda, Christian Gian Karlo Arca
7.5 points—Mark Gabriel Usman
7 points—Joemel Narzabal
6 points—Keith Adriane Ilar
5 points—Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa, Jeroniel Perez
3.5 points—David Sean Romualdez
3 points—Gabriel Ryan Paradero
2.5 points—Paulo Efren Castino
1 point—Nathan Maligaya

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Bulacan’s young chess genius Daniella Bianca Cruz went undefeated in twelve games to clear first with a dominating performance in the under-10 girls section of the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals  held online via the Tornelo platform from June 26 to June 29, 2021.

The 10 year old Cruz, a Grade 4 pupil of City of Malolos Integrated School – Sto. Rosario, put up 9.5 points built on eight wins and three draws in the tournament that had a standard time control and a single round-robin format.

Her chess campaign was made possible with the undying support of Principal Dr. Nova Santiago, DepEd Malolos SDS Dr. Norma P. Esteban, ASDS Dr. Leo Canlas and Atty. Christian Natividad, Chairman of Optical Media Board.

The young pride of Malolos City scored huge wins against Queen Sophia Domalanta in the first round, Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza in the third round, Kara Meneses in the fourth round, Jeanne Marie Arcinue in the fifth round, Kena Areld Galleguez in the seventh round, Aszhley Aya Nicole Paquinol in the eight round, Faith Argenal in the ninth round and Yanie Ayesha Estavillo in the tenth round.

She split the point with Stephanie Jabagat in the second round, Gllasea Ann Hilario in the sixth round and Jemaicah Yap Mendoza in the eventh and final round.

Cruz, runner-up in the 2021 National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals  Under-11 division last June 14 to 17, 2021, will represent the Philippines in the Asian Schools  Chess Championships to be held on July 23 to 25 and the FIDE online World Cadet set August 1 to 31, 2021.

Photo shows before the pandemic from left to right: IA Reden Cruz, Daniella Bianca Cruz (2nd Runner Up 8 Under Girls and 8th Overall Standing 8 Under Open), Jeremiah Luis Cruz (1st Runner Up 14 Under Boys and 5th Overall Standing 16 Under Open ) and Mam Hazel Cruz during the 2019 Thailand Pattaya Open Chess Championships.

Final Standings: (Girls Under-10 division, Standard chess, Single Round Robin format)
9.5 points—Daniella Bianca Cruz
8 points—Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza, Jemaicah Yap Mendoza, Gllasea Ann Hilario,
6.5 points—Stephanie Jabagat
6 points—Faith Argenal, Queen Sophia Domalanta
5.5 points—Aszhley Aya Nicole Paquinol
3 points—Jeanne Marie Arcinue
2.5 points—Yanie Ayesha Estavillo
2 points—Kena Areld Galleguez
1 point—Kara Meneses

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes, a 9- year-old chess prodigy won the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals  Under-10 division held online via the Tornelo platform from June 26 to June 29, 2021. He became the Philippines’ youngest National Master.

From left to right: Mrs. Jasmine Constantino Reyes, National Master Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes, Santa Rita Mayor Ferdinand L. Salalila and Mr. Jimmy Reyes.

Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga, collected nine points on eight wins, two  draws and one loss to win the 1 hour + 30 seconds increment Standard time control Single Round Robin format.

Reyes scored victories over Phil Martin Casiguran in the second round, John Curt Valencia in the third round, Miel Harson Pabalinas in the fourth round, Aldrin Bernardo in the fifth round, Rafiel Irvin Lacorte in the sixth round, Sebastian Marbas in the eight round, Joash Alton Gumiran in the ninth round and Jaden Cedric Abesamis in the tenth round.

He split the point with Ronell Jose in the seventh round and Jan Calvin Abesamis in the eleventh and final round. His loss to Christian Tolosa in the first round.

Reyes, a resident of Barangay Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga is the youngest in the Philippines to receive the National Master title, breaking the record previously held by Oliver Barbosa who got the elusive NM title at the age of 11.

With his latest feat, Reyes received two National Master norms plus one Candidate National Master title, P3,000 top purse and is set to represent the country in the Asian Youth, World Youth  & World Age Group FIDE Events U10 & U11 Age category later this year.

Reyes already got his first 2 NM norms plus 1 CNM title after winning the National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals  Under-11 division last June 14 to 17, 2021.

According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chief Operating Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, having three National Master norms is equavallent of National Master title.

