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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

 

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines —  National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. (above right) won the 2nd edition of the BVP Santos Optical Arbiter Chess Tournament held Sunday, June 27, 2021 at lichess.org.

Bernardino, a veteran sportswriter, tallied 84 points to rule the online tilt sponsored by Dr. Bien Ven P. Santos, an Optometrist in Ibaba, Malabon.

The online tournament had time control of one minute with an increment of one second and players must win as many games in two hours of play according to Dr. Santos.

Bernardino, an online Arena Grandmaster, is fresh from winning the Rizaldy Galleros Over The Board Chess Championship last Friday, June 25, 2021 at the Goldland Chess Club in East Village, Cainta, Rizal.

FIDE Master Robert Suelo Jr. came second with 80 points followed by 3rd placer National Master Julius Sinangote who totes 66 points.4

Interestingly, the Quezon City resident Bernardino, Suelo and Sinangote are the top players of the multi-titled Rizal Technological University chess team during their College days in the mid 90’s.

National Master Cesar Mariano of Iloilo City and IA/FT James Infiesto of Davao City finished fourth and fifth with 50 and 43 points, respectively.

Rounding up to the top 10 were 6th placer Cyrus Donasco of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, 7th placer Eduardo Campos Jr. of Caloocan City, 8th placer National Master Lincoln Yap of Cebu City, 9th placer Deneb Gaitan of Guimaras and 10th placer Darwin Secorata of Pasig City.

 

Sanidula and Oshini Win the Bronze Medal in the Final Stage!

14 Year Old, KM Sanidula Dahamdi of Musaeus College won the 3^rd place in Finals of the rating Category between 1500 – 1699 of the FIDE Queens Chess Festival 2021 conducted by the FIDE Women’s Commission. Sanidula Scored 8 1/2 points out of 11 games to reach the joint 2nd spot with Marry Magpili of Philippines but had to satisfy herself with the Bronze Medal due to lower tie breaking points. Analia Karen of Equador won the Championship with 9 points out of 11 while Marry Magpili of Philippines (photo below) won the 2^nd place and Sanudula Dahamdi (Sri Lanka) won the 3^rd place both with 8 ½ points.

Sanidula beat Maria Tsakona (Greece), Sofia Roepka (Uruguay), Nina Pert (England), Peninah Nakabo (Uganda), Elnaz Kaliakhmet (Kazakhstan), Sasha Mongeli (Kenya), Onkemetse Francis (Botswana), Aytaj Hydarova (Azerbaijan), drew with the Champion Marry Magpili (Philippines) and lost to Helan Monitiel (Paraguay), Analia Karen (Ecuador) in her 11 games to score 8 ½ points.

9 Year old Oshini Devundya Gunawardena (photo above) from Ferguson Girls School, Ratnapura also placed 2nd in the Rating category less than 1500 in the same event. Oshini Scored 7 ½ points and placed 3^rd. Devi Harfesa of Indonesia won the Championship scoring strong 10 ½ points out of 11 (Only drew with Oshini) and Anusha Subramanian of England won the 2^nd place with 8 ½ out of 11 games.

Oshini beat Chloe Badenhorst (South Africa), Mariclos Vasquez (El Salvador), Mae Rose (England), S Purnami (India), Ariette Guerrero (Ecuador), Shriyan Santosh (Malawi), Ibtihal Mohammed (Sudan), drew with Devi Herfesa (Indonesia) and lost to Camila Palacios (Ecuador), Vaia Tsekoura (Greece), Anusha Subramanian (England) score 7 ½ points out of 11 games. It is a considerable high  performance considering the age of Oshini Gunawardena.

This is the first time in the History of Chess where any Sri Lankan player won a World event. Initially the organizers conducted 4 continental events for four categories of greater than 2100 ELO Rating, between 1800 – 2099 ELO Rating, between 1500 – 1799 ELO Rating and below 1500 ELO Rating only for the Women Chess Players in the World. They selected top three Chess players in each category to play in the round robin 11 round Final event among the selected 13 players from 4 continents. The time control was Blitz 3 minutes + 2 seconds per each move played. The event was held on 26^th June 2021 at the Tornelo platform with all precautions against cheating.

A total of 11 girls from Sri Lanka participated in the qualifying events and Only Sanidula from below 1800 category and Oshini Gunawardena from 1500 category placed runner up in the Asian Qualifier and were selected to play in the finals.

WIM Sachini Ranasinghe (Nf3 Chess Club), Chanindi Mewna Attanayake (Devi Balika Vidyalaya), Oneli Vithanawasam (Lycoum International Wattala), GHS Senulya (Royal Primary College, Polonnaruwa), Piyumi Uthpala Amarathunga (JMC International, Kaluthara), Desandi Dhihansa Gamage (Sirimavo Bandayanayake Vidyalaya), Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake (Bandaranayake Central College, Veyangoda), Tenuli Dahamna Rathnayake (Ananda Balika Vidyalaya), HG Sasmi Sithumsa (Lycium International, Ratnapura) instead of above winners are participated in the event.

