Archives: News

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—International Master Angelo Abundo Young won the BVP Santos Optical online chess tournament on Sunday, June 20, 2021 on lichess.

Young finished with 108 points in 32 games for a win rate of 91 percent and performance rating of 2574 to win the event hosted by Dr. Bien Santos and organized by Bayanihan Chess Club.

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.

Young, an 8-time Illinois USA Champion, won 29, drew 2 and lost 1.

“I can see everything clearly. My mind is clear.I’m really playing my A game today.” said Young, one of the top players of PCAP’s Zamboanga Sultans.

Eugene Santiago took the second spot with 56 points on 32 games and a win rate of 56 percent on 18 wins for a performance rating of 2278. In third place was Jezreel Lopez  who had 41 points, 3 points ahead over fourth placer Cyrus Donasco who totes 38 points.

Fifth and Sixth went to Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. and National Master Carlo Lorena who notched 29 points apiece.

Other date schedules are June 27, 2021, July 4, 2021 and July 11, 2021.

The top five (5) finisher in each leg will advance to the grandfinals to be held this year.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Sub-Import Ukrainian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko and 2-time Asian Junior Champion Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. powered the defending champion Laguna Heroes to a 12-9 victory over a GM Mark Paragua-led Camarines Soaring Eagle in the Inter-Division of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup online tournament Saturday night, June 19, 2021 at chess.com platform.

Shevchenko defeated Paragua in 34 moves of a Modern Benoni defense while Barcenilla toppled Ellan Asuela in 56 moves of a Four Knights Game in the Rapid game to help propel the Heroes to a share of third with Caloocan Load Manna Knights with identical 15-4 win-loss records.

San Juan Predators and Manila Indios Bravos both lead the way in the Northen Division with 17-2 win-loss-record.

Also delivering for Laguna were FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Grandmaster John Paul Gomez. Bagamasbad trounced National Master Carlo Lorena in 45 moves of a Larsen Opening while Gomez waylaid Christian Mark Daluz in 55 moves of a Sicilian defense, Kan variation.

Sub-Import French Woman Grandmaster Marie Rachel Sebag,  Virgen Gil Ruaya and National Master Ronald Llavanes carried the good fight for Engr. Jojo Buenaventura’s Camarines Soaring Eagle chess team.

Sebag beat Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, Ruaya edged Vince Angelo Medina and Llavanes smashed Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.

Supported by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali and Laguna’s AGM Dr. Alfredo Paez, the squad won four out of the seven boards in the Blitz category (4-3) and they headed into the Rapid category with the 8-6 victory.

Camarines slipped to second in the Southern Conference with a 15-4 mark, two points behind the Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors (17-2).

“It was a tough match against GM Mark Paragua-led Camarines Soaring Eagle,” said Dr. Fred Paez, 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.

Earlier, the defending champion Laguna Heroes beat Zamboanga Sultans 17-4.

The Heroes will seek to maintain their hot streak and will try to clinch the no. 1 spot in the Northern Division by facing Cebu City Machers and Cordova this coming Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

Other members of the winning Laguna Heroes chess team backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali were FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat, Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.

Top photo shows sub-import Ukrainian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko who brought down Filipino Grandmastep Mark Paragua in 34 moves of Modern Benoni defense and 2-time Asian Junior Champion Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (photo below) winner over Ellan Asuela in 56 moves of Four Knights Game in the Rapid Game.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—The Romblom Woodpushers defeated the Oriental Mindoro, 130-80, for the 2nd time in the latest OMCFI vs Romblon Marbles Chess Team 2nd 10 versus 10 Team Battle held at lichess. com last June 15, 2021. The tournament was played with a time control of 3 minutes & 2 seconds increment.

Bryan Blair Fallarme from Corcuera, Romblon, emerged as the overall top scorer with 20 points. He was followed by Odiongan, Romblon’s newest National Master Jasper Faeldonia with 18 points, and Cajidiocan, Romblon’s Arena Grand Master Joseph HajiYusuf Riano Villanueva Galindo with 17 points.

