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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.

 

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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.

 

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—The country’s wood pushers have something to look forward to next month as the famous Brotherhood of the Knights Square Table will host the 2021 All Executives, Arbiters and Women’s Open online chess championship on July 4, 2021, Sunday, 7pm at lichess.org.

The tournament will be a nine-round Swiss system format with 3 minutes playing time and one-second increment for each player, open to all executives, arbiters and women’s with a January 2021 NCFP blitz rating of not more than 2200 according to Brotherhood of The Knights of Square Table Founder/CEO Capt. Ronaldo Banaag.

The champion will pocket P2,000 while the runner-up will receive P1,500 and P1,000 for the third placer. The fourth placer will get P700, and P500 for the fifth placer. The sixth to 12th placers of the tournament will not go home empty handed as each will get P400, P300, P200 and P100, respectively.

The event is organized by Knights 1st Viceroy Arena Grandmaster Henry Roger Lopez and National Arbiter Ely Acas, backed up by Capt. Ronaldo Banaag and Capt. Jhun Whigan.

A file photo shows Brotherhood of The Knights of Square Table Founder/CEO Capt. Ronaldo Banaag and former world champion challenger British Grandmaster Nigel Short during the Negros International Open Chess Championships 2017.

The Prize distribution & Closing ceremony of the SAIF POWERTEC Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship sponsored by SAIF POWERTEC Limited was held at the Shapla Hall Room of Bangladesh Police Headquarter in Dhaka and also virtually on Zoom together with Awards for Zones 3.1 and 3.3 Hybrid Zonals. Follow Asian Chess Federation on facebook  and twitter  @Asianchess.

Dr. Benazir Ahmed, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and President of Bangladesh Chess Federation & South Asian Chess Council distributed prizes among winners as chief guest. Mr. Tarafder Md. Ruhul Amin, Managing Director of SAIF POWERTEC Limited and Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation was present as special guest. Mr. Hisham Al Taher, General Secretary of Asian Chess Federation, Syed Shahb Uddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation & President FIDE Zone 3.2 also gave an address.

Victory speeches were given by winner of Zone 3.2 GM Ziaur Rahman, Zone 3.1 winner GM Ghaem Ehsan Maghami of Iran (below left) and Zone 3.3 champion IM Daniel Quizon (below right).

Mr. K M Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, DR. Shoeb Reaz Alam, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Mr. Masudur Rahman Mallick, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Executive Members of Bangladesh Chess Federation Mr. Md Moniruzzaman Palash, Mr. Zakir Ahmed, Mr. Md. Alauddin Saju, Mrs. Anjuman Ara Aksir, IO Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly and Mr. Sajol Mahmud were present.

Asian Chess Federaiton Vice President IA Luxman Wijesuriya, President of Sri Lanka Chess Federation, Asia’s first GM Eugenio Torre, Zone 3.2 President Sami Khader, FIDE Rules Commission Chairman Mahdi Abdur Rahman, Chief Arbiter of Zonal 3.1 IA Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh and Zone 3.2 Chief Arbiter IA Md. Haroon Or Rashid were virtually present in the ceremony. Technical Delegate of Zonal 3.2 IA IO Abundo Casto was Emcee of the programme.

Champion GM Ziaur Rahman received one thousand US dollars, runner-up GM Enamul Hossain Razib earned seven hundred us dollars, 3^rd– CM Liyanage Ranindu Dilshan of Sri Lanka received five hundred us dollars, 4^th– CM Manon Reja Neer of Bangladesh received three hundred us dollars, 5^th– IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Bangladesh received two hundred us dollars, 6^th-FM Khandaker Aminul Islam of Bangladesh, 7^th-Mohammad Minhaz Uddin of Bangladesh and 8^th A A C B Amarasinge of Sri Lanka received one hundred us dollars each. GM Ziaur Rahman qualified in the FIDE World Cup 2021.

Sri Lanka National Chess Champion Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage (photo above) of Ananda College won the Bronze Medal achieving the 3^rd spot with a total of 6 points out of 9 games.

A total of 39 players from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated in the event. The event was held in 9 round Swiss-League system in hybrid system.

