by Marlon Bernardino
The Philippine Executive Chess Association, in coordination with the Upper Bicutan Chess Club Inc., is staging the 10th CAPEX Cargo Padala Express Online Chess Open Chess Championship on March 26, 2021 at lichess.org.

This free registration tournament uses an eleven-round Swiss system format competition with 3-minute time control according to tournament director Dr. Alfredo Paez (in photo above). “Open to all players who are in good standing with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

It will be backed by CAPEX Cargo Padala Express CEO Engineer Vergil J. Bargola (above photo) assisted by US Master Rodolfo “Jun” Panopio Jr. and NM Homer Cunanan.

The champion will get P4,000 purse while the second to fifth placers will receive P2,000, P1,000, P700 and P500 respectively. Sixth to tenth placers will bring home P400 each.

Category winners for the top non-master (male), top non-master (female), top executive (male), top executive (female), top PWD (male), top PWD (female), top senior (male), top senior (female),top junior (male), top junior (female), top kiddie (male) and top kiddie (female) will receive cash prizes of P400 each.

Among the early entries are 13-time Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., International Masters Angelo Young, Chito Garma, Michael Concio Jr. and Eric Labog, FIDE Masters Alekhine Nouri, Austin Jacob Literatus and Roel Abelgas, Woman FIDE Master Allaney Jia Doroy, National Master Jasper Rom and Arena International Master Alexandra Sydney Paez.

 

by Marlon Bernardino.

Laguna Heroes team defeated Antipolo Cobras in two sets, 16-5, 19-2, on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 to reach the semifinal round of the Northern Conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines online tournament at chess.com.
“Our quarter-final match against Antipolo Cobras was exciting and tension-filled since it’s already the knock out stage. Though we won in the first match, the Laguna Heroes did not become complacent. We still played  carefully in the 2nd match. ” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that includes Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
The Laguna Heroes opened the night with a 16-5 win over Antipolo Cobras in the first set where they dominated the Rapid event, 10-4, after winning 6-1 in the Blitz event.
Led by two-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (in photo), FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and Vince Angelo Medina scored two points each for Laguna backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali in their Rapid match against Antipolo.
Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales and Jude Ulanday carried the good fight for Antipolo after beating Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo, respectively.
Scoring a point each for the Heroes in the Blitz game against Cobras were Barcenilla, Literatus, Gomez, Medina and Lorenzo. Enriquez and Bagamasbad settled for a draw.
In the second set, Laguna blasted Antipolo 7-0 in the blitz portion then followed with a 12-2 win in rapid game. Only Bernales survived in the rapid game after beating Enriquez.
Also booking semifinal berths were Manila Indios Bravos, San Juan Predators and Caloocan Loadmanna Knights.
Manila defeated Rizal Batch Towers in the first set ,12-9, and ,2-1, in Armageddon after 10.5 all in regulation in the second set.
San Juan, on the other hand, nipped Pasig King Pirates, 11.5-9.5, 13.5-7.5, in two sets.
Caloocan, meantime defeated Cavite Spartans in Armageddon, 2-1.
Cavite’s International Master Petronio Roca failed to convert a winning line against International Master Paulo Bersamina in their top board encounter and ended in a fighting draw that gave Caloocan the match win.
Cavite’s Jayson Visca bested FIDE Master Nelson Villanueva on board 2 while Caloocan’s International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia toppled Renie Malupa on board 3.
Earlier, Caloocan defeated Cavite in 1st set, 14.5-6.5, but Cavite bounced back beating Caloocan in 2nd set, 12.5-8.5, to force an Armageddon tie breaker, with the black pieces and need only a draw to secure a win.
“They’re a team (Cavite Spartans) that fights hard,” said Caloocan Team Owner Atty. Arnel Batungbakal. “They still came out and put up a fight. I respect them so much.”
“It went down the wire. Both teams deserved to win.” added Caloocan Team Owner Atty. Arnel Batungbakal.
In the Southern Conference, Iloilo Kisela Knights spearheaded by 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. trounced Cordova Dagami Warriors in 2 sets, 14-7, 15.5-5.5, to join Toledo City Trojans, Team Camarines-Soaring Eagles and Negros Kingsmen in the semi-final round.

