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by Marlon Bernardino.
Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Bacenilla Jr.’s skillful maneuvers powered the Laguna Heroes to a 17.5-3.5 whipping of Iriga City Oragons in the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 on online tournament at the lichess platform.
The former two-time Asian Junior champion Barcenilla, bouncing back from his loss to Grandmaster Joey Antonio of Iloilo Kisela Knights, 2-1, defeated National Master Glennen Artuz after 34 moves of King’s Indian defense in the blitz portion followed by 25 pushes of London System Opening in the rapid play.
This helped the Laguna Heroes of Team Owner-Playing Coach Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez  recover from their 8.5-12.5 setback to Iloilo Kisela Knights as the Heroes climbed to 3rd spot with an 12-3 win-loss record in the Northern Division standings behind tournament co-leaders Caloocan Loadmanna Knights and San Juan Predators who totes similar 14-1 output.
Also delivering crucial wins for the Heroes 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.
The Laguna Heroes bested Iriga City Oragons in blitz portion, 5.5-1.5, as well in the rapid format, 12-2, according to Team Owner-Playing Coach Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez.
The Laguna Heroes look to another great performance Saturday night (February 13, 2021) when they face Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warrios and Mindoro Elgin Tamaraws.
Other members of the Laguna Heroes winning team were Vince Angelo Medina, Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat, engr. Jonathan Mamaril, Mr. Benjamin Dy and Mr. David Nithyananthan.

In photo (before the pandemic) are 13-time national open champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. versus GM Rogelio “Banjo Barcenilla, Jr.

by Marlon Bernardino
The Cavite Spartans beat Palawan Queen’s Gambit, 12-9,  in the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 on online tournament at the lichess platform.
Cavite conquered the Blitz category, 5-2, with victories from Lourecel Hernandez Ecot, International Master Petronio Roca, Ricky Batcho, Jayson San Jose Visca and Jaypie Bolado.
Woman International Master Shania Mae Mendoza and Susan Grace Neri provided the victories for Jorge Mitra own team Palawan Queen’s Gambit.
They managed to keep things close in the Rapid category to end the showdown in a draw, 7-7 to clinch the much-needed victory for the Cavite Spartans backed up by Rep. Jon-Jon A. Ferrer, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga and Skin Magical Dist4, CARSIGMA Cavite.
Its was Lloyd Rubio’s heroics that saved the day for the Caviteno woodpushers. After a sorry default loss in the Blitz portion, Rubio, playing black, defeated WIM Mendoza after 41 moves of a French defense transposed in their top board encounter.
Ecot split the point with Woman International Master Catherine Perena-Secopito after 32 moves of London System Opening on board 2, Roca subdued Woman National Master Carmelita Abanes on board 4, while Batcho nipped Yani Seratubias after 35 moves of an Old Indian defense on board 5.
“The turning point was the win by Lloyd (Rubio) over Woman International Master Shania Mae Mendoza on top board.” said Coach Ederwin Estavillo who watched the game live thru online platform of lichess.org.
Neri, Marife dela Torre and Woman International Master Mikee Suede delivered the important win for Palawan Queen’s Gambit.
Neri routed Clairevy Estavillo -Marisga after 37 moves of Center Counter Game on board 3, de la Torre upset Visca after 66 moves of a London System Opening on board 6 while Suede crushed Bolado after 53 moves of Caro-Kann defense on board 7.
Earlier, the Cavite Spartans yielded to Negros Kingsmen, 7-14.
The Cavite Spartans are now in solo sixth with an 8-7 win-loss record in the Northern Division standings. They will face Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates and Toledo City Trojans this coming Saturday, February 13, 2021.
The 24-team tournament is organized by PCAP, headed by Chairman Michael Angelo Chua and President/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria.
The tournament is being sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra and supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

Photo shows (before the pandemic) International Master Petronio Roca of the Philippines (left) versus Khin Tan of Myanmar during the 9th Asian Seniors Chess Championship (Standard event) held at the Tagaytay International Convention Center, Tagaytay City, Philippines.

Mr. Nigel Metge has been elected President of the New Zealand Chess Federation.

Murray Chandler retired from his role as President of NZCF after several years of service as a Councillor and a further five years as President. The board of the NZCF gave him a round of applause for his enormous contribution to New Zeland chess in the varied roles of player, organizer, fundraiser, author, publisher and leader.

Nigel Metge spoke of his start as a chess player in 1970 playing in the NZCF Congress. Nigel recalled playing GM Murray Chandler in 1975 in Dunedin and thanked Murray again for his contribution to NZCF, chess in New Zealand and chess around the world

Nigel spoke of the increasing diversity in chess players – both in age and gender, The interaction and communication with clubs is an important element of the work of NZCF, he said adding that increased communication with clubs was a priority for his Presidency.

Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage of Ananda College, the reigning National Chess Champion showed that he is the strongest after the first tie breaker, the Rapid Games happened since the Classical Games ended in equal points with two draws with Minul Sanjula Doluweera of Royal College. Minul started with white in the 1^st round and opened with the queen’s Gambit to end the round with a tame draw. In the 2^nd round Ranindu started with e4 and Minul’s answer was Carro Khann defense, c6. Ranindu replied with advance e4 and again agreed to a draw in the 28^th move. In photo above, Ranindu receives his award from Sri Lanka Chess Federation president Luxman Wijesuriya.

Generally accepted fact was Ranindu is better in faster Chess. He proved himself better by scoring a win in the 1^st Rapid game and giving a draw with a winning position in the 2^nd Game. Ranindu Dilshan Liynage became the Champion of the 8^th Sri Lanka  Chess Grand Prix 2021 and earned Rs 50,000/= with the Trophy and the Gold Medal. Minul (in photo above) had to satisfy himself with Rs. 30,000/= and the Silver Medal. He was awarded the winner Trophy for the preliminary Round Robin event.

In the Consolation finals Theekshana Denuwan of Ananda College beat S Sivathanujan in the 1^st game and drew in the 2^nd round to earn Rs. 20,000/= and the Bronze medal. Being 4^th. S Sivathanujan of Kokavil Hindu College, being the 4^th received Rs. 10,000/=.

A total of 12 leading Chess players participated in the 8th Sri Lanka Chess Grand prix 2021which was held from 28th January to 7th February 2021was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka with the strict health guidelines. The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka had offered a cash award of Rs. 110,000/= to the winners with other attractive awards. The Prize Distribution was held on 7^th of February 2021, just after the Finals with Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, the President of the Chess Federation as the chief guest.

The games can be seen from the following link:

Link Consolation Finals (8th Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix – 2021 [Consolation Finals]) Link https://view.livechesscloud.com#fca060b0-f721-4f8b-a327-deff353e135e

Finals (8th Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix – 2021 [Finals]) Link https://view.livechesscloud.com#09a04af5-b700-4985-a48b-5b2deec7bf30

A live coverage was arranged at the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka YOUTUBE Channel with commentaries from Dulan Edirisinghe, a former National Chess Champion and KA Akhila Kavinda, a National Team Player..

By Marlon Bernardino. Cavite Spartans defeated Antipolo Cobras, 2-1, in the rescheduled Armageddon to continue their winning ways in the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) in the battle of the Northern Division’s on Friday (February 5, 2021) on online tournament at the lichess platform.
A week after battling to a 10.5-all tie in regulation, the Spartans toppled Cobras in the lower boards tiebreaker rounds to go up to 5 wins and 5 loses.
Kevin Arquero displayed some endgame brilliance to even come close to mating United States Master Rodolfo “Jun” Panopio Jr. in their Board 2 clash, forcing the latter to resign before the former pulled off checkmate after 55 moves of Trompovsky Opening.
Ricky Batcho, meantime toppled Mc Daniel Ebao after 45 moves of Caro-Kann defense in their Board 3 ecounter.
United States Master Jose “Jojo” Aquino Jr. upset International Master Petronio Roca after 27 moves of a Semi-Slav defense in the top board to prevent a possible shut-out loss for the Cobras.
“We hope we can maintain the momentum.” said coach Ederwin Estavillo.
The Spartans backed up by Rep. Jon-Jon A. Ferrer, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga and Skin Magical Dist4 ,CARSIGMA Cavite is coming off twin wins over the Cagayan Kings, 12.5-8.5, and the Isabela Knight Raiders, 12-9, last Wednesday (February 3, 2021).-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga (left) ponder his next moves against International Master Petronio Roca

Dewmini Kodikara (photo above) of Musaeus College won the Championship with the better tie break after a three way tie with Chanindi Mewna Attanayake (photo below left) of Devi Balika Vidyalaya and Desandi Dihansa Gamage (photo below right) of Sirimavo Bandaranayake Vidyalaya scoring 7 points each out of possible 8 games.

Dewmi beat Hasara Madugalle, Sasmi Sithumsa, Chanindi Mewna Attanayake, Oshini Gunawardena, Sanidula Dahamdi, Tenuli Dahamna Rathnayake and Gaveshi Wickramaratne and only lost to Esandi Newansa in the 6^th round. So, the Dewmini Kodikara gets the Championship with the gold medal.

Chanindi Mewna Attanayake beat DGKC Godagama, Uthpala Amarathunga, Nethupama Gamarachchi, Sanulya Edirisinghe, LHMGS Somarathne, Dulinma Rathnayake and Oneli Vithanawasam while only losing to the winner. She is getting the Silver Medal of the event. Desandi Dihansa Gamage also had a remarkable performance scoring 7 wins against Chanudi Jayasinghe, Senuthi Nithinsa, Ranudi Jayasinghe, Uthpala Amarathunga, Suheli Fernando, Oneli Weerawardena and Esandi Newansa in the last round to win the Bronze Medal. She was unfortunate to lose the 2^nd round game to Chanthuli De Silva.