Jubail Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Mr. Jimmy Reyes had something to say to his son OJ:
“Kuya OJ has captured the elusive Chess National Master Title at 9 yrs old as one of the newest and possible youngest National Master (NM) in Philippines Chess History. Truly pride of all Kapampangans. Congrats Chess National Master (NM) Oshrie Jhames Reyes. Champion – 2021 National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals -U11 Age Category, Champion – 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals -U10 Age Category.Thanks to all who contributed to OJ ‘s Victory,”

Coaches, trainors and mentors who became part of OJ’s chess development are Alberto Corria (late Mang Palasky), Levis Miranda, Abel Dimalanta, Juan Rojano, Robin Chico, Jeffrey Pascual, Glenn Hullana Garcia, IM Barlo Nadera, Dale Bernardo, NM Homer Cunanan, NM / AGM Marlon Bernardino, CM Genghis Imperial, NM Romeo Alcodia, FM / AGM Robert Suelo Jr., GM Joey Antonio Jr., GM Jayson Gonzales (OJ’s Master Class trainor) , WGM Janelle Frayna (OJ’s Master Class trainor, Edward Serrano, Jose Camaya, Garry Reyes, Archimedes De Leon, Anthony Tungul, Ricard Copones and Noel Jay Estacio.

Sponsors who became part of OJ chess development Jake Carlos, Ryan Ace Tan, Darwin Isip, Jomar Cayanan, Rico Laxamana and Christian Henry Lacson.

Final Standings:(Under-10 division, Standard chess, Single Round Robin format)
9 points—Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes
8 points—Christian Tolosa
7.5 points—Phil Martin Casiguran
7 points—Joash Alton Gumiran, Sebastian Marbas
6.5 points—John Curt Valencia
6 points—Rafiel Irvin Lacorte
5 points—Jan Calvin Abesamis
4 points—Ronell Jose Co
2.5 points—Aldrin Bernardo

More exciting days ahead for chess in Dubai with the Israeli Chess Federation keen on forging a strategic partnership with the Dubai Chess & Culture Club.

Dr Zvika Barkai, Chairman of the Israeli Chess Federation, recently visited the club and was received by Ahmed Khalifa Al Thani, Vice Chairman of the club’s Board of Directors, along with other Board Members. He bared plans to invite a team from Dubai to play in friendly matches in Israel, as well as a technical exchange program between the Israeli Federation and Dubai Chess Club. The Israeli Federation will also encourage its top grandmasters to participate in the Dubai Open Chess Tournament.

Dr Barkai expressed admiration for the club after a tour of its facilities, including its dedicated training and tournament halls and training academy, among others. He also met the club’s technical and coaching team and even played an exhibition match with former national team player Suhail Tayyib Mohammed, who prevailed in the friendly encounter.

 

The Dubai Police General Command, represented by the People of Determination Council and the Positive Spirit Initiative, in cooperation with the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, organized on 26 June 2021 the third chess tournament for People of Determination in the audio category in cooperation with the Dubai Chess Club.

Participating were 27 competitors from clubs and associations of people of determination at the state level, and in the presence of Saif Jumaa Al Falasi, President of The People of Determination Council, its deputy Captain Abdullah Hamad Al Shamsi, Samira Thabet, the council’s secretary, Fatima Ahmed Abu Hajeer, the general coordinator of the tournament, and Aisha Al Hosani, a member of the People of Determination Council, a member of the tournament organizing team.

Communicating by sign language

Saif Jumaa Al Falasi stressed the council’s keenness to translate the directives of Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, to activate the national policy to empower people of determination. He  distributed cups and prizes to the winners and thanked the Chairman of the People of Determination Council and Dubai Chess Club for supporting the tournament.

The first place was won by Waleed Mohammed Mahmoud, from the Dubai Club for People of Determination, the second place was Mohammed Hussein Khalil, from the Al-Thiqa Club for the Disabled, and the third place was Nada Al-Sayed Mohammed, from the Dubai Club for People of Determination.

Reda Ismail Thabet, from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, was honored as the best as a result of the emerging categories, and Alia Khaled Radwan, from the Dubai Club for People of Determination, as the best result for the girls’ category. He also thanked and appreciated the international team of Arbiters: IA Saeed Youssef, IA Jawaher Al Jasmi, NA Ahmed Al Shezawi, and IA Jamal Qassem Manea.

Many thanks to the Dubai chess club

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Grandmaster Darwin Rosales Laylo will spearhead a strong local cast in the 4th annual Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships set July 9 to 11, 2021 online at Tornelo platform. This was announced by Sam Balboa, Transforming President of Rotary Club of Nuvali (photo above).

Laylo, the Philippine Army chess team top player, won the 1st and 2nd Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championship. The GM is the player to beat in the event owing to his  impressive performance in the past.