7-time Phil. Executive Champion Dr. Jenny Mayor scored 16 together with MLGOO Carlito Faina Jr. a.k.a. Dilgalcantara Romblon for the 4th & 5th spots.

Completing the top 10 overall for the Romblomanons were Christian Yrreg Servanez at 7th, John Paul Canulo at 9th, & Neph Bantang at 10th place.

Two players from Oriental Mindoro joined the top 10 players overall. Ronald Berdera of Oriental Mindoro with 15 points at 6th & Alfred Dillupac with 12 points at 8th.

“Congratulations to both teams for the successful event. Congratulations & Mabuhay Romblomanon Chess Players. We are proud of you,” said Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—PLAYING true to form, Mindanao’s top kiddy Christian Gian Karlo Arca checkmated former solo leader NCR’s Ivan Travis Cu in 41 moves of a London System Opening using the white pieces in the final round to become champion of the National Youth & Schools  Hybrid Chess Championships held June 14 to 17, 2021 on Tornelo .

With the crucial win, the 12-year-old Arca, a Grade 6 GT Neptune student of Panabo Central Elementary School SPED Center in Panabo City, Davao del Norte  finished with 8.5 points in 11 rounds of standard chess (one hour and 30 minutes time control),  the same output of Cu.

Arca, however, was proclaimed champion by virtue of winner over the other tie break .

He pocketed the P3,000 top purse in the Under 13 category for his effort.

According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Assistant Executive Director for Northen and Central Luzon/International Arbiter Reden Cruz, the outright champion will receive the Candidate National Master title plus 2 National Master norms.

Arca already got Candidate National Master title plus 1 National Master norm after settling second place to eventual champion Cavite’s Mark Jay Bacojo during the Under 15 division of recent Hybrid National Youth & Schools  Chess Championships.

Police Lieutenant Arman J. Arca said to his son Christian Gian Karlo: “We believed in the talent and God-given gift of Christian since the start na pumasok siya sa larangan ng Chess. Nagshift siya from football to chess at ang bilis talaga ng progress niya kaya maraming hindi makapaniwala at naniniwala sa potential at lakas niya…

“We hope that this success and achievement of Christian as Champion in U13 and 2nd Place in U15 will solidify his name and will gain the trust and confidence of the NCFP Officials and the chess players nationwide.. Let’s support our Filipino pride kasi naghirap din sa training ang bata.. Mula nung pumasok cya sa chess ay wala ng hinto ang kaliwat kanan training niya hanggamg ngayon from different coaches. Finally, we sincerely give back all the glory and honor to God for this success for all the favours He gave to Christian.”

Present coaches of Christian were FM Roel Abelgas, AGM Voltaire Marc Paraguya, IA/FT James Infiesto, NM Alex Lupian, GM Jayson Gonzales and WGM Janelle mae Frayna (PACE Master Class Trainers) while past mentors were AGM Henry Lopez, IM Angelo Young, NM/AGM Marlon Bernardino, NM Winston Silva, Jay Bulicatin, Neo Candelario and Noel Jay Estacio.

Photo shows Panaboan youngest chess AGM Christian Gian Karlo Arca paying a courtesy call on National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr. in the latter’s (Rep. Butch Pichay) hometown Cantilan, Surigao del Sur recently.

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Chess prodigy Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes pocketed the top honors in the Philippine Youth & Schools Hybrid Chess Championships Under 11 division held June 14 to 17, 2021 on Tornelo.

The 9-year-old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga, collected nine points on seven wins and four draws to win the 1 hour + 30 seconds increment Standard time control Single Round Robin format.
Thus, Reyes became the country’s newest Candidate National Master (CNM).

The pride of Barangay Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga Reyes scored victories over John Mark Anarna in the first round, Richard Hardin Alarma in the third round, Jerick Faeldonia in the fourth round, Christian Tolosa in the fifth round, Phil Martin Casiguran in the eight round, Jaymiel Piel in the ninth round and Yosef Immanuel Morada in the tenth round.

He split the point with David Sean Romualdez in the second round, Nathan Maglaya in the sixth round and Jan Carlsen Matencio in the seventh round and Keith Adriane Ilar in the eleventh and final round.

According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Assistant Executive Director for Northen and Central Luzon/International Arbiter Reden Cruz, the outright champion will receive the Candidate National Master title plus 2 National Master norms.

Fondly called OJ in the chess world, he needs only 1 NM norms to complete his NM title status.

His next quest is the upcoming Hybrid Grandfinals of the National Age Group Chess Championships Under 10 category to be held on June 24 to 27, 2021.

Jubail Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Mr. Jimmy Reyes had something to say to his son OJ:
“I am  pleased with the latest achievement of my son (OJ) for bringing honor & pride for our family and as well for the province of Pampanga. I am hoping for our youth to be inspired of OJ’s achievements. There’s no shortcut in success but continuous hard work in training, perseverance, strong determination  and of course Faith in God.

“Congratulations Kuya OJ and to all the winners of the prestigious tournament and good job to all participants who all fought so hard to show their unique talent in chess! Truly there’s a bright future in Chess for our country as per what I’ve observed during the tournament.
“I would like to acknowledge and say thank you to all the coaches , trainors, mentors and sponsors who supported and became part of OJ’s chess development.”

Coaches, trainers and mentors who became part of OJ’s chess development were the late Alberto “Mang Palasky” Corria, 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, FM / AGM Robert Suelo, CM Genghis Imperial, GM Joey Antonio, GM Jayson Gonzales (OJ’s Master Class trainor), WGM Janelle Frayna (OJ’s Master Class trainor) , Edward Serrano, Jose “Fer” Camaya, Garry Reyes and Archimedes De Leon.
Sponsors who became part of OJ chess development were Jake Carlos, Ryan Ace Tan, Darwin Isip, Jomar Cayanan and Rico Laxamana

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—The defending champion Laguna Heroes won all their matches on 16th June in the online tournament of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup on chess.com platform.

The Heroes opened the night with a 21-0 domination over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates and followed it up with a 14.5-6.5 beating of Toledo City Trojans to upgrade to a 13-4 win-loss record, good for a tie for third to fourth with Caloocan Loadmanna Knights.

“We hope to do even better in the succeeding matches and improve our overall standing,” said Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon.

Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, Laguna’s AGM Dr. Alfredo Paez and the squad won 4, draw 1 and 2 loses in the Blitz category. They headed into the Rapid category with the 10-4 victory.

Laguna managed to beat Toledo in the rapid portion behind wins by two-time Asian Junior champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (Board 1), sub-import Ukrainian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko (Board 2), Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez (Board 3) and Vince Angelo Medina (Board 6).

Barcenilla defeated sub-import Iranian Grandmaster Amir Bagheri in 41 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense, Accelerated Panov variation, Shevchenko trounced National Master Rommel Ganzon in 75 moves of a Petroff defense, Enriquez checkmated Jinky Catulay in 51 moves of a Sicilian defense, Grandprix variation and Medina crushed Ariel Joseph Abellana in 29 moves of a Caro-Kann defense.

FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad (Board 4) halved the point with International Master Rico Mascarinas in 67 moves of an English Opening. Grandmaster John Paul Gomez (Board 5) settled for a truce with Richard Natividad in 40 moves of an East Indian defense.

Redentor Nailon Toledo (Board 7) provided the full point for Toledo after beating Aaron Kimuel Lorenzo in 53 moves of a Caro-Kann defense, Panov Attack variation.

The Heroes will seek to continue their hot streak and will try to clinch the no. 1 spot in the Northern Division by facing Zamboanga Sultans and Camarines Soaring Eagle this coming Saturday, June 19, 2021.