Chess Playoffs Semifinals on Saturday, March 27, 2021
Northern Division
Laguna Heroes vs. Manila Indios Bravos
San Juan Predators vs. Caloocan Loadmanna Knights
Southern Division
Iloilo Kisela Knights vs. Toledo City Trojans
Team Camarines – Soaring Eagles vs. Negros Kingsmen

The Asian Nations Cup for under 14 Years (Open and Girls) will be organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on 27^th, 28^th and 29^th of March 2021 at the Chess.com platform. This event conducted by the Asian Chess Federation is a new Youth Chess Team event created by the Asian Chess Federation. As usual the event will be in two categories, Open where Boys and Girls can participate and a separate event for girls only. A team should comprise 4 players and a reserve.

In above photo are the Sri Lanka Under-14 boys and girls winners. More than 50 teams from 20 Asian Countries have confirmed their participation for the event.

Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Maldives, Malaysia Mongolia, New Zealand, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar and UAE has confirmed their participation for the event. Sri Lanka is fielding 3 Open Teams and 3 Girls teams for the event.

The Events will be held on the Swiss System for teams in 9 rounds. Time control is 15 minutes for a player per game with 10 second increments for each move. The event is held with all precautions to prevent cheating. Players are allowed to use laptop/ Desktop computers only and they should play along in a room facing a wall. A camera/Webcam is compulsory and they have to open the camera and microphone in a zoom meeting in all times when they play. The arbiters are carefully observing the players while playing through this zoom meeting. All players are required to share their screen in zoom. All games are sent to experts for checking.

The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka has offered medals and Trophies for the winners while a DGT Chess clock is awarded for the members of the winning teams.

The Sri Lanka team is also selected by the CFSL online Youth (Open and Girls) Chess Championships 2021 held in last two months. A live streaming of the total event is arranged through the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka Facebook page with commentaries by Sri Lankan National Chess Champions

Schedule of the event

Opening Ceremony and Technical Meeting – Friday, 26^th March 2021 at 6,00 p.m.

Round 1-3 – Saturday, the 27^th of March 2021 – 11.30 , 13.30 and 15.30

Round 4-6 – Sunday, the 28^th of March 2021 – 11.30 , 13.30 and 15.30

Round 7-9 – Monday, the 29^th of March 2021 – 11.30 , 13.30 and 15.30

Virtual Awards Ceremony – Monday, the 29^th of March 2021 – 20.00

by Marlon Bernardino.
Filipino chess wizard Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes stunned an elite field to capture the second Qualifying Leg of the GM Eugene Torre Cup Search For Kid Grandmaster Kiddies U-12 Chess Championship on Sunday, March 21.
The nine-year-old Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga Reyes, grade 4 pupil of EZEE Guagua, Pampanga swept all his opponents to rule the one-day, seven-round event, organized by BATCH (Barangays Achieving Through Chess) Chess Club Inc. headed by former NCFP director Eduardo “Ed” Madrid in cooperation with National Arbiters Boyet Tindugan Tardecilla and Francis Ramos.
Reyes scored victories over Hans Lee Villorente of Pandan, Antique after 27 moves French defense in the first round, Neo Kervy Dublin of Nabas, Aklan after 22 moves of Sicilian defense in the second round, Jian Carlo Rivera of Rodriguez, Rizal after 54 moves of London System Opening in the third round,  Kate Gener of General Santos City after 29 moves of Queen’s Pawn Game in the fourth round, Cassey Miguel Tabamo of El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental after 35 moves of Slav defense in the fifth round, Maria Kristine Lavandero of Cebu City after 65 moves of Gruenfeld defense in the sixth round and Jacob Villaceran of Binangonan, Rizal after 45 moves of Slav defense in the seventh and final round.