 

 

 

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines—Kim Kenneth Santos of Subic, Zambales won the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals Under-20 division held online on the Tornelo platform from June 22 to 25, 2021.

The 20 years old Santos, a 2nd Year Bachelor of Science student in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) at President Ramon Magsaysay State University Iba, Zambales tallied 8.5 points to romp home with the title and the top purse P3,000 plus an outright National Master (NM) title. He is set to represent the country in the Asian and World Age Group events later this year.

Santos is playing under the guidance of Mr. James Basa, Mr. Eric Galang of PRMSU Chess Team and Mr.John Ernie Maraan of Mobile Chess Club Philippines.

Eleven year old Al-Basher “Basty” Buto of Cainta, Rizal (photo above) came second with 8 points. Buto, who hails from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, is a grade five pupil of Faith Christian School in Cainta, Rizal and got Candidate National Master (CNM) title for his effort.

Rounding up the top 10 are Jarvey Labanda, Jerico Santiaguel, Jet Miguel Mendoza, Ariel Montero, Jan Daryl Batula, Teodoro Francis Mangubat, Alfonzo Louis Orendo and Arvie Aguilar.

In the Under 14-division, chess wizard Michael Jan Stephen R. Inigo (photo above) of Bayawan City,Negros Oriental rebounded from a sorry loss after halving the point with Wayne Ruiz of Santa Rosa, Laguna after the third round on Saturday.

Inigo, playing white agreed a draw after 51 moves of London System Opening to remain in contention in the tournament that had a standard time control and a single round-robin format.

The 13 year old Inigo, a Grade 7 student of Science and Technology Education Center in Bayawan City,Negros Oriental was upset by Gabrielle Ordiz Nuqui of Barangay Mawaque, Mabalacat City, Pampanga in the second round. Inigo toppled Yreil Josh Hernani of Davao City in the first round.

The event is organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). Tournament Director is NCFP Chief Operating Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales while Chief Arbiter is IA Reden Cruz.

Final Standings: (Top 10, Under 20 division)
8.5 points—Kim Kenneth Santos
8 points—Al-Basher “Basty” Buto
7.5 points—Jarvey Labanda, Jerico Santiaguel
6 points—Jet Miguel Mendoza, Ariel Montero
5.5 points—Jan Daryl Batula, Teodoro Francis Mangubat
4.5 points—Alfonzo Louis Orendo, Arvie Aguilar

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Defending Champion Laguna Heroes relied on the service of sub-import Ukrainian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko, 2-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr . (photo above) and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo to beat Manila Indios Bravos, 11.5-9.5, in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup held at chess.com platform Saturday, June 26, 2021.

Shevchenko (photo above) outplayed International Master John Marvin Miciano twice — one in blitz and one in rapid — in their top board showdown to power the Heroes of Dr. Fred Paez to a thrilling victory over the Indios Bravos.

Barcenilla, on the other hand, blasted United States chess master Ryan Dungca,in both rapid and blitz, while Lorenzo swept International Master Ronald Dableo, also both in rapid and blitz.

Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez split the point with Woman Candidate Master Mira Mirano in blitz portion but prevailed in their rapid encounter.

The stellar performances of Shevchenko, Barcenilla, Lorenzo and Enriquez were enough for the Laguna Heroes, which drew Manila, 3.5-3.5, in blitz and won, 8-6, in rapid.

International Master Cris Ramayrat Jr., FIDE Master Deniel Causo and National Master Jerome Balico provided the wins for Manila.

Ramayrat beat FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, 3-0, in the seniors, Causo defeated Grandmaster John Paul Gomez in blitz then routed Vince Angelo Medina in rapid play while Balico beat Medina in blitz then followed with a win over Gomez in the rapid game.

Laguna followed up its victory over Manila with a 14-7 win over Isabela Knight Raiders. Overall, Laguna moved up to solo fourth places with 20-5 win-loss record in the Northern division.

“It was tough playing against the strong Manila Indios Bravos. When we drew in the first match, we did not lose hope. We regrouped for the 2nd match and the team responded positively. I commend the determination of Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko, 2-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez  for scoring great victories in the rapid match”, said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes including Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.

Supported by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, the defending champion Laguna Heroes will face Cagayan Kings and San Juan Predators on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, overshadowed by Laguna’s remarkable performance were Cavite Spartans, who upset Pasig City King Pirates, 11-10, to keep hope alive in the Northern Division with 9-16 record. However, in the following game, Cavite Spartans yielded to Manila Indios Bravos, 9.5-11.5.

Congratulations to Dr. Abdullah Salem Al Wahshi, new president of the Saudi Arabia Chess Federation. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich congratulated Dr. Al Wahshi in a Zoom call.

Dr. Abdullah Salem Al Wahshi is the CEO of the Asian Chess Federation. He holds a master’s degree and a PhD researcher in business administration. He has long experience in management, data analysis, business development, providing assistance to companies in industries, establishing companies, leading business groups and strategic plans.