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III Internacional de Ajedrez Cap Negret Chess Championship 50 and above

By Marlon Bernardino
Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. of the Philippines bagged the runner-up honors at the III Internacional de Ajedrez Cap Negret Chess Championship 50 and above category on Sunday at the Hotel Cap Negret in Altea, Alicante, Spain.
Antonio earned 7.0 points on five wins and four draws. Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England pocketed the crown in the FIDE Standard competition with 8.5 points on eight wins and one draw.
Rogerio Sperb Becker of Brazil , Javier Unciti Juan of Spain, Bo-Erik Helen of Finland and Candidate Master Martin Daneri of Argentina settled for third to sixth places with 6.0 points apiece.
Rounding at the top 11 who got 5.5 points each were Paulo Santanna of Brazil (seventh), FIDE Master Joseph Ryan of Ireland (eight), International Master Angus J Dunnington of Scotland (ninth), Pedro Maria Pons of Spain (tenth) and Krishnan Sudharsan of Denmark (eleventh).
Antonio’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), chaired by Alejandro “Al” Tengco; PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, Hotel Sogo, Sportsman Christopher “Dong” Cheng, Composite Technology Inc. President and General Manager Ricardo Padrinao, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte , Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita ‘Menchie’ Aguilar- Abalos and Congresswoman Alexandria “Queenie” Pahati-Gonzales.
“ I dedicate this victory to all those who get up everyday to fight against the hardships of life, to be better than the day before. To my family , my friends, my relatives, my fans, my country and To God,” the 63-year-old Antonio said, who finished first in the blitz competition of the 33rd FIDE World Senior Blitz Chess Championship held in Gallipoli, Italy last week.-Marlon Bernardino-

Asians Top FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship in Serbia

The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2025 concluded yesterday in Vrnjačka Banja, the Serbian capital of tourism. The event attracted 284 players from 51 national federations, culminating in the crowning of winners across all six sections.

The best female chess players in the U1700 event are Mouza Nasser Alshamsi, (UAE) scoring 7/9 followed by Ayala Kuanyshbay (Kazakhstan) and Disha U A from India.

The open section U1700 saw the triumph of Medet Dyahaparov (Kyrgyzstan) who claimed gold with an excellent score of 8/9.  Pathak Anshu Kr (India) and Dulguunjargal Dashdavaa (Mongolia) tied for second place on 7.5/9, with the former clinching silver on tiebreaks.

The top female finishers in the U2000 tournament are Khuslenzaya Baldanjantsan from Mongolia (8/9), Wang Minging of Germany (7/9), and Karina Daniela Ferreira Kanzler from Brazil (5.5/9).

In the open section U2000, the first place was won by Dejan Jakovljević from Serbia with 8/9.  Vo Hoang Quan from Vietnam (7.5/9) took silver, while Arlan Abuzyarov from Kazakhstan completed the podium with 7/9.

Tsogtsaikhan Saikhanchimeg from Mongolia (5.5 points), Anna Ivaschenko (4.5 points) and Nadezhda Antonova from Tajikistan (4 points) became the best female chess players in the U2300 competition.

The most tightly contested tournament was the U2300 Open section, which ended in a three-way tie for first. Ivan Kudrin (FIDE), Sergei Krivenko, and Sergei Pogorelskikh (both Serbia) all scored 7/9, with Kudrin claiming gold, Krivenko silver, and Pogorelskikh bronze based on tiebreak scores.

The closing ceremony featured a performance by a local chorus and the presentation of trophies and diplomas. It was attended by Saša Jevtić, Tournament Director; Ozgur Solakoglu, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE); Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia; and Boban Đurović, President of the Vrnjačka Banja municipality, who officially declared the competition closed.

In his address, Solakoglu thanked the organizers for the exceptional level of organization and announced that Vrnjačka Banja will host two more FIDE championships in 2026.

“Over these nine days, we witnessed extraordinary glory in honor of chess. From the first move to the last round, players from around the world showed not only skill and determination, but also the true spirit of amateur competition — where passion and respect for the game shines above all else. Congratulations to our winners. Thank you to every participant. You have made this championship lively, competitive and memorable. Whether you won or learned something new, you contributed something truly special. To our hosts — the Chess Federation of Serbia, the city and people of Vrnjačka Banja, arbiters, volunteers and staff — you created an atmosphere in which chess could flourish and friendships could be established,” said Solakoglu.

Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed his pride in hosting the event. “Do not forget that chess is a knight’s game,” he said, “and that the one sitting across from you is not an enemy, but an opponent at the chessboard.”

Photos: Savo Tufegszic

Official website: worldamateur2025.fide.com 

Winners crowned at FIDE World Amateur Championship 2025 – International Chess Federation

San Jose Del Monte Woodpusher Society 3×3 Chess Team Tournament

SJDM Woodpusher Society chess team up at Robinsons Galleria Mall

By Marlon Bernardino

The San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) Woodpusher Society 3×3 Chess Team Tournament gets going at 10.00 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2025 with a big field expected to participate at Robinsons Galleria Mall, Ortigas Avenue, corner Edsa, Quezon City.

The one-day, seven-round Swiss system team tournament is open to all players with local rapid rating of 1975 and below as of October 2025.

The rate of play is15 minutes plus 3 seconds increment jointly organized by Michael Linde, Isaac Atayde and Ricky Echala.

The tournament offers a total pot of P147,000 with the winner getting P35,000 plus trophy.

Entry fee for early entries is P3,500. Payment can be made at Gcash number 09998084739 under the account name Michael Linde. A charge of P500 will be added for those who will register on the tournament day.-Marlon Bernardino-

FIDE International Organizers’ Seminar Starts 15 November

The FIDE International Organizers Seminar starts 15 November 2025 by Zoom. It is intended to educate organizers on how to handle an International Events and the regulations necessary for the event to be FIDE certified. Applicants for the FIDE Associate Organizer and International Organizer titles are required to attend a seminar and pass an examination in order to obtain their FIDE IO title. Certificates of Completion will be awarded to successful participants.

The seminar is organized by the Asian Chess Federation under the auspices of the FIDE Events Commission and supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.

Schedule is

Saturday, 15 Nov. 2025 10:00-14:00 Dubai time (+4GMT)
Sunday, 16 Nov. 2025 10:00-14:00 Dubai time (+4GMT)
Monday, 17 Nov. 2025 10:00-14:00 Dubai time (+4GMT)
Tuesday, 18 Nov. 2025 10:00-14:00 Dubai time (+4GMT)

Lecturers are

IO Ozgur Solakoglu, Honorary Chairman of the FIDE Events Commission,

IO Casto Abundo, Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF),

IO Abdulrahim Mahdi, Chairman of the ACF Arbiters Commission and

IO Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, Counsellor of the FIDE Technical Commission.

Register at https://forms.gle/dvAFgmXffLcxEKMJA

Interested parties may inquire with casto.abundo@gmail.com

 

1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament Held in Laos

The 1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament made history on November 9, 2025, as 129 players competed in what became the largest local chess event ever held in Laos. Organized and sponsored by Tigerhead, in cooperation with the Laos Chess Federation, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s chess development — truly a historic day for Lao chess.
In above photo Mr. Vilavane Inthava, President of the Laos Chess Federation and Tournament Director, together with Mr. Robert Suelo Jr., Chief Arbiter and Event Manager, open the 1st Tigerhead Rapid Open Chess Tournament
Held at the National Olympic Committee of Laos, the tournament featured Rapid games with a time control of 10 minutes per player, testing each competitor’s speed, precision, and strategic thinking. The event brought together young talents, experienced players, and enthusiasts from across the country, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and rising standard of chess in Laos.
After seven thrilling rounds of rapid play, Vilaphen Bounled (photo above) and Yomvilath Souminta both scored 6½ points, but Vilaphen claimed the Champion’s title on superior tiebreak. He earned ₭1,000,000 and a trophy, while Yomvilath (photo below) secured 1st Runner-up with ₭700,000 and a trophy.
Following them were:
• Vilaphen Phakthong – 2nd Runner-up, ₭500,000 + Trophy
• Phongphachit Sommith – 3rd Runner-up, ₭300,000 + Trophy
• Parkin Dylan Alastair – 4th Runner-up, ₭200,000 + Trophy
Special category awards were also presented:
• Best Lady: Ryzia Lei Zheysha Suelo  (photo below) – ₭200,000 + Trophy
• Best >50: Fourile Violaine – ₭200,000 + Trophy
Age-group champions were recognized with trophies for their outstanding performances:
• Best U16: Kongeo Phithak and Manalo Sean Michael
• Best U14: Inthavong Bounthanh and Manichith Namphét
• Best U12: Phanouvong Marvin and Liemphrachanh Akkhravin
• Best U10: Maglacion Psalm Emmanuel Paul and Yaotita Yoshito
• Best U8: Sengphachan Bounthingtham Jayson and Chong Jun Yin Hector
The tournament atmosphere was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and sportsmanship — a strong testament to the fast-growing chess movement in Laos. This event not only celebrated competitive excellence but also served as a platform to inspire the younger generation of Lao chess players.
The organizers expressed heartfelt thanks to Tigerhead, the main driving force behind the event, for its generous support, and to the Laos Chess Federation for its continued efforts to promote chess nationwide.
The Tournament Director was Mr. Vilavane Inthava, President of the Laos Chess Federation assisted by Chief Arbiter & Event Manager Mr. Robert Suelo Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-

Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 begins in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The prestigious Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 officially kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, heralding a week of intense competition, strategic brilliance, and international camaraderie. Organized by the Malaysian Chess Federation under the auspices of the Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the event runs from November 9 to 15, 2025.

The opening ceremony featured a symbolic inaugural game between Bharat Singh Chauhan, President of the Commonwealth Chess Association, and Akhramsyah Muammar, President of the Malaysian Chess Federation. Their friendly encounter set the tone for a championship built on unity, friendship, and sporting excellence that the Commonwealth proudly represents.

A total of 373 players from 16 Commonwealth nations are participating in this year’s edition, making it one of the largest and most competitive in the event’s history. The field boasts an impressive mix of Grandmasters, International Masters, Women Grandmasters, and promising young talents, reflecting the growing strength and depth of chess across the Commonwealth.

Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha of India headlines the field as the top seed, reaffirming India’s leadership in the world of chess. The event has drawn participants from a diverse range of nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Canada, England, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Scotland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and host country Malaysia, competing across multiple categories.

Beyond the competitive battles, the championship stands as a celebration of the shared heritage, goodwill, and cultural exchange that unite the Commonwealth nations through the game of chess.

Parings and results

From Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 begins in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – International Chess Federation

Chester Neil Reyes Wins 17th Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament

Chester Neil Reyes emerged as champion in the 17th Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament on November 8, 2025 at the NOMO- A Vista Lifestyle Center in Bacoor City, Cavite, Philippines.
In photo are, from left, Jebel Dela Cruz, International Master Roderick Nava, Karlycris Clarito Jr. (2nd Place), Chester Neil Reyes (Champion) , Ritchie James Abeleda (3rd Place) and National Master David Almirol Jr.
Reyes pocketed the P30,000 purse and trophy for winning the tournament which drew over 150 participants.
He had a perfect record of 7.0 points in the seven-round Swiss system chess tournament.
The top player of the University of Santo Tomas chess team scored seven consecutive wins against Resty Penes, Carlos Daniel Manipon, Gio Troy Ventura, Pilip Orquina, Don Tyrone Delos Santos, FIDE Master Randy Segarra and International Master Ronald Dableo.
“I would like to thank National Master David Almirol Jr. And International Master Roderick Nava of Kamatyas Chess Club for organizing this FIDE rated rapid chess tournament,” said Reyes, who hails from Rodriguez, Rizal.
Making ceremonial opening moves are International Master Roderick Nava and Marius Constante in foreground, and National Master David Almirol Jr. and International Master Ronald Dableo in background.
Karlycris Clarito Jr. of La Salle , meanwhile , placed second overall with 6.5 points and pocketed the P10,000 top purse.
Third place honors went to Ritchie James Abeleda who edged fellow six pointer Christian Tolosa in the tie break. Abeleda earned P7,000 while Tolosa claimed fourth place and the P5,000 prize.
The fifth to 10th placers who got 5.5 points each were Segarra, Dableo, FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz, Giovanni Mejia, Michael Linde and Juncin Estrella, respectively.
Eighty year old National Master Allan Sasot won the top Senior award.
In the kiddies division, Clyde Jared Torena tallied 6.5 points to bring home the title.
Don Lester Abundo, Cyrine Kate Teves, Marcus Dalton Ballao wound up second to fourth placers after tallying identical 5.5 points each.
Marco Polo Sanido took overall 5th place with a higher tie break point in the huge group of five pointers that includes Kale Darren Condes, Renz Jemuel Sosa, Geoffriam Aninao, