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Recent years showed a tremendous surge of chess activity in this country where people say SAWASDEE KA! with the broadest of smiles as a form of greeting. One would be simply amazed of the huge turnout of participants as you go around the country from one tournament to another. Indeed, Chess in Thailand is rapidly gaining popularity these days.

Sahapol Nakvanich was recently elected President of the Thailand Chess Association by a landslide 26-5 margin over Panupand Vijjuprabha. In photo above, former President Kiitirat Na Ranong (left) congratulates newly elected President Sahapol Nakvanich.

“TCA would continue to extend our Cooperation with ACF to strengthen the mutual support for driving key developments that will progressively nurture chess in Thailand and deliver our commitments to ACF. With the pandemic situation continuing, we would use this opportunity to drive training program for East Asian countries that will continue to nurture our emerging talents,” Nakvanich wrote in his letter to the Asian Chess Federation.

TV interview of newly elected President Sahapol Nakvanich.

Bangkok, the capital dotted with hundreds of International Schools some of which offer Chess as an “after school activity” is now becoming a breeding ground for serious chess playing youngsters.

Thailand Chess Association General Assembly 

There is an abundance of Chess centers in the metropolis.  Jirapak Chess Academy, Big Rook Chess Academy, 101 Chess Academy, IWICA, Home Chess Academy, plus the newly opened ones Double Bishop Chess Academy and Red Knights Chess are a great contributing factor in shaping the future of the game in this country.

On top of that, one of the leaders of the governing Thailand Chess Association (TCA) Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich is presently a high ranking figure in the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Such voice in the global chess body may have been vital in boosting the game’s popularity.

Thailand, apart from being ranked as one of the most visited countries by tourists around in the world, has been hosting a lot of international chess events over the last few years such as Asian Amateurs, Eastern Asia Youth, Asian Youth Championship, among others.

Well, all the signs could elicit hope and optimism. Of course the need to continuously strive in threading a correct way of planning as well as embarking on good programs is always a must. 

NM Winston Joseph Silva

Chess Federation of Pakistan president and newly-elected Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Mirza Mohammad Afridi, is the first parliamentarian from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas to occupy the coveted post in parliament.

The lawmaker (right) is a business tycoon and amateur chess player. 

Hailing from Khyber tribal district, Mirza Afridi was elected member of the Senate as an independent candidate in 2018 elections. After the polls, he joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, but later switched over to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) the same year.

Meeting of Chess Federation of Pakistan last January.

Mirza Afridi, who belongs to Sepah clan, a sub-tribe of Afridi tribe, is a Lahore-based business tycoon who has investment in textile and electronics.

Chess Federation of Pakistan Meeting and Election

Mirza Afridi’s family had been taking part in electoral politics and remained associated with all major political parties. His uncle Mohammad Shah Afridi was elected Senator during the Benazir Bhutto era. One of his close relatives, Mohammad Ayub Afridi, was elected Senator on the PTI ticket in 2018, while another close relative Manzoor Afridi is considered close to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Mr Manzoor had also been considered for the post of caretaker chief minister in 2018.

CFP Vice President and Delegate Amin Malik (right) congratulating Senator Afridi

Mirza Afridi is an amateur chess player and he was elected president of the Chess Federation of Pakistan in January.

Senator Mirza Mohammad Afridi gives his acceptance speech as newly elected President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan.

Javed Afridi, owner of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise and a cousin of Mirza Afridi, termed his election as Senate deputy chairman a big win for the people of the tribal districts.

Mr Javed said that Mirza Afridi was a highly educated person who also earned a master’s in business administration from Singapore. He would play his role on the legislation side for the welfare of the deprived people, Mr Javed said.