by Marlon Bernardino.
Arena Grand Master Joseph Galindo of Cajidiocan, Romblon led the Romblon Chess Club to Back to Back victories in the Colegas International Chess Championship.
Last March 22, 2021, the RCC Team once again repeated its Rapid 7+2 crown against 200 teams worldwide. AGM Galindo emerged as the overall top scorer with 89 points, followed by Woman International Master Anastacia Avramidou of Greece with 82 points, and International Master Igor Bjelobrk of Australia with 79 points under Elite Chess Player Union.

AGM Galindo was supported by the following teammates on the leader board: Nepthali Neph Bantang, Orly Jon Pascual, Jerry Jher Jr Morada, Jasper Faeldonia, Joel Forcadas, & John Paul Canulo. Plus other 22 players including RCC President DILG Director James F. Fadrilan who kept the team on fire up to the last minute of the tournament.
“Congrats RCC Team you make the Romblomanon proud once again! Padayon Romblon.” said Engineer Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia.
” AGM Galindo is one of the first chess players in the country to get the title of Arena Grand Master. A varsity of the University of the East during his college days, AGM Galindo is one of the assets of the Romblon Chess Club in the International Team Competition.” added Engineer Ernie Fetisan Faeldonia.
It shall be recalled that the RCC Team joined the first-ever 7+2 mini-marathon of the Colegas International Chess Championship last March 2, 2021, and bagged the Championship Crown in a 6 hour marathon battle participated in by 156 teams worldwide. AGM Galindo was supported by 5 team leader boards in scoring, namely Orly Jon Pascual, Engr. Arc Hindap Meñez Aliyah Keziah, Raymond Arevalo, and Miguel Maupay Jr.
The OFW Galindo, working as an Electrical Engineer in the Middle East, gathered 8 wins, zero loss, & 3 draws to rule the 17th Edition of the weekly all Romblomanon Chess Tournament

by Marlon Bernardino.
Israel Landicho of Cavite Spartans insists he is ready for war when he goes up against Genghis Imperial of Manila Indios Bravos in the Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series Chess For a Cause on April 9 coinciding with the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan.
“I have to train hard for this fight, give my best, and give a good show,” said Landicho, who hails from Bacoor City, Cavite.
“I will do my very best,” said Imperial, the pride of  Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The Bayanihan Chess Club Match Up Series Chess For a Cause is being held in cooperation with

Bethesda, Maryland, US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas;

Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas;

Auckland, New Zealand based Retired Capt. Jun Isaac;

Estonia and Sweden based Euro Gaming Consultant Mr. Kim Zafra;

Caloocan City Chess Team Owner Atty. Arnel Batungbakal,

Quezon City Chess Team Owner External Auditor/Consultant Mr. Danilo Ponay,

Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Mr. Jimmy Reyes,

Mr. Teddy Cu, Mrs. CJT, Little Scouts Chess Club, Mr. Gerry Bustamante of Barberong Broker, Engr. Lito Lapuz and Mr. Wilson Kwan.

A Chess For A Cause Part Of Fund Raising will Go to needy Chess Players

Chess will be included in the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. This was announced by Thailand Chess Association President Sahapol Nakvanich.

The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games are scheduled to be a pan-Asian multi-sport event in indoor and martial arts sports scheduled 10 to 20 March 2022 in the Thai capital city, Bangkok and the province of Chonburi. Originally due to take place from 21 to 30 May 2021, the event was postponed in January 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) officially awarded the games to Bangkok and Chonburi Province and signed the hosting rights contact in April 2020.

“I had to fight to include chess,” Thailand Chess Association president Sahapol Nakvanich explained. “Normally, Organizing Committees want sports where the host is assured to win medals. But I told them we need chess because ASEAN chess is indigenous to Thailand,” he added.