Download Chief Arbiter’s Report of the Asian Zonal 3.2 Chess Championship 2021

Download Final Results of the SAIF POWERTEC Asian Zonal 3.2 Chess Championship 2021

 

GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh (above left) became unbeaten champion in the SAIF POWERTEC Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship sponsored by SAIF POWERTEC Limited at the Asia Hotel & Resorts in Dhaka, Bangladesh and online chess platform tornelo.

Watch games live in chessbomb,  chess.com,  followchess,  chess24 and chessbase. Visit chess-results.com to download games and for round by round results and standings. Follow Asian Chess Federation on facebook and twitter @Asianchess. Games are scheduled 3:30 pm daily (Dhaka time). Visit Bangladesh Chess Federation facebook page.

GM Zia earned 8 points out of 9 games and clinch the title and qualify into the FIDE World Cup which will start from 10^th July in Sochi, Russia.

GM Enamul Hossain Razib (above) of Bangladesh became runner-up with 7½ points.

Six players earned 6 points each, in tie-breaking system their positions are: 3^rd– CM Liyanage Ranindu Dilshan of Sri Lanka, 4^th– CM Manon Reja Neer of Bangladesh, 5^th– IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Bangladesh, 6^th-FM Khandaker Aminul Islam of Bangladesh, 7^th-Mohammad Minhaz Uddin of Bangladesh and 8^th A A C B Amarasinge of Sri Lanka.

9^th or last round games were held today (Wednesday). The event was held in 9 round Swiss-league system and 39 players from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated. The prize-distribution and closing ceremony will start Thursday) from 3:30 PM at Shapla Hall in Bangladesh Police Head-quarter with Chief Guest Dr. Benazir Ahmed (photo below), BPM (Bar), President, Bangladesh Chess Federation & South Asian Chess Council and Inspector General of Bangladesh Police.

SAIF POWERTEC Asian Zonal 3.2 Chess Championship 2021
Pairings/Results
Round 9 on 2021/06/09 at 3:30 PM (Dhaka
Bo.	No.		Name	Rtg	Pts.	Result	Pts.		Name	Rtg	No.
1	14	CM	Manon Reja Neer	2130	5½	½ – ½	7½	GM	Rahman Ziaur	2434	1
2	8	CM	Liyanage Ranindu Dilshan	2203	5½	½ – ½	7	GM	Hossain Enamul	2402	2
3	3	IM	Mohammad Fahad Rahman	2314	5	1 – 0	5	CM	Chowdhury Sohel	2106	16
4	6	IM	Abu Sufian Shakil	2242	5	0 – 1	5	IM	Mohammad Minhaz Uddin	2278	4
5	10	FM	Mehdi Hasan Parag	2187	5	½ – ½	5	FM	Subrota Biswas	2268	5
6	17	FM	De Silva L M S T	2085	5	0 – 1	5	CM	Amarasinghe A A C B	1873	26
7	11	FM	Islam Khandaker Aminul	2182	5	1 – 0	4½		Anata Choudhury	2202	9
8	18	CM	Nayem Haque	2080	4½	0 – 1	4½	CM	Zia Tahsin Tajwar	2178	13
9	31		Farooq Noor	1706	4	0 – 1	4	FM	Rahman Syed Mahfuzur	2213	7
10	12	FM	Ahmed Sheikh Nasir	2178	4	1 – 0	4		Mihir Lal Das	2013	20
11	24	WFM	Noshin Anjum	1948	4	1 – 0	4		Swarnavo Choudhury	1966	23
12	34		Wadifa Ahmed	1629	3½	0 – 1	4	CM	Ahmed Mahtabuddin	2035	19
13	15	CM	Md. Sharif Hossain	2122	3½	0 – 1	3½	FM	Muhammed Shuaau	1925	25
14	38		Muneeb Yaqoob	0	3	0 – 1	3		Ahmad Awais	1838	27
15	37		Muhammad Faisal Mughal	0	3	0 – 1	3		Musawir Khan	1773	28
16	30		Prajapati Raj	1749	3	1 – 0	3		Anis Ur Rehman Zaidi	0	36
17	39		Prajapati Anshu Dil	0	2	0 – 1	1		Afzal Shahwani	1443	35

See other news of Asian Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 8: GM Ziaur Rahman Maintains Half Point Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 7: GM Ziaur Rahman Leads in Homestretch of Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 6: GM Ziaur Rahman Maintains Solo Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 5: GM Ziaur Rahman Grabs Solo Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 4: Five Share Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd 3: GMs Ziaur Rahman and Enamul Hossain Tie for Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal

Rd 2: Eight Bangladesh Players Share Lead in Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship

Rd. 1: Asian Zone 3.2 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship 2021

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines—The defending champion Laguna notched back-to-back convincing wins and swept the start of Inter-Division, North versus South of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season II dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup Conference online tournament Wednesday, June 9, 2021 being held at chess.com platform.