by Marlon Bernardino.
The Laguna Heroes Chess team bagged back to back victories, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino tournament at chess.com.
Laguna took a firm hold at the top spot in the Northern Conference with 29-4 win-loss record together with San Juan Predators after dominating Isabela Knight Raiders and Manila Indios Bravos scoring 20-1 and 17-4, respectively.
Grandmaster John Paul Gomez (in photo) was the top scorer for the Heroes with perfect six points — three against Lordwin Espiritu of Isabela and three against US master Ryan Dungca of Manila.
Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, Vince Angelo Medina and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo also contributed to Laguna’s impressive performance, whose stint is being supported by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali.
Enriquez won her match against Genlaiza Bagorio (blitz) and Sheryll Andres Bordon (rapid) of Isabela and Woman Candidate Master Mira Mirano of Manila; Medina blasted Anwar Cabugatan of Isabela and Candidate Master Genghis Imperial of Manila while Lorenzo blanked  Manolito Manaois of Isabela and Arena Grandmaster Glenn Lemen of Manila, in order.
Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. defeated Alvin Aguinaldo (blitz) and Servillano Obana Jr. (rapid) of Isabela but yielded to Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra of Manila in blitz but bounced back in the rapid play.
FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, meantime beat National Master Gerardo Cabellon of Isabela but loss to International Master John Marvin Miciano of Manila in the blitz portion but prevail in the rapid format.
Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, on the other hand, nipped Francis Cabe of Isabela in the blitz event but split the point in the rapid play. He beat International Master Chris Ramayrat of Manila in the blitz portion but lost in the rapid game.
According to Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, Laguna bested Isabela, 7-0, 13-1, and Manila, 5-2, 12-2, in the blitz and rapid format.
“Manila is indeed a strong team and winning 17-4 is a great feat. We didn’t expect to win by such wide margin. The Laguna Heroes really manifested great character tonight.” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that includes engr. Benjamin Dy, engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
The Laguna Team will next face Quezon City Simba’s Tribe on Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Other member of the winning Laguna team were Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat, engr. Benjamin Dy, engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Balochistan Chess Association (BCA), in close collaboration with Chess federation of Pakistan (CFP), under the umbrella of Asian Chess Federation, and support from Balochistan Sports Board, continued over-th-board chess tournaments and kept players’ motivation and morale high. From March 12-14, the BCA organized the Balochistan Chess Championship, named in honor of late Mir Inayat Ullah Langove, X-President of BCA “Mir Inayat Ullah Langove Balochistan Chess Championship 2021 (Fide Rated)”. The participants competed in three categories: Open (more than 80 players), Women (1), and Juniors (14). The total prize fund of the event amounted to 690 USD.

Tournament inauguration was done by Secretary Sports and Youth Affair Government of Balochistan, Mir Imran Gichki.

Honorable President BCA, and Member Provincial Assembly Balochistan, Mir Akthar Hussain Langove, distributed the prizes in position holders in closing ceremony.

Muhammad Younis Malghani seeding first in the starting rank, performed as per expectations, conceding his opponents just two draws. Muhammad Salaah  finished second, whereas defending champion Mehmood Nasir won bronze, after a fighting game against the new champion.

Top Ten Position holders qualified to represent province in National Championship.

General Secretary BCA, presented the Souvenir to Mir Akthar Hussain Langove.

Final standings Open:

Imtisal Ur Rehman claimed the title in the Junior U-15 category (6 points), followed by Arooba Shahwani (5 points) and Zia Ud din (5 points).

Final standings Junior U-15:

In the Woman Category, Sauleha Masood stood first with 2  Points

The 1st National Hybrid Online event continued albeit only 11 Hybrid Centers took part instead of the initial 19 Hybrid Centers that were set up for the event. In its effort to adhere to the SOP set by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and to help curb the spread of the COVID19 pandemic, the Malaysian Chess Federation decided to discontinue the event for Hybrid Centers located within the PKPB area mainly in Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Addressing the matter during a short meeting with all the Hybrid Center operators and owners two(2) days before the event starts, President Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi thanked the impacted centers for their understanding as to why the MCF has decided not to proceed with the affected areas.

“Chess is progressing so well going into 2021 and has been recognized as one of the more active sports that have survived via internet platform as the spread of the virus is mostly due to environment and human contact. Hence, we do not want chess to be associated as a potential cause for the spread due to players congregating at the Hybrid Center. Further, we also need to adhere to the government requirement and seen as a caring organization that contributes to the well being of the community” – Akhramsyah

Due to the steps made by MCF, the field of 193 confirmed players were reduced by almost half with only 102 player taking part from 11 centers – which included two (2) independent schools that have been set up to host their own internal students. One new center in the form of Setia Chess Club Kuantan, Pahang became the latest addition to the list of Hybrid Centers hosting the Hybrid Online mode event. Batu Pahat 1 and Batu Pahat 2 were also newly setup Hybrid Centers but due to the cancellation, both centers were not able to take part.

