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by Marlon Bernardino.
Oshrie James “OJ” Constantino Reyes (above left) humbled Rafiel Irvin Lacorte in the sixth round then drew with Pat Ferdolf Macabulos in the seventh and final round to capture the Under 10 crown while Gaye Thalia Ventura (above tight) took the Girls Under-8 plum in the National Age Group Chess Championship Semi-Finals online tournament Friday, May 14, 2021 at Tornelo platform.

The 9-year-old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga, outwitted  Lacorte after 36 moves of a French defense then split the point with Macabulos after 32 moves of a Four Knights Game for a six-point total in the seven-round Swiss system tournament to finish solo first in the boys’ 10-and-under division. Reyes, who swept his first four matches, settled for a truce with John Curt Valencia in the fifth round.

Macabulos and Valencia, wound up tied for second with 5.5 points.

The 6-year-old Ventura, a grade 1 student of Francisco E. Barzaga Memorial School in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, on the other hand defeated Millery Gen Subia after 50 moves of Modern defense to top the Girls U-8 class with 6 points.

Mary Janelle Tan and Glaiza Celine Romero finished second and third placers with 5.5 points apiece.

“Congrats Kuya Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes  for winning the prestigious National Age Group Championship U10 Semi Finals. Road to Grand Finals.” said Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes, father and coach of OJ.

“Thank you to all who believe and support our very own,  one of Pampanga’s Youth Chess Warriors. Mabuhay Balen Santa Rita & Guagua, Province of Pampanga.” added Mr. Jimmy.

The event is organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s president/chairman Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero ” Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament Director is NCFP Chief Executive Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

by Marlon Bernardino.
MANILA, Philippines—Ivan Travis Cu, a consistent winner of an online tournaments, stamped his class again by topping the National Age Group Chess Championship (Semi-Finals) Friday, May 14, 2021 at Tornelo platform.

The 12-year-old Cu, a grade six student of Xavier School, San Juan City, playing under the guidance of Xavier School Athleltic Director Larry De Las Peñas and coach International Arbiter Rolly Yutuc, outwitted Romualdez at a rook and pawn endgame with the black pieces to fashion out the victory in 64 moves of a London System Opening to emerge solo champion in the Under 12 age group category with perfect 7 points.

Cu scored victories over Karl Adrian Dalauta, Yosef Immanuel Morada, Mark Alfonso Azaola, Cassey Miguel Tabamo, James Tuanda, Paulo Efren Castino before beating Romualdez in the last round.

“Congratulations to our son, Ivan Travis Cu for an awesome showing in the National Age Group Chess Championship Semi-Finals (Friday, May 14, 2021). He scored a perfect 7 out of 7 in the competitive U12 Boys category participated in by the top players all over the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). Top 6 finishers will advance to the grand finals in June. It was a phenomenal performance and we are very proud of you.” said Mr. Teddy Cu, father of Ivan Travis.

“Let this tournament inspire you to continue your hard work and reach even greater heights. We’re behind you all the way. Luceat Lux.” he added.

The tournament is organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s president/chairman Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero ” Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament Director is NCFP Chief Executive Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

Cu is on the roll in the online tournament winning the 2021 Zamboanga Sultans National Age Group Chess Championship Mindanao leg Under-18 Boys division last April 17, the Southern Luzon Under-12-category, 2nd place in the Northern Luzon Under-14-division and another runner-up place in the Visayas leg Under -16-section.

Cu also topped the 1st Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament held last February 13, 2021.

Cu gained attention after finishing second place in the Boys 10 and under 36th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships held at the Expo MAX Atria in Singapore on Dec. 27–30, 2019. Cu who amassed seven wins and one loss got a total performance of 1622 for his effort including his last round victory over Oscar Gao (elo 1595) of Australia

On May 07-10, 2021, the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, under the auspices of the FIDE Events
Commission (EVE) and the Asian Chess Federation, held a seminar for International Organizers
concurrently with the Zone 3.4 Open Championships that took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

This event was made possible due to financial support from FIDE and the Asian Chess
Federation. The seminar’s objective was to train and certify Organizers of international chess
events in compliance with FIDE regulations. For the first time among such seminars, the topics
included FIDE Online Chess Regulations and emphasized the practical aspects of organizing
hybrid chess competitions. The exam material and format were also updated significantly.

The seminar was given by Vadim Tsypin (CAN) IA, IO, FIDE EVE Lecturer using Zoom
videoconferencing platform. Fifteen (15) participants from five (5) Asian and European
federations took part: UZB, KAZ, KGZ, LAT, UKR. Attendees who passed the exam will be
awarded a FIDE EVE norm necessary for a FIDE IO title application.