 

,
by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia of Espana, Manila won the Hybrid National Youth & Schools  Chess Championships Under 17 division on Tornelo held June 10 to 13, 2021.

The 16 years old Faeldonia, a Grade 11 student of Arellano University under the guidance of coach NM Rudy Ibanez, won with 9.5 points on account of nine wins, one draw and one loss in  1 hour + 30 seconds increment Standard time control Single Round Robin format.

Thus, Faeldonia who hails from Odiongan, Romblon became the country’s newest National Master (NM).
Espana Chess Club head Engr. Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia had something to say to his son Jasper:

“NM Jasper Faeldonia, Champion in the National Youth & Schools  Chess Championships Under 17. Awarded with a National Master Title, will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Asian Schools and Youth Chess Championship 2021.  Creating history as the 1st Chess National Master from Odiongan, Romblon, and currently one of the youngest National Masters in the Philippines at the age of 16.”

The young Faeldonia’s  big wins were against Jeremiah Luis Cruz of Malolos City, Bulacan in the first round, Carl Daluz of Bulan, Sorsogon in the second round, Jeremy Marticio of Cabuyao City, Laguna in the third round, Cassey Miguel Tabamo of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental in the fourth round, Janmly Dilan Tisado of General Trias City, Cavite in the seventh round, Justine Diego Mordido of Dasmarinas City, Cavite in the eight tound, Joshua Michael Yongco of Apalit, Pampanga in the ninth round and Robick Vohn Villa of Zamboanga City in the eleventh and final round.

He lost to Al-Basher “Basty” Buto of Cainta, Rizal/ Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur in the fifth round,  then split the point with Jave Mareck Peteros of Cebu in the sixth round and got a bye in the tenth round.

The young Faeldonia’s local and international campaign was made possible by the undying support of Romblon Chess Club president DILG Director James F. Fadrilan, seven-time Philippine executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo, Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, Manila councilor Anton Capistrano, Dr. Johnah Dondon CG Galicia, Atty. Jing Galicia, Engr. Chris Fainsan, Ms. Grayzel Grey Shell Mabilog, Ma’am Melrose Flores Angeles, Mr. & Mrs. Romar Fortu, Joel Fradejas, Mr. Jimmel Faina Fabra, Mr. Bobby Tambalque Flores and Bayanihan Chess Club board of director Dodoy Kriz Villareal.

It shall be recalled in 2018 the young Faeldonia won the Under 14 National Age Group Chess Championships in Roxas City and was Co-Champion in the Under 14 Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships in Singapore.

Aside from NM Ibanez, other woodpushers who helped Jasper in his journey since the start of his campaign for the chess title were National Master Ernesto Absin, Dr. Jenny Mayor, National Master Marlon Bernardino, National Master Carlos Edgardo Garma, Clement Valledor, Fide Master Robert Suelo, and Metropolitan Chess Club under former olympian Woman National Master Mila Emperado, and his coaches in Milo Checkmate United States chess master Jojo Aquino and Fide Master Deniel Causo.

Final Standings: (Under 17 Boys division)
9.5 points—Jasper  Concepcion Faeldonia (Manila/Odiongan, Romblon)
9 points— Jave Mareck Peteros (Cebu)
8 points—Al Basher Buto (Cainta, Rizal/Marawi City, Lanao del Sur)
7.5 points—Robick Vohn Villa (Zamboanga City)
6.5 points—Jeremy Marticio (Cabuyao City, Laguna)
6 points—Janmly Dilan Tisado (General Trias City, Cavite)
5.5 points—Justine Idego Mordido (Dasmarinas City, Cavite)
5 points—Carl Daluz (Bulan, Sorsogon)
4 points—Jeremiah Luis Cruz (Malolos City, Bulacan)
4 points—Cassey Miguel Tabamo ( El Salvador, Misamis Oriental)

The second training course of the Asian Chess Federation Academy, Iraq Branch, which was dedicated to the Chess Base program has been successfully finished. Ihsan Jawad led the sessions and discussions brilliantly and diligently, according to the testimony of all of the participants whether trainers or players.

