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by Marlon Bernardino.

Chess wizard Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Reyes (above left) put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the kiddies boys crown, while wunderkind Bonjoure Fille “The Flash” Suyamin (above right)  sustained her fine start to pocket the girls plum in the National Youth & Schools Chess Championship – North Luzon Leg online tournament on Friday, April 16, 2021.

The 9 year old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga finished with 5 wins and 2 draws for a total of 6 points, the same output of Mark Gabriel Usman. Reyes, however, was proclaimed champion in the Under-13 Boys category due to better tie break points.

Reyes scored victories over Cleiford Kortchnoi Molinyawe in the first round, Marion Erx Daabay in the second round, John Curt Valencia in the third round, Yaneah Sofia in the sixth round and Sumer Justine in the seventh and final round. He split the point with Keith Adriane Ilar in the fourth round and Mark Gabriel Usman in the fifth round.

“Congrats kuya Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes (9 yrs old, grade 4 student of EZEE, Pampanga) for snatching the title for nationwide “National Youth & School Chess Championship (U13), North Luzon Qualifying leg.” said Jubail, Saudi based Jaime “Jimmy” Reyes, OJ’s father and coach.

Yosef Immanuel Morada, John Curt Valencia and Yaneah Sofia Morada tied for third with 5 points while Sumer Justine Oncita, Jayson Jacobo Tiburcio and Joshua Manire ended up with identical 4.5 points in this event, hosted by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino in close cooperation with City Sports and Youth Development led by OIC David B. Bayarong, FIDE national instructor Joel Escorial Villanueva, the Philippine Sports Commisison, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s Chairman/ President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and tournament director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

In the Under 15 Girls section, the 11 year old Suyamin, a grade 5 section Daniel pupil of Del Rosario Christian Institute Of General Trias tallied perfect 7 points to romp home with the title.
Suyamin, one of the top players of General Trias City Chess Club under the guidance of coach Ederwin Estavillo swept all her matches against Angel Laurice Paradela, Sophia Jabagat, Yezka Mendoza, Kaye Lalaine Regidor, Lorraine Paradela, Daniella Louise Dee and Raya Georgette Paradela, respectively. She finished 1.5 points ahead of Kaye Lalaine Regidor who had 5.5 points. Sophia Jabagat wound up with 4.5 points and shared third place with Lorraine Paradela.

“Congratulations Bonjoure Fille Suyamin for winning the prestigious chess tournament. We are proud of you,” said her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Suyamin.

Other category winners were Drinian Villanueva (Boys U9, 7/7),  Christian Tolosa (U11, Open 6/7), Joemel Narzabal (Boys U15, 5.5/7), Juncin Estrella (Boys U17, 6.5/7),  Gllasea Ann Hilario (Girls U9, 7/7), Ma. Theresa Barry (Girls U13, 5/6) and Ruelle Canino (Girls U17, 7/7).-Marlon Bernardino-

Final Standings:
(Under 13 – Boys, 7 Round Swiss-System)
6 points—Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Mark Gabriel Usman
5 points—Yosef Immanuel Morada, John Curt Valencia,  Yaneah Sofia Morada
4.5 points—Sumer Justine Oncita, Jayson Jacobo Tiburcio, Joshua Manire
(Under 15 – Girls, 7 Round Swiss-System)
7 points—Bonjoure Fille Suyamin
5.5 points—Kaye Lalaine Regidor
4.5 points—Sophia Jabagat, Lorraine Paradela

The Thailand Chess Association has held an over-the-board tournament, the 1st Chinag Mai Friendly Chess Tournament, 3, 4 and 6 April in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Jonathan Bodemar won the Open section, Tanawat Sankham won the Under-14 section, Chatchaya Abhiromasawat won the Under-12 section, Punyathon Kaenratana won the Under-12 section while Ornpattraikulra Sethak and Phuwin Louwakul tied for first in the Under-7 and Under-8 sections.

by Marlon Bernardino.
MANILA—PH Chess wunderkind Al Basher Jumangit Buto bested his more experienced opponents to rule the Bawah 12 Tahun Putrajaya (Under 12 category, Malaysia virtual chess tournament) 2021 chess online tournament on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

The 11-year-old Buto, a grade five pupil of Faith Christian School in Cainta, Rizal, whose stint here is being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., Sen. Ping Lacson and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) scored ten victories out of the possible eleven including an impressive final-round triumph over Muthupyr of Chenai, India after 62 moves of Scotch Opening. The 10 minutes rapid time control format which attracted 1,997 young chess players worldwide was organized by Kejohanan Catur Atas Talian Piala Timbalan Menteri Wilayah of Malaysia.