“Words don’t even describe how excited I am to be playing for the 4th annual Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships, “said Laylo, part of the Coaching staff of Dasmarinas chess team.

“A privilege and an honour and I’ll do my very best,” was the last word of Laylo,  one of the mainstays of PCAP’s Pasig City King Pirates.

“The event is the biggest national online chess event in the country. This is indeed a big help for the promotion of chess. I would like to really thank my good friend, BAVI President Ronald Daniel Mascarinas for annually sponsoring this event” according to Transforming President of the Rotary Club of Nuvali Sam Balboa.

“Exciting times ahead for Philippine chess. The proceeds of this event will go to the charity projects of the Rotary Club of Nuvali,” added online Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez.

Backed up by BAVI President and General Manager Ronald Daniel Ricaforte Mascariñas in partnership with Rotary Club of Nuvali, the tournament offers P100,000 to the Open champion. The second to fifth placers will receive P75,000, P50,000, P30,000 and P25,000 respectively. Sixth to 10th placer will pocket P10,000 each.
Cash prizes worth P10,000 each awaits the category winners for the Top Under 2100 and below, Top Under 2000 and below, Top Under 1900 and below, Top Under 1800 and Top Under 1700 and below.

Also on tap are Womens, Executive, Junior Boys, Girls, Kiddies Boys and Kiddies Girls divisions with the winner pocketing P10,000, P10,000, P7,000, P7,000, P5,000 and P5,000 in that order.

Others vying in the event are GM Mark Paragua, IM Ricardo de Guzman, IM Barlo Nadera, FM David Elorta, FM Nelson “Elo” Mariano III, FM Randy Segarra, FM Robert Suelo Jr. , NM Glennen Artuz and US master Rodolfo “Jun” Panopio Jr.

Registration will end on July 5, 2021. For further inquiries, kindly contact any of the following: Mr. Sam Balboa – 09985530477, Engr. Troy Coria – 09234687524, Mr. Noel Balderas – 09171370430, Mr. Jalbert Vilan – 09097159245 and AGM Dr. Fred Paez – 09212728172.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Ruel B. Velarde scored a perfect 5 points for a sweep to claim the title in the Mayor Dexter Uy Summer Rapid Chess Tournament held over the board last Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the SHS Building, Samar National High School, Barangay Ubanun in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Velarde (playing, above left) bested other contenders like Andres R. Sabio, Arzel O. Serpa Juan and Francis B. Velarde who settled for 2nd, 3rd and 4th places, respectively. Sabio scored 4 points while Serpa Juan and Francis B. Velarde tied with 3.5 points apiece.

Finishing fifth to eleventh places were Vinz Paul O. Lapura , Artemio Ocio, Aian Paul O. Lapura, Lanz Paul O. Laura, Arsenio Cabarles Jr., Roland Labong and Emmanuel Butial, respectively.

Adjudged catagory winners were Evelyn Fortaliza (top lady), Mary Kaye Cabadsan (top kiddy) and Cesar Placiente (top senior).

They also conducted the Mayor Dexter Uy Summer Chess Clinic (Batch 1 Beginner Level) led by trainers Debbie J. Calades, Ruel B. Velarde, Athaliah J. Calades, Laz Paul O. Lapura and Ariane Rose A. Abalos.

“Recently we conducted chess clinic and tournament sponsored by our city mayor Hon. Dexter Uy,” said Catbalogan City Chess Club president Ethan Justimbaste Calades.

Final Standings: (Open Category)
Champion: Ruel B. Velarde – 5 points
2nd Place : Aandres R. Sabio- 4 points
3rd Place: Arzal  O. Serpa Juan  3.5 points
4th Place: Francis B. Velarde 3.5 points
5th Place:  Vinz Paul O. Lapura 3 points
6th Place: Artemio Ocio 3 points
7th Place: Aian Paul O. Lapura 3 points
8th Place: Lanz Paul O. Lapura 2.5 points
9th Place: Arsenio Cabarles Jr. 2.5 points
10th Place: Roland Labong 2.5 points
11th Place:  Emmanuel Butial 2.5 points

Award Category:
Top Lady: Evelyn Foraliza 2.5 points
Top Kiddies: Mary Kay Cabadsan 2 points
Top Senior: Cesar Placiente 2.5 points

Mayor Dexter Summer Chess Clinic
BATCH 1 Beginner Level
Trainers:
Debbie J. Calades
Ruel B. Velarde
Athaliah J. Calades
Lanz Paul O. Lapura
Ariane Rose A. Abalos