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Western(Colombo) 1 Open and Western 2 (Gampaha & Kaluthara) Girls

Seniru Ranuth Nagasinghe of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda excelled in the Western 1 open event by scoring a total of 7 ½ points out of possible 8 games to win the Championship convincingly. He was unbeaten in all 8 rounds scoring 7 wins straight against Mihin Kuruppuarachchi, Dulain Chinthaka, Kishora Siriwardena, Ahmed Kariyapper, Sasiru Sugathadasa, Lasindu Perera and Dulnith Sanviru and giving just one draw to Thisitha Mihindupriya in the last round to win the Gold Medal.

Aloka Jeewantha Hettiarachchi of Nalanda College (above left) won the 2^nd place scoring 7 points out of 8 games while Dulnith Sanviru of Royal College (above right) won 3^rd place with 6 ½ points out of 8 games. Aloka got the Silver Medal while Dulnith was awarded the Bronze Medal.  Though the other three players, Thisitha Mihindupriya (Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiyad), Daham Vidarshana Jayasundara (Thirstan College) and Tathika Waduge (Lyceum International School, Nugegoda) tied with Dulnith with 6 ½ points, they had to satisfy with 4th 5th and 6th places respectively according to tie-brakes.

Amaya Induwari Ranasinghe of Viharamahadevi BMV, Kiribathgoda was outstanding to win the Championship scoring full 7 points out of 7 games. She beat Dewli Munasinghe, Yasara Senanayake, Hasandi Sendanayake, Vihansa Hettiarachchi, Hemalini Rathnayake, Sithuli Sithumya and Jayandi Bimansa convincingly to win the Gold Medal.

Dulinma Hemalini Rathnayake (above left) of Viharamahadevi BMV, Kiribathgoda placed second with 6 points while Jaynandi Bimansa (above right) of Bandaragama Central placed 3^rd with 5 points. Dulnima won the Silver Medal for her performance. Five more players, Sithuli Sithumya, Hasandi Sendanayake, Amani Rukshana, Nilakshi Mahasinghe and Sasindi Grero tied with Jayandi with 5 points each, but Jayandi Bimansa won the Bronze Medal with the better tie breaking points.

The Inaugural Sri Lanka Online National Rapid Chess Championship 2021 consists of 4 stages. The Cycle is started with the Novices events in 7 regions followed by the Major Division Events in the same regions. The Top players more than 2000 ELO Ratings (For Women 1700 ELO) will join with the selectees from Major Division events to play in the National B event. The Top 14 players of the National B will join the current National Chess Champion and the Top rank player (If he is more than 2300 and in Women’s if she is more than 2000) in the 15 round Robin in the 1st stage of the finals while a knocked out of top four players of Round Robin event will play as 2nd stage in the finals. The same structure will be followed in the Women Event as well.

The Chess Federation is offering Rs. 180,000/= as cash awards for the National B and National Finals with Medals and Trophies in all other events.

The top 29 players of the Western I Open Event and the top 14 players of the Western II Women event were qualified to play the SL National (Majors Division) Chess Championships in their regions to be held from late August 2021.

You may find the event details from following links:

http://chess-results.com/tnr567864.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=8

http://chess-results.com/tnr567866.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=7

Final Standings – Open

Final Standings (Women)

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Laguna Heroes scored back to back victories in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at chess.com platform.

The Laguna chess team, backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali,  easily dominated the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 17-4, in the first match.
Duplicating its solid performance, Laguna continued their winning streak at the expense of Olongapo Rainbow Team 7, 12-9, in the second match.

Heroes won the blitz game with wins by two-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr.(Board 1), FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus (Board 2), FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad (Board 4, won by default), Grandmaster John Paul Gomez (Board 5) and Vince Angelo Medina (Board 6) against National Master Levi Mercado, Nazario Ubanan, National Master Gefer Imbuido and National Master Kim Kenneth Santos of Olongapo, respectively.

The Dr. Fred Paez-owned team also made sure to win the game by ending the rapid category with wins from Literatus (Board 2), Bagamasbad (Board 5, won by default), Medina (Board 6) and a draw by Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo (Board 7) against Ubanan, Imbuido and Lou Antonio Rivera, in that order.