It was another victory for the veteran age group internationalist, an Asean Master who is being groomed to be the next Wesley So.

The young Cainta-based Maranao chess player, who traces his roots from Marawi City is fresh from winning the Luzon Leg of the Philippine Sports Commission-National Chess Federation of the Philippines online selection tournament last Thursday.

Buto’s other wins came at the expense of Tavamathie Surendran of Malaysia in the first round, Izzat Naqib of Malaysia in the second round, Emily May Rosly of Malaysia in the third round, Shreeneshen of Malaysia in the fourth round,  CK of Malaysia in the fifth round, Wei Shen Yeoh of Malaysia in the sixth round, Hasif of Malaysia in the seventh round, Suryavarman Chandrasekar of Singapore in the ninth round and Ree Herng Shen of Malaysia in the tenth round.

His only draw came in the eight round at the hands of Quinsha Adinda Syahirah of Indonesia.
“Our sacrifices have paid off… I would like to thank my personal mentor International Master Chito Garma and American chess coach Dave Fenton,” said Al-Basher, fondly called “Basty” in the chess world.

With the victory, Buto’s performance boosted the nation’s morale, said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.

“Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayan Al-Basher “Basty” Buto got another magnificent performance,” he said.
“This proved once again that Filipinos can be at par with the world’s best chess athletes. With ample training and preparation we can even become world champions,” said 1996 Philippine Junior Champion Arena Grandmaster Robert Suelo Jr., secretary-general of Bayanihan Chess Club, one of the first chess coach and trainer of Super Grandmaster Wesley So, the reigning World Fischer Random Champion.

Visit lichess.org for the full results:

Under 9 – https://lichess.org/swiss/h9DcHGn3
Under 12 – https://lichess.org/swiss/FCrghZq4
Under 15 – https://lichess.org/swiss/QhIAuFfw
Under 17 – https://lichess.org/swiss/olOujNvY

His elder sister, Rohanisah Buto, placed 2nd in the Under 17 category, 509 participants after tallying 8 out of 9.

Meanwhile, her elder sister Alysah Buto (7/9) is 21st place out-of-509 players in the Under 17 category while his older brother Abdul Buto (7/9) is 49th place out-of-634 players in the Under 15 category.

It shall be recalled that last March 16, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) passed the Resolution No. 356 commending Al-Basher for his outstanding feats in both national and international chess championships, and providing support for his future development, during its Session No. 55 at the Bangsamoro Government Center, in Cotabato City.

The resolution was introduced by principal authors members of the Parliament Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Jr., Atty. Laisa Alamia, Suharto Ambolodto, Engr. Baintan Adil-Ampatuan, Amilbahar Mawallil, Rasul Ismael, and Engr. Don Mustapha Loong. “One of the goals of the Bangsamoro Sports Commission [BSC] is to actually develop young athletes in the Bangsamoro,” said Atty. Mitmug.

Al-Basher is the the first and youngest Bangsamoro master chess player.

Negros Occidental native rules Malaysia chess tilt
by Marlon Bernardino.

La Carlota City, Negros Occidental-native FIDE Master Nelson Villanueva recently won the 2021 Pahang International Open Chess Championship last April 10 to 11, 2021.

Villanueva, one of the top players of Caloocan Loadmanna Knights team owned by Atty. Arnel Batungbakal collected 7.5 points on six wins and three draws to win the nine-round Open section tournament.

Anadkat Kartavya of India took second place with similar 7.5 points but got lower tie break points.

Third to fourth are FIDE Master Sander Severino of Silay City, Negros Occidental and International Master Joel Pimentel of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental who notched 7 points apiece.

Four players tallied 6 points each and after the tie break points was applied FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri of Escalante City, Negros Occidental placed fifth, Subramaniam Sumant of Malaysia placed sixth, A/P Loganathan Divyadarrshini of Malaysia placed seventh and Yunusmetov Hakeem of Malaysia placed eight.

Final Standings: (Open section, Nine Round Swiss-System)
7.5 points—FM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines), Anadkat Kartavya (India)
7 points—FM Sander Severino (Philippines), IM Joel Pimentel (Philippines)
6 points—FM Alekhine Nouri (Philippines), Subramaniam Sumant (Malaysia), A/P Loganathan Divyadarrshini (Malaysia), Yunusmetov Hakeem (Malaysia)

by Marlon Bernardino.
Jayson San Jose Visca of Sta. Fe, Romblon won his 2nd championship crown in the 21st Romblon Chess Club (RCC) Blitz weekly online tournament last April 11, 2021.