Report by Chief Organizer Husan Turdialiev, IA, IO, FIDE Zone 3.4 President, First Vice-
President, Uzbekistan Chess Federation.

by Marlon Bernardino.
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine chess wunderkind Lexie Grace Hernandez pocketed top honors in the PSC-NCFP Selection – Semi-Finals (Women) online tournament held last May 11 to 13, 2021 on Tornelo platform.

The 15-year-old Hernandez, a grade 9 student of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga collected 5.5 points on four wins and three draws to win the seven-round tournament.

Actually, Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City tallied a similar 5.5 points on five wins, one draw and one loss.
Hernandez, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points.

In third place was Ma. Elayza Villa of Mandaluyong City who had 5 points. Thailand based Woman National Master Arvie Lozano took the fourth spot with 4.5 points while Lovely Ann Geraldino of Taguig City finished fifth with 4 points.

“To play with the best player in the country is amazing,” said Ms. Hernandez, who is also the champion in the PSC-NCFP Selection Luzon Leg Elimination (Women). “I’m so happy to have been part of such an incredible event,” added Ms. Hernandez.

Hernandez scored victories over Lovely Ann Geraldino in the first round, Mary Joy Tan in the third round, Ma. Elayza Villa in the fifth round and Rinoa Mariel Sadey in the seventh and final round. She split the point with Woman National Master Francois Marie Magpily in the second round,  Ruelle Canino in the fourth round and  Divine Grace Luna in the sixth round.

“Congrats & well done to our Future WGM Lexie Grace Hernandez for winning PSC – NCFP Selection – Women Chess Semi Finals. Good luck to the last one Grand Finals,” said Jubail Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes, staunch supporter of Ms. Hernandez.

“Soar high Pampanga youth chess warriors,” added Mr. Jimmy, father and coach of Philippine child prodigy siblings Oshrie Jhames “OJ” and Prince Jhamie Constantino Reyes.

Meanwhile, International Master Barlo Nadera of the Philippine Airforce (5.5 points), John Jasper Laxamana of Far Eastern University (4.5 points), Nezil Arj Merilles of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (4.5 points), Jarvey Labanda of Bicol (4 points) and Francis Talaboc of Taguig City ( 4 points) finished top five (5) in the Men’s Division.

The event was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s president/chairman Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero ” Butch Arreza Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament Director is NCFP Chief Operating Officer (COO) Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

by Marlon Bernardino.
It’s official. The Zamboanga Sultans acquired the service of International Master Angelo Abundo Young, an 8-time Illinois State Champion and over-all 8th in the 2019 World Senior Chess Championship in Bucharest, Romania.
Young came back from Chicago, USA for more than 2 decades to pursue his dream to become national champion. He won both the National Junior Champion in 1982 and the National Senior Champion in 2019.
He holds the record of achieving the required three IM norms in just 21 days and also twice US Chess League member of all stars.
“I would like to thank Zamboanga Owner Mr. Zulfikar Sali and Mr. Rey Reyes and all the members of the team for their warm welcome.” added Young, who previously played for the Manila Indios Bravos in the PCAP All Filipino tournament.
“I hope to contribute well to my new home and my team,” he added.
Joining Young in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Chess League dubbed as Grandmaster Wesley So Cup which begins on May 15 are Brazilian Grandmaster Alexandr Fier (Import) and Natori Biazza Diaz (Lady player).
Aside from Young, Fier and Diaz, also back for the team are NM Zulfikar Sali, AGM Rey Reyes, International Master Chito Garma, Siblings National Masters Joey and Paulo James Florendo, Sarah Chua, Jezreel Lopez, Jordan Gadayan and 8-times Philippine Executive Champion  Dr. Jenny Mayor

by Marlon Bernardino.
Singaporean Siew Kai Xin (above left) and Filipino Robert Suelo Jr. (above right) will be put to the test as they lead the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe in the upcoming GM Wesley So Cup which kicks off on May 15, 2021.
Siew will serve as import while Suelo will be part of homegrown players.
“We are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity that Singaporean Siew Kai Xin and Filipino Robert Suelo Jr. will serve as import and homegrown player in the upcoming GM Wesley So Cup which kicks off on May 15,” said Team Manager and Playing Coach Danilo Ponay.
Siew is a 2-time Chess Olympiad member of the Singapore National Team (2016 Baku, Azerbaijan and 2018 Batumi, Georgia) while Suelo won the 1996 Philippine Junior Championships.
Providing support for the team are 1991 Philippine Junior Champion International Master Arlan Cabe, 1985 Philippine Junior Champion National Master Carlos Edgardo Garma, female player Michaela Concio, Joseph Navarro, Jesus Benjamin Lising, Erwin Calar and Noel Jay Estacio.
The champion team will receive P150,000, the runner-up P75,000, the third placer P40,000, and the fourth placer P20,000.
Top individual performers – Best Import, Player of the Conference, and Finals Most Valuable Player – will get P10,000 each.
All these prizes will be shouldered by Super GM Wesley So, the wunderkind from Bacoor, Cavite, who is now an American and one of the world’s elite chess players.
So, the former top Filipino player is the reigning United States and Fischer Random world champion.
The PCAP is headed by president commissioner lawyer Paul Elauria and Chairman Michael Angelo Chua