These sessions which lasted for three days were under the supervision of the Iraqi Chess Federation and in the presence of the president of the federation, Mr. Dhafer Abdul-Amir al-Jubouri, personally for the entire sessions with the course director, Mr. Haider Abdul-Ghani, head of the trainers’ committee in the Central Iraqi Chess Federation, and his assistant, Mr. Basem Jbara with the rest of the trainers from different Arabic countries including Iraqi participants.

Important lessons, intensive discussions and studies during the course with the active participation of most trainers in addition to clear and detailed answers by the professional lecturer and the mature chess mindset, Ihsan Jawad who gave an impression to everyone on the extent of gaining benefits from these experiences and experiences that were applied as practical examples at each stage of the training .

The successes of the Asian Chess Federation Academy continue and this proves the continuous support of the President of the Asian Chess Federation, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in overcoming all difficulties to make such training courses a success despite his many commitments. It is also worth mentioning the valuable following of General Secretary of Asian Chess Federation Hisham Al-Taher and his continuous communication with the president of the Iraqi Chess Federation, Mr. Dhafer Abdul-Amir Al-Jubouri. Additionally, his phone calls on every tiny detail with continuous work, aiming to achieve expected results in every round and in every part.

These courses with its quantity and quality will inevitably serve the interest of Iraqi chess and as a result of this diversity of lectures, a new developed generation of trainers and players will grow and appear.

The Balochistan Chess Association (BCA) is on track to introduce and establish a chess culture Jon the provincial as well as National-level. BCA has just organized the first part of the toughest series of tournaents in the country, “Haji Siraj Ud Din Memorial Balochistan Grand Prix-1, 2021” with complete Support from Chess Federation of Pakistan, Balochistan Sports Board Director-General Mr. Durra Baloch, and Secretary Sports and youth affairs Balochistan Mr. Imran Gichki.

The Designer and Chief Organizer of the Grand Prix was Dr Muhammad Ayoub, General Secretary Balochistan Chess Association. The Opening inauguration was done by President BCA, Honorable MPA Mir Akthar Hussain Langove.

The events was Fide rated, in Classical format, completed in 6 days, from 21-05-2021 to 26-05-2021. Players were divided in 04 pools, where they played Single Round Robin between them, 2 players qualified from each Pool A-D for quarterfinals, as follows 

Pool	Players	Score
A	Sibt Ali	10.5/11
	Ahsan Ullah Lehri	8.5
B	Ali Madad	9.5/10
	Aurang Zaib Khan	8
C	Dr Muhammad Ayoub	9/10
	Mir Asad Khan	8/10
D	Muhammad Afzal Mengal	10/10
	Mehmood Nasir	9/10

 All 8 qualifiers played a Double Knockout consisting of 2 Classical matches with both colors.

Sibt Ali Won both games in the Quarterfinal comprehensively from Aurang zaib, While Ali Madad won the first game with black and drew the The next game with white against Ehsan Lehri.

Dr. Muhammad Ayoub won both games from Mehmood Nasir, but it was a big fight till the end. The first real upset of the tournament was when Mir Asad khan won both games from Muhammad Afzal Mengal, 71 years old, a Strong player of the country, and Zone 3.2 Champion.

In the Semi-Finals, Sibt Ali showed his class and won both games in style from Ali Madad, While Dr. Muhammad Ayoub knocked out Mir Asad 2-0.

 

The Grand Finale was a real fight between two strong players of the Country, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub started the First game with white confidently and cracked the king Indian defence of NM Sibt Ali, but drew the winning endgame under time pressure, the game continued for 4.5 hours and Sibt Ali took the advantage in final games with white and won the Finale, remaining unbeaten in the whole event.

 Trophies, Certificates, and Cash Prizes were distributed by President BCA, MPA Mir Akthar Hussain Langove. 