Led by sub-import Ukrainian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko, the Heroes smashed Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warrios, 16.5-4.5  with impressive wins in both blitz and rapid. They also crushed Mindoro Tamaraws in the second game, 15.5-5.5.

“The defending champion Laguna Heroes started the day with a stellar outing against Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warrios, 16.5-4.5, and finished the day with another win against Mindoro Tamaraws, 15.5-5.5,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “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.

The 18-years-old Shevchenko defeated Anthony Makinano of Lapu-Lapu City, 3-0, and Zejih Merilles of Mindoro, 3-0, to help propel the Heroes to a solo third with 10-3 win-loss records in the Northern Division.

Two-Time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, Vince Angelo Medina, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat also stepped up big time to help Laguna with their back-to-back wins.

The United States based Barcenilla toppled import Vietnamese Woman Grandmaster Le Thao Nguyen of Lapu-Lapu City, 3-0, Literatus beat Joselito Asi of Mindoro, 3-0, Enriquez blanked Marian Calimbo of Lapu-Lapu City, 3-0, Bagamasbad subdued Marcelo Abeleda of Mindoro,3-0, Gomez waylaid Romeo Resuero of Lapu-Lapu City, 2-1, Medina defeated Neil Adrian Gilig of Lapu-Lapu City, 2-1, then blasted US master Rainer Labay of Mindoro, 3-0, Lorenzo dealt Daniel Minoza of Lapu-Lapu City, 3-0, while Bayangat crushed Ronald Berdera of Mindoro, 2-1.

The Heroes will seek to maintain their hot streak and will try to clinch the no. 1 spot in the Northern Division by facing Negros Kingsmen and Palawan Queen’s Gambit on Saturday, June 12, 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 Arena Grandmaster Fred Paez, Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA

(Northern Division)
1  San Juan (11-2 win-loss-record)
2 Manila (11-2)
3  Laguna (10-3 )
4-5 Caloocan ( 9-4)
4-5 Antipolo (9-4)
6 Isabela (8-5)
7 Pasig (7-6)
8-9 Cagayan (5-8)
8-9 Cavite (5-8)
10 Quezon (3-10)
11 Rizal (1-12)
12 Olongapo (0-13)
(Southern Division)
1-2  Camarines (12-1)
1-2 Cordova (12-1)
3-4 Iloilo (10-3)
3-4 Toledo (10-3)
5 Zamboanga (8-5)
6 Negros (7-6)
7 Lapu-Lapu (5-8)
8 Palawan (4-9)
9-10 Surigao (3-10)
9-10 Cebu (3-10)
11 Mindoro (2-11)
12 Iriga (1-12)

by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines— Philippine chess prodigy Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes stunned an elite field to capture the JGV22 Arena Blitz Chess Championship on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at lichess.org.

The 9-years-old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga finished with 24 points in 12 games for a win rate of 100 percent and performance rating of 2652 to win the 3 minutes blitz event.

Reyes, one of PH brighest hope, won in 12 games  in 12 outings.

The online tournament had time control of three minutes play to finish and players must win as many games in two hours of play. Jubail Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Mr. Jimmy Reyes, father and coach of OJ.
Sherwood David took the second spot with 20 points on 19 games and a win rate of 53 percent on ten wins for a performance rating of 2170.

In third place was Robert Halili who had 18 points and a win rate of 56 percent on nine wins for a performance rating of 2230.

Reyes from Dila-Dila, Pampanga is on the roll in the online tournament.

He beat Megan Althea Obrero Paragua of New York City, USA, 7-3, last May 29, 2021 and Bonjoure Fille Suyamin of General Trias City, Cavite, 7-2, last June 4, 2021 during the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Chess Challenge dubbed as Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series, Chess For A Cause.