Albeit the reduced headcount, the event was still very competitive with players from Kedah (Alor Setar and MRSM Merbok) dominating the field. But all in all, the list of prize winners for both the Open and Girls sections provided a fair distribution of winners from the various centers that took part. The final ranking and prize winners for both sections are displayed below

Full results for the Open/Boys section can be found at http://chess-results.com/tnr545865.aspx?lan=1&art=4

And for the Girls section, the full result can be found at http://chess-results.com/tnr545863.aspx?lan=1&art=4

The next event would be the National Hybrid Online Individual Open Chess Championship with prize fund amounting to RM 8,000 to be given away to the prize winners. While the event has been planned for 5th to 7th February 2021, the exact date is yet to be firmed pending the PKP situation that are rumored to be tightened. Else, MCF may proceed with the current mode with only centers from the PKPP area allowed to participate whilst players from the PKPB area having to adhere to additional ruling and requirement i.e. RTK Antigen testing which will incur additional cost for the players to sign up.

MCF Tournament Director and Secretary Najib Abdul Wahab, thanked his team consisting of Iwan Schani Ibnu – Tornelo Administrator, IA Lim Poay Sim – Chief Arbiter, NA Muhammad Saiful Asyraf Ahmad – Zoom Coordinator, MCF Committee for their support and trust, and all the Hybrid Center Owners and Managers, Arbiters and Assistant Arbiters, Players, Teachers, Parents, Supporters and Fans for providing undivided support, assistance, cooperation and teamwork in making this 2nd Hybrid Event a success. Thank you everyone

Looking forward for the 1st National Hybrid Online Individual Open Chess Championship 2020 as MCF next official Hybrid event.

Fourteen-year-old Jerish John Velarde of Marie Ernestine School in Cebu won the 1st Philippine Hybrid Chess Club Championship with a perfect score of 5 points in the 5-round weekend Swiss on Tornelo. Velarde played for the Barracks Chess Club.

In photo above, Jerish Velarde thinks at a traditional board before making his move on the laptop which is allowed in hybrid chess.

The time control was 60 minutes to finish with 30 seconds increment per move starting from move 1. Here is the critical position after Black’s Rh3 in the last game where Jerish, playing White, exchanged his Queen for two Rooks by playing Rxh2! and went on to promote his g-pawn.

Jave Mareck Peteros, 16 of the University of San Carlos in Cebu, finished runner-up with 4.5 points. A 3-way tie followed with Junsen Audric Maranan, John Cyrus Borce and Fletch Archer Arado sharing 3rd to 5th at 4 points apiece.

Borce and Arado together won the club championship for the Zamboanga Hermosa Chess Club.

Forty six players from 17 clubs competed in the tournament including the Malaysian Brainy Chess Academy, here below sending greetings from across the sea.

IA Reden Cruz was Chief Arbiter together with Deputy Chief Arbiter Rudy Ibanez and Arbiters Michael Pagaran, Susan Neri and Margie Narcilla. Club Arbiters were FA Abubakarmartin Abdullah and National Arbiters Joel Villanueva, Cyamir Jill Villanueva, Angel Orijuela, Jasmine Zyrelle Navarez, Ronald Truno Solon, Rustum Tolentino, Rafael Cayanan, Francisco Gabriel Prevandos, Gerouel Pidlaoan, Salvador Tardecilla, Alberto Vera Cruz, Jerel John Velarde, Mark Anthony Dulatre and Mohd Faris Ismail.

Here are the final standings. The top 10 received prizes and certificates. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and club and individual standings. The tournament was sponsored by W.J. Villadiego Customs Broker.

Anujana Sendanayake from Mathugama wins the Championship

Anuhana Hasandi Sendanayake (photo above) of Ananda Sastralaya, Mathugama won the Championship of the CFSL Online Youth Under 12 Yrs. Girls Chess Championship convincingly scoring 6 ½ points out of possible 7 games today. Anujana was unbeaten throughout the event with victories against Nilani Dharmasena, Yehansa Wickramasinghe, HGS Sanulya, Tharuli Ranganath, Gehansa Dange and Jenuki Alwis and a draw with Esandi Newansa.