Despite a 7-all deadlock in the rapid game, Laguna won the match, 12-9.

“I am happy because we have won the match. We will prepare for this week’s match as the elimination nears to end,” Dr. Fred Paez said, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.

The defending champion Laguna Heroes and Caloocan Load Manna Knights tallied identical 23-6 win-loss records to share 3rd and 4th placers in the Northern division standing while Olongapo (0-29) remains scoreless in 29 outings.

In other results, San Juan Predators routed Cavite Spartans, 19-2, and Caloocan Load Manna Knights, 12-9, Manila Indios Bravos toppled Pasig City King Pirates, 13.5-7.5, and Antipolo Cobras, 12-9 and Rizal Batch Towers force 2 Armageddon tie breaker after 10.5 all deadlock over Isabela Knight Raiders and Cagayan Kings

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Christian F. Tolosa brought honor to Imus City, Cavite with his runner-up finish in the boys 10 and under division of the 2021 Hybrid National Age Group Chess Championship Grandfinals last June 26-29, 2021 held at Tornelo platform.

Nine-year-old Christian F. Tolosa scored 8 points in 12 rounds of standard chess (one hour and 30 minutes time control) to place second in the tournament participated in by some of the top young woodpushers of the Philippines.

Tolosa scored huge wins against Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes in the first round, John Kurt Valencia in the fourth round, Miel Harson Pabalinas in the fifth round, Aldrin Bernardo in the sixth round, Rafiel Irvin Lacorte in the seventh round, Sebastian Marbas in the ninth round, Joash Alton Gumiran in the tenth round and Jaden Cedric Abesamis in the eleventh and final round.

He lost to Jan Calvin Abesamis in the second round, Phil Martin Casiguran in the third round and  Ronell Jose Co in the eight round.

The win is the second big victory for Tolosa, a Grade 3 pupil of Buhay na Tubig Elementary School in Imus City, Cavite.

Tolosa, playing under the guidance of Imus City mayor Manny Maliksi, City of Imus Sports Development Unit and Coach Ed Figuerres also placed 7th overall during the 2021 Hybrid National Youth and Schools Chess championships Grandfinals last June 14-17, 2021.

With this win, Tolosa will receive the Candidate National Master (CNM) title from the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

by Marlon Bernardino
 MANILA, Philippines— Carlito Faina Jr., Municipal Local Government Operation Officer of Alcantara, Romblon scored 63 points to lead Romblon Chess Club to victory in the Weekly Rapid Tournament organized by Colegas Chess Team of Madrid, Spain last July 2, 2021, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM which was held at lichess. com.
MLGOO Faina who joined late from work showed his expertise in Rapid Chess with a time control of 10+0. He obtained a performance rating of 2085 and a berserk rate of 67% to catch up on the early rounds he missed. MLGOO Faina placed 2nd overall behind overall leader Ted Ian Montoyo of Bacolod City playing under Philippine Blitz Arena.
Faina was supported by fellow Romblomanon in top leader scoring boards, Dr. Jenny Mayor of Cajidiocan, Romblon; NM Jasper Faeldonia of Odiongan; Raymond Arevalo of Romblon, Romblon & Noe Ramon of Sta. Fe, Romblon. The top 5 leader boards were supported also by 24 other RCC  members including DILG Director and RCC President James F. Fadrilan.
  ” Congrats RCC Team and thank all who supported the team.” said Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia.
 The top 10 participating teams are:
1st – Romblon Chess Club – Philippines
2nd – Colegas De Kike – Madrid, Spain
3rd – Philippine Blitz Arena – Elite Chess Players Union
4th – Elite Chess Players  Union – Worldwide
5th – Indian Global Chess Club – India
6th – Lipetsk Chess Club – Липецк (Россия) Russia
7th -National Chess Foundation – Pakistan
8th – Arab World Team – Saudi Arabia
9th – The Arab Team –  Saudi Arabia
10th – FIDE Checkmate Corona Virus – Worldwide Team

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