CFSL Online Youth Girls under 14 Years Chess Championship 2021 was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on 6^th and 7^th of February which was played at the Chess.com flatform with 8 rounds on Swiss System. The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka has offered attractive awards and a virtual Closing Ceremony is arranged on Monday, the 8^th of February 2021 evening.

Each player got 15 minutes per game and 10 seconds increment in each move played. A total of 104 girls from all over the country participated in this event which is played under strict anti-cheating regulations. The players were allowed to play with laptops or Desktops placed to look at a wall in an isolated room. Players were not allowed to stand when games are in progress and were informed to look at the screen of the computer directly. Any one was not allowed to enter the room while playing. All these regulations were observed by arbiters through an open Zoom meeting running throughout the game with camera and microphones open. Task bar was also shared in the zoom to see whether any other programs were running. The game were sent to expert checking after each round. If any player is found guilty in cheating severe penalties are announced.

The Chess Federation is planning to organize the Under 12, 16 and 8 years Online Youth Chess Championships in the near future.

Rowelyn “Kajoy” Joy Acedo topped the All Women’s Invitational Elimination Round Blitz Chess Arena online chess tournament held via lichess.org on Sunday, February 7, 2021.
Acedo, who helped De La Salle University (DLSU) capture the women’s chess team gold medal on top of her bagging the board 3 gold in the 2015-2016 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 chess competition,  leaned on her vast experience to nail the title of the chessfest sponsored by Euro Gaming Consultant/Sportsman Kim Zafra, Director of the organizing Bayanihan Chess Club.

Acedo, the pride of Davao City, amassed a total of 13 points after 16 matches in the 17-player field, earning a P2,000 cash prize in the 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment time control format in this one-day event, supported by Palawan Queen’s Gambit, MedPublika PCR Testing Machines, in coordination with United Queens Chess Club, Deorico De Paz youtube channel, Cabuyao City Chess Club and Jolina Icao youtube channel.

For winning the elimination round, Acedo will play in a one-on-one match, P25,000 winner take all tournament on Valentines day, either Mr. Kim Zafra, Candidate Master Genghis Imperial or Al Basher “Basty” Buto.
Acedo’s big wins were against Lexie Grace Hernandez (round 1), WCM Christy Lamiel Bernales (round 2), WIM Kylene Joy Mordido  (round 3), Jerlyn Mae San Diego (round 4), WFM Allaney Jia Doroy (round 5), WIM Catherine Perena-Secopito (round 10), WCM Mira Mirano (round 11), WFM Cherry Ann Mejia (round 12), AIM Alexandra Sydney Paez (round 14), WFM elect Antonella Berthe Racasa (round 15) and Rohanisah Buto (round 16).
Acedo, halved the point with April Joy Claros (round 6), WNM Francois Magpily (round 7), WIM Bernadette Galas (round 8) and WNM Jean Karen Enriquez (round 13). She tasted her lone defeats at the hands of WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda (round 9). -Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings: (17 player field, 16 Round Swiss-System)
Champion: AGM Rowelyn Joy Acedo, 13 points
2nd: WCM Christy Lamiel Bernales, 12 points
3rd: WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, 11.5 points
4th: WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, 10.5 points
5th: Lexie Grace Hernandez, 10 points
6th: WFM Allaney Jia Doroy, 10 points
7th: WNM Francois Magpily, 9.5 points
8th: WIM Kylene Joy Mordido, 9 points
9th: WIM Bernadette Galas, 9 points
10th: WNM Jerlyn Mae San Diego, 9 points
11th:WNM Jean Karen Enriquez, 8.5 points
12th: WCM Mira Mirano, 7.5 points
13th: April Joy Claros, 7 points
14th: AIM Alexandra Sydney Paez, 7 points
15th: WIM Catherine Perena-Secopito, 5.5 points
16th: WFM elect Antonella Berthe Racasa, 3 points
17th: Rohanisah Buto, 2 points

The FIDE Trainers Commission has recognized the rise of chess in China by instituting the Liu Wenzhe Award to recognize their first coach. See FIDE Trainer Awards for 2020-2021

Liu Wenzhe (October 7, 1940 – September 20, 2011) was an International Master chess player. He was one of China‘s top chess trainers.

He was the first Chinese player to defeat a grandmaster (Nikolai Krogius in 1965) and the first to be awarded the title of International Master. He is considered a pioneer of chess in China and a founding father of the Chinese School of Chess. He won the Chinese Chess Championship in 1980 and 1982.

In total, Liu made three appearances at the Chess Olympiads (1978–1982) with an overall record of 37 games played (+14, =4, -19). He also made four appearances in total at the Men’s Asian Team Chess Championship (1979–1981, 1991–1993) with an overall record of 17 games played (+10, =4, -3).

In 1986 he was appointed to the post of Chief Trainer of the Chinese Institute of Chess and head coach of the Chinese national chess team. He was succeeded by Ye Jiangchuan in 2000.

In 2002-3, he wrote a seminal book on the “Chinese School of Chess” called the same name. In the book he charts the dramatic progress of Chinese players over the past 25 years.