The CFSL Online Youth Under 12 Yrs Girls Chess Championship 2021 conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka was held on 13^th and 14^th of March 2021 at the Chess.com flatform. A total of 84 players from all over the country participated in the event which was conducted on Swiss System in 7 rounds with the time control of 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per each move played.

With the current COVID 19 Pandemic situation, the Chess Federation as all other Chess organizations have started online Chess with all precautions for cheating. All players participating are allowed to play with laptop/ Desktops only and they are compelled to be in a Zoom meeting throughout the games with shared screen. The Chess arbiters were closely observing them through this zoom meeting throughout the game. All other checking measures for cheating was in action and the Chess Federation has declared 2 year ban from Chess if any player found guilty in cheating while playing.

Esandi Newansa (ab ove left) and GHS Sanulya (above right) placed equal 2^nd with six points each and Newansa won the Silver medal due to the better tie breaker. Newansa was also unbeaten throughout the event with five wins against Chanudi Jayasinghe, Diyenka Rajaguru, Devhara Palliyage, Dulnima Rathnayake and Sasmi Sithumsa while drew the other two games with Anjana and Jenuki Alwis. Sanulya had to satisfy with the bronze medal with 6 wins with Thanuki Jayathillake, Dulanya Ranasinghe, Thahani Cassim, Devhara Palliyaguru, Thejasi Thisarindi and Dulnima Rathnayake with a loss to the Champion.

A virtual Awarding Ceremony will be held. The CFSL is arranged to award trophy, medals and certificates for the winners.

Final Standings – Certificate winners

by Marlon Bernardino.
Grandmaster Rogelio Barcenilla’s skillful endgame maneuvers powered the Laguna Heroes team to a 17.5-3.5 whipping of Cagayan Kings in PCAP Saturday, March 13, 2021 online tournament at the chess.com.
A knight fork in the king side by the Arizona, US based Barcenilla forced Jojo Foz to resign after 42 pushes of an English Opening in their top board encounter.
Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Juniors champion in India and Dubai and 1991 Bronze medalist in World Juniors championship in Romania, gained the upper hand with a beautiful knight to c6 check in the queen side to take control of the end game with a rook , knight and five pawns against Foz’s bishop, knight and four pawns.
“GM Banjo (Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.) play was always razor-sharp, rational and brilliant.” 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.
Also delivering for Laguna backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali were FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo in board 2 to 7.
Literatus defeated Danilo Bartolome in 31 moves of an Alekhine defense, Enriquez subdued Krizza Mae Biggayan in 50 moves of a Sicilian defense, Grand Prix Attack, Bagamasbad trounced Jonito Tumaliuan in 65 moves of another Sicilian defense, Gomez smashed Emerson Aquio in 38 moves of a Queen’s Pawn Opening Mikenas defense while Lorenzo crushed Jefferson Tugade in 56 moves of Sicilian defense, Dragon variation.
Roberto Mania upset Vince Angelo Medina in 27 moves of Caro-Kann defense in board 6 to prevent a possible shut-out loss for Cagayan in the rapid event.
Mania also beat Medina in the blitz portion while Tugade split the point with Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat.
According to AGM Fred Paez, Laguna beat Cagayan, 5.5-1.5, in blitz format and 12-2 victory in the rapid play.
This allowed Laguna Heroes to gain a share of the top spot with 27-4 record in the Northern Conference together with San Juan Predators.
Laguna, earlier beat Antipolo Cobras, 19-2. United States Master Rodolfo “Jun” Panopio Jr. and Sonny dela Rosa provided the twin wins in the blitz portion for the Mc Daniel Ebao own Antipolo chess team.
Laguna’s remaining games before the quarter finals against Isabela Knight Raiders, Manila Indios Bravos and Quezon City Simba’s Tribe.-Marlon Bernardino-
In a file photo shows Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and Grandmaster Wesley So with National Master Glenn Bordonada and Mr. Reggie Tee watching the friendly blitz game.