The former University of the East stalwart gathered a perfect 11 points in a swiss system tournament with a time control of 5 minutes & zero increment. Also a member of PCAP’s Cavite Spartans, coach Jayson defeated 3 former champions, Jasper Faeldonia, Nepthali Bantang, and John Paul Canulo, duplicating the first crown he won last December 23, 2020, in the 6th edition of RCC Blitz.

Teorwin Talapian took second place,  followed by Jerry Morada Jr. in third place, Nephtali Bantang in fourth place. Christian Yrreg Servanez wound up in fifth place.

Rounding up the top 10 were  Jasper Faeldonia, John Paul Canulo, Joel Forcadas, Orly Pascual and Blairy Fallarme.

The 21st edition was sponsored by Mayor Dental Clinic, Engr. Ernie Faeldonia, Mr. Rewmel Formento, AGM/Engr. Joseph Galindo, Mr.Jasper Faeldonia and Mr. John Paul Canulo.
RCC is headed by DILG Regional Director, Engr. James F. Fadrilan, supported by 7-time Phil. Executive Champion Dr. Jenny Mayor & DSWD MIMAROPA RIO-III Engr. Ernie Faeldonia.

The 22nd edition will be on Sunday, April 18, 2021.

GM Parham Maghsoodloo won the Iran Championship with 14 points out of 15 games in the 16-player Round Robin.

Parham collected 21.8 rating points and won the first prize of $4000 cash prizes for this championship.

Pouya Idani with 13 points finished second, collecting 26.1 rating points, followed by Aryan Gholami in 3rd, Amin Tabatabaei in 4th and  Ehsan Ghaemmaghami in 5th.

Visit chess-results.com for full report and to download games.

by Marlon Bernardino.
The 2021 Zamboanga Sultans National Age Group Online Chess Championships – Mindanao Leg for ages 20 years old and below (Boys & Girls) gets underway on April 17 and 18, 2021 at tornelo online platform.

Cavite chess wunderkind eyes another online chess title. The young chess genius from Ternate, Cavite and grade 4 pupil of Maragondon Elementary School is fresh from being co-champion in the National Youth and Schools Online Chess Championships Boys Under-11 Southern Tagalog qualifying leg last April 3, 2021.

“I trained hard for this national event so I can give a good show for chess fans,” said 10-year-old Piel co-champion (3rd place) in Marinduque National Age Group Chess Championships U12Boys (Southern Luzon Leg), 6th place in the National Age Group Chess Championships U16Boys (Northern Luzon Leg) and 7th place in the National Age Group Chess Championships U14Boys (Nothern Luzon Leg)

Piel also was a member of the Sharp Kids Diamond Under 12 Philippine chess team which won the overall championships in the Worldwide U-12 East A Team Battle last March 10, 2021.
Piel was also Champion in the AFPI Chess Clinic Arena, Champion in FEU Youth Chess, Champion of the CEFAG Kiddies, Champion of the 5th BCA Kids U13 and Champion in the FIDE Online Arena last March 13, 2021

by Marlon Bernardino
Arena Grandmaster Fletch Archer Arado (above left) of Zamboanga City and Ivan Travis Cu (above right) of San Juan City continue to reap honors as they finished first and second in the 2021 Congressman Greg Gasataya National Age Group Chess Championship – Visayas Leg for Under 16 Boys on online tournament Saturday, April 10, 2021 at tornelo.com.

The 13-year-old Arado, a grade seven pupil of Ateneo De Zamboanga University High School, playing under the guidance of Ateneo De Zamboanga Sports Head Prof. Rey Reyes,  Redkings Chess Manila Coach FIDE Master Nelson “Elo” Mariano III and Zamboanga Sultans team owner Canadian National Master Zulfikar Sali collected 6 points on five wins and two draws in seven outings to went home the title in this 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment rapid time control format.

On the other hand, the 12-year-old Cu, a grade six student of Xavier School tallied a similar 6 points on six wins and one loss. However, Arado took the crown via direct encounter (winner over the other) tie break.

In third place was Kelly Martin Balbaboco of Paranaque City who had 5.5 points.

“Thank you to the organizers and the sponsors and especially to all my coaches and a special thanks to all the people who never doubted my strength.” said Arado, who also won the 2019 Private Schools of Zamboanga City Athletic Association Selection Games and 4th placer in Grand Finals, NCFP Selection to the World Cadets Online Championship.