Thailand Chess Association President Sahapol Nakvanich (left) and at the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Thailand (right)

It will be the first Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, co-hosted by two cities/provinces; the Thai capital city of Bangkok which will host the games for the third time after  the inaugural edition in 2005 and the martial arts edition in 2009 and the province of Chonburi, located 100 kilometres southwest of the capital. It will be a test event for the joint candidacy from Bangkok and Chonburi Province for hosting 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games also. This edition was most notable for being the first edition to include badminton, BMX cycling, cheerleading, floorball, indoor rowing, netball, shooting and volleyball; as well as having the highest number of sports in the history of the games, at a total of 29.

    

The medal sports are: chess, indoor athletics, cue sports, bowling, dance sport, futsal, roller sports, sport climbing, short course swimming, muay thai, jujitsu, BMX cycling, hoop takraw/speak takraw, kurash, floorball, netball, taekwondo, indoor hockey, karate, esports, badminton, pencak silat, cheerleading, sambo, indoor rowing, volleyball, basketball 3×3, traditional wrestling and kickboxing.

Asian Chess Federation approved the Technical Handbook. The Chess competition will consist of six events

MEN	WOMEN
Standard Individual	Standard Individual
Rapid Individual	Rapid Individual
ASEAN Standard Individual
ASEAN Rapid Individual

Invited are 45 countries whose National Olympic Committee is recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia and 18 countries whose National Olympic Committee is recognized by the Oceania National Olympic Committees.

Teqball and air sports have been included as demonstration events.

Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat staged the last AIMAG in 2017.

The first Asian Indoor Games was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2005, the second in Macau, China in 2007 and the third in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2009. The first Asian Martial Arts Games was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009. The two events merged to form the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games for the 2013 event in Incheon, Korea.

 

 

 

By Marlon Bernardino.

Laguna Heroes shoots for the semis berth when it tangles with Antipolo Cobras on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at chess.com.
Two-time Asian Junior Champion and Arizona, US based Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. will carry the fight for the Laguna Heroes backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali.
“With the elims now over, our total concentration is on reaching the semis,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that includes Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
Completing the team are 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.
It shall be recalled that Laguna defeated Antipolo, 14-7, in their first meeting last January 27, 2021. Laguna also beat Antipolo, 19-2, during their second encounter last March 13, 2021.
Laguna Heroes wrapped up the elimination round of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino tournament with a huge 20-1 victory over Quezon City Simba’s Tribe last Saturday, March 20, 2021. Laguna easily blasted Quezon City in blitz (6-1) and rapid (14-0).
“Our last match in the elimination round was still filled with tensions. It was truly important for the final ranking before the playoffs. I admire the decisiveness of the Laguna Heroes for scoring 20-1 against Quezon City. We are indeed lucky for being on top after 34 rounds.”  added Dr. Fred Paez, who is also the president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association.
The Laguna team cruised to a 30-4 win loss card, the same output of San Juan and Iloilo.
However, Laguna became overall topnotcher with 509 points, besting San Juan’s 503.5 points and Iloilo’s 508 points.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows 2-time Asian Junior Champion and Arizona, US based Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr.
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Schedule
March 24, 2021 : Division Quarter Finals
March 27, 2021 : Division Semi Finals
March 31, 2021 : Division Finals
APRIL 3, 2021 : Grand Finals
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Results
Laguna vs Rizal, 17.5-3.5, January 16, 2021
Laguna vs San Juan, 9-12, January 20, 2021
Laguna vs Caloocan, 10-11, January 20, 2021
Laguna vs Cavite, 14-7, January 23, 2021
Laguna vs Olongapo, 18-3, January 23, 2021
Laguna vs Pasig, 12-9, January 27, 2021
Laguna vs Antipolo, 14-7, January 27, 2021
Laguna vs Cagayan, 17.5-3.5, January 30, 2021
Laguna vs Isabela, 11-10, January 30, 2021
Laguna vs Manila, 11.5-9.5, February 3, 2021
Laguna vs Quezon, 19-2, February 3, 2021
Laguna vs Cebu, 20-1, February 6, 2021
Laguna vs Cordova, 16-5, February 6, 2021
Laguna vs Iloilo, 8.5-12.5, February 10, 2021
Laguna vs Iriga, 17.5-3.5, February 10, 2021
Laguna vs Lapu-Lapu, 17-4, February 13, 2021
Laguna vs Mindoro, 16-5, February 13, 2021
Laguna vs Negros, 12.5-8.5, February 17, 2021
Laguna vs Palawan, 18-3, February 17, 2021
Laguna vs Surigao, 13-8, February 24, 2021
Laguna vs Toledo, 18-3, February 24, 2021
Laguna vs Zamboanga, 10.5-10.5 (armageddon 2-1), February 27, 2021
Laguna vs Camarines, 12.5-8.5, February 27, 2021
Laguna vs Rizal, 12.5-8.5, March 3, 2021
Laguna vs San Juan, 11-10, March 3, 2021
Laguna vs Caloocan, 7.5-13.5, March 6, 2021
Laguna vs Cavite, 17.5-3.5, March 6, 2021
Laguna vs Olongapo, 17-4, March 10, 2021
Laguna vs Pasig, 17-4, March 10, 2021
Laguna vs Antipolo, 19-2, March 13, 2021
Laguna vs Cagayan, 17.5-3.5, March 13, 2021
Laguna vs Isabela, 20-1, March 17, 2021
Laguna vs Manila, 17-4, March 17, 2021
Laguna vs Quezon, 20-1, March 20, 2021