Position	Prize
1st  Position	10000
2nd Position	5000
3rd Position	3000
4th Position	2000
5th Position	1000

In his closing speech, President BCA, appreciated the growing strength of players, their dedication, and stamina, he acknowledged the contributions and the stamina of seniors like Afzal Mengal, Yousuf Baloch, and Wasee akther Syed… The winner of the event NM Sibt Ali said that it was the toughest event of his life, both playing strength-wise and demanding a hell of Stamina… 16 Classical games in 6 consecutive days, against the strongest possible field, was very demanding.

General Secretary BCA and Runner up, Dr. Muhammad Ayoub said Young talent is now showcasing their talent on the big stage, like Mir Asad, Aurang Zaib, Haseeb Jawad, Aftab Mengal, Ehsan lehri. Great display of Skills by Seniors like Ejaz Ahmed, Nawaz Zehri, Saleem Shahwani, Ali Madad, Muhammad Ayaz…, great enthusiasm in youngsters like Afzal Shahwani, Jan Sher khan, Ahmed Ullah, Naqeeb, Qayyum… I hope Umerzaib and Haroon will play the games as expected from them… I am thankful to CFP and VP Amin Malik for his continuous interest and support for Balochistan chess… Our President Mir Akther Hussain langue was there in every situation to guide and help us, as well as Senior VP BCA Malik Anwar Saleem Kasi… Special Thanks to Mehmood Nasir, Zafar Ali Khan, Tauseef Ur Rehman Babar, Siddique for helping in every aspect of organizing the event… I must appreciate the interest and participation of Noor Fatima Rashid in joining the event from Lahore… It was a story to be remembered for a long. He said we just created history and the Goods will come short term, as 50 players got Fide ratings under the current BCA umbrella, as well as long term.

He added that Pakistan is now on equal terms to big nations like India, UAE, the USA, Iran, and other countries, we have organized 6 Classical events in just one month, a total of 10 events, which is a record and opening doors of new opportunities for chess players. Our slogan “Good time is ahead”. 

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—The Defending Champion Laguna Heroes recovered from a setback to the Negros Kingsmen by blasting the Palawan’s Queen’s Gambit, 13-8, in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup online tournament via lichess.com Saturday, June 12, 2021.

FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus toppled Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza to power the Heroes to a 11-4 win-loss record in the Northern Division.

Literatus, a former top player of National University chess team, downed Mendoza in 42 moves of a Neo Gruenfeld defense in their blitz duel before winning in 66 moves of an Alekhine defense in the rapid play.

Also delivering wins for the Heroes were FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Vince Angelo Medina.
Bagamasbad subdued Woman National Master Carmelita Abanes in 47 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening, Berlin defense in the blitz portion followed by 35-move victory of a Sicilian skirmish in the rapid play.

Medina, on the other hand toppled Woman International Master Catherine Perena-Secopito in 57 moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening, Levitsky Attack in their blitz match ups then scored a 48 move triumph in their Queen’s Gambit Declined clash in the rapid format.

Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, Laguna’s AGM Dr. Alfredo Paez and the squad won six out of the seven boards in the Blitz category.
They headed into the Rapid category with the 7-7 all deadlock.

“We are just trying to get better every game. We are just trying to get in better shape,” said Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes including David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon.

In other results, Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (in photot) nipped sub-import Indian International Master and Woman Grandmaster Rout Padmini in their blitz encounter but yielded in their rapid game.

Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez beat Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza (blitz) but lost to Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego (rapid), Grandmaster John Paul Gomez waylaid Woman International Master Mikee Charlene Suede (blitz) but settled for a truce with Marife Dela Torre (rapid).

Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat suffered a double black eye after losing to San Diego (blitz) and Suede (rapid).

In the PCAP GM Wesley So Cup, the champion team will receive P150, 000 while the runner-up will get P75,000. The third placer will earn P40,000, while the fourth placer takes home P20,000.