Arado’s victories came against Relghie Columna, Andrei Lory Salvador, Cedric Kahlel Abris,  Ivan Travis Cu and Jerome Pullos. He split the point with Oshrie Jhames Reyes in the second round and Juncin Estrella in the third round.

Cu’s victories were over Yash Ansell Cayabyab, Khent Darylle Delig, Ariel Santander, Cedric Kahlel Abris, Jerome Pullos and Christian Tolosa. He suffered his only loss to Arado in the sixth and penultimate round.

““I’m very happy to win again (Co-Champion Under 16), especially in a tough tournament like this.”  said Cu, Champion in the Under 12 Boys Division of the National Age Group South Luzon Leg and 2nd Place in the Under 14 Boys Division in the National Age Group North Luzon Leg.

In the distaff side, Jamelin Ruth Lim of Bacolod City lived up to her lofty billing after snaring the crown with a 6.5 markers.

The other top finishers were Kim Kenneth Santos (Under 20 Boys), Ruelle Canino (Under 20  Girls), Carl Daluz (Under 18 Boys), Christine Faith Tabungar (Under 18  Girls), Prince Rolljhon Baulita (Under 14 Boys), Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza (Under 14 Girls),  Yosef Immanuel Morada (Under 12 Boys), Jillianne Jumalon (Under 12 Girls), Ghierzen Lhou Sebastian (Under 10 Boys) and Stephanie Jabagat (Under 10 Girls).

Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament director is NCFP Chief Operating Officer GM Jayson Gonzales.-

Dahamdi, Easha, Desandhi and Oneli leads to Semi- Finals!

Both champions of group X and Y won quarter finals without getting tied. Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College (above left) successfully won both games against Tenuli Dahamna Rathnayake(Ananda Balika Vidyalaya) of Quarter final 1 and made her step to Semi finals by being the only unbeaten player of the event.  Easha Pallie of Visakha Vidyalaya (above right) made her way to semifinals by scoring 1.5 out of 2 rounds with Oshini Gunawardana (Pushpadana High School) in Q/F 2. Being an Eight year old, Oshini’s achievement of stealing ½ a point from Esha is commendable.

Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake (Bandaranayake Central College, Veyangoda) and Desandhi Dhihansa Gamage of Sirimavo Bandaranayake Balika Vidyalaya (photo above) had a very tough battle among each other. They had draws in both classical games. Therefore, it led to two rapid games. Surprisingly, they had draws in both rapid games as well by making a remarkable battle. According to tie breaks, next is to play two blitz games. Battle became more competitive since their first blitz game ended up making a draw again. Desandhi made it to the semi finals by wining the 2^nd blitz game after a hard fought game.

Tharuli Vihansa Ranganath School(Yoshida International) and Oneli Vithanawasam of Lyceum International School, Wattala (photo above) also had a competitive battle. Oneli won the first classical game while Tharuli made it equal by winning the second classical game. In two rapid games, Oneli was able to made it by winning the both games.

The prestigious 2nd SL Youth Girls Chess Grand Prix 2021 is scheduled from 2nd to 18th April 2021 with 18 leading Girls Under 14 Yrs Chess players. There were 2 Round Robin 9 rounds events played from 2^nd to 10^th April after dividing them to two groups of equal strength in Rating. The knocked out stage started with the Quarter finals today and will continue on 17^th and 18^th April with the Semi Finals and Finals.

The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka is offering Rs. 55,000/= as the cash awards for the event. All games are live broadcasted and the link is given below. The CFSL is planning to arrange live streaming of the event in the Semi Finals and Finals.

The event is held according to the strict health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and The Medical Unit of Ministry of Sports. The following regulations should be adhered:

1. A directory of participants is kept.
2. Facilities for fever checking, Hand washing are available. Players should come wearing a Face masks
3. Gloves and face shields are provided by CFSL and players should wear them all the time they stay in the venue.
4. The social distancing should be adhered. Tables are arranged that way as 1 game per table.
5. No spectators, parents are allowed in the venue. They can drop the players at the venue and may come back to collect after the game.
6. Player gathering after the games is strictly prohibited.

The Semi Finals will be played as below:

S/F 1 – Sanudula Dahamdi Vs Oneli Vithanavasam

S/F 2 – Esha Pallie Vs Dehansa Gamage

The system is same as Quarter finals where two games will be played giving alternate colours. If equal, the 1^st tie breaker is two Rapid Games with different colour. If still 1 point each two Blitz games giving alternate colours again. If still ties as 1-1 an Armageddon game giving 5 minutes to White and 4 Minutes to Black is played where white has to win. If it draws Black is considered as the winner.

WIM Nelunika Metmani