SDBK wins by Armageddon Tie Break

SDBK Senevirathne of Maliyadeva College beat Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College in an exciting match which went till the 3^rd tie breaker, the Armageddon game to complete the Championships. When the final stage began at 9.00 a.m. today, Sanidula Dahamdi met SDBK Seneviratne in the finals and Brijeash Saravanabhavan  of Gateway College met Dinul Vinsitha Weerasekera of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya in the consolation finals.

Sanudula won the 1^st round game playing Black pieces in the morning while SDBK Senevirathne won the 2^nd game in the evening. So, the players shared the points and tie breaks were needed. The Arbiters set 15minutes in the clocks with 10 Second increments for the Rapid game. There ap.m. giving four minutes to Black, SDBK Senevirathne and 5 minutes to the white, Sanidula. JJust needing a draw for the Championship SDBK Seneviratne of Maliyadeva College came strongly to win the Armageddon game in style. It was really exciting Chess.

Brijesh won the consolation finals convincingly. SDBK Bagged Rs. 25,000/= with the Championship Trophy and the Gold Medal while Sanidula won the Silver Medal with Rs. 15,000/= in cash. Brijeash got Rs. 10,000/= with the Bronze Medal and Dinul had to satisfy for RS. 5,000/= with 4^th place. The respective group winners, Sanidula, Dinul and Disal Weerasekara of Dharmaraja College in Group X and SDBK, Brijeash and Vivas Samarakoon of Royal College are awarded with the Group medals of Gold Silver and Bronze with winners getting Trophies.

The 1st round of the 2nd Sri Lanka Youth (Under 14Yrs) Chess Grand Prix 2021 was held with the participation of 24 leading Youth Chess players in the country from 9th to 14th with the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and the Director General of Sports Medicine Unit, Ministry of Sports. The evet was conducted by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka in two 11 round, round robin events X and Y with the winner and Runner up in each group playing a knocked out event for the Championship.

The Prize Distribution was held after the event at the CFSL HQ, Nugegoda with Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, President of Chess Federation as the Chief Guest. Mr. Malith Akalanka, The Secretary General and Mr. Erosh Jayasinghe also attended.

Whole event was live broadcasted using DGT Chess Boards while a live streaming with commentaries from the National Chess Champion Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage and former National Chess Champion, Dulan Edirisinghe was arranged at Chess Federation of Sri Lanka FB Page.