by Marlon Bernardino.
Mervin Sebastian Manalang and Gerome Benedict Cubangbang continue to reap honors as they finished first and second in the 3rd edition of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour’s (OLOPSC) “Surfin D’ Board” Online Chess Tournament last May 8, 2021 at lichess.org.
Manalang collected 6 points on six wins and one loss in seven outings to romp home with the title in the Elementary Division.
On the other hand, Cubangbang tallied a similar 6 points on six wins and one loss.
Manalang, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points.
Jonathan Wayne Cellesa finished in third placel with 5.5 points while Jacques Spencer Alog II took the fourth spot with 5 points.
Yang Shenhan Lumbre and David Magalong finished fifth and 6th with 4.5 points apiece.
The 7th-9th spots were taken by Lian Allen Sison, Joaquin  Carlos Luis Pacol and Desmond Michael Flores Pimentel with 4 points each while Apollo Julione Barcelon landed in 10th place with 3.5 points.
Meanwhile, Cyrill Kieon Eustaquio (7 points), Francis Ian Fernandez (5.5 points) and Viggo Nicholas Paras (5 points) finished top three (3) in the High School Division.
Special Awards were Keira Alexandria Alfonso (Top Grade 1), Jacob Kristof Alfonso (Top Grade 3), Apollo Julione Barcelon (Top Grade 4), Arkin Angelo Suaco (Top Grade 5), John Marcus Jacob Rafer (Top Grade 6), Juan Gabriel Paguirigan (Top Grade 7), Julien Adao (Top Grade 8), Mark Alwyn Banzuela (Top Grade 9), Lance Balean (Top Grade 10), Bench Serote (Top Grade 11) and Evanescence Naad (Top Grade 12).
The tournament is a pet project of the OLOPSC Parent’s Teachers Association (PTA) according to its President, Sir Errol Bernard Torres using the 10 minutes play to finish rapid time control format, being held in cooperation with the arbitration team of the Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation (PACC). Chief Arbiter is NA Ranier B. Pascual while Deputy Chief Arbiter is NA Ferdinand Reyes Sr.

The 99^th Internet Based FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar was held from 7^th to 11^th April 2021.

It was organized by the Asian Chess Federation, and under the auspices of FIDE Arbiters Commission. The Lecturer was IA/IO Mahdi Abdulrahim (UAE) FIDE Lecturer, Chairman of FIDE RC & ACF Arbiters Commission. The Organizer was Hisham Al Taher (UAE) ACF General Secretary. and the observer was Mr. Casto Abundo (PHI) ACF Executive Director. KK Chan (HKG) was the technician.

The Language of the Seminar was in Arabic. daily lectures from 18.00-23.00 UAE Time (+4 GMT). The course took 20 hours, divided into four days, at the rate of 5 hours per day. In 11^th April 2021 was the examination test online (3 hours) via fideseminar.com site, and monitored by Zoom.

24 participants registered from nine (9) different federations, four (4) of them were women. The students were from UAE, OMA, BRN, IRQ, YEM, EGY, MAR, LBA and TUN. Twenty-one (21) of them attended the exam. Fifteen (15) of them passed the examination test with 80%, which was held after the end of the lectures. The Seminar will give FIDE Arbiter norms and titles, according to the regulations for the titles of the Arbiters. after the approval of the next FIDE Council meeting.

Visit FIDE web site report.

Topics of the seminars were:

• Laws of Chess (including Rapid, Blitz, etc.).
• Regulations for the rating and the over‐the board titles.
• Swiss system and pairing rules.
• FIDE Competition Rules and standards of chess equipment.
• System of Games, Tie breaks.
• Anti‐cheating guidelines for Arbiters.
• Regulations for the titles of the Arbiters.

Notice:

• On the opening day, words of welcome and encouragement were given to the students participating in the seminar by GM Victor Bologan, Executive Director of the FIDE, Hisham Al Taher, General Secretary of the ACF. They wished everyone luck for a successful seminar.
• The daily lectures were held on the Zoom platform and were recorded. With special link published on YouTube
• Seminar materials were sent to all participants via e-mail.
• At the end of the course, everyone was awarded a certificate of participation.

FIDE Lecturer

IA/IO Mahdi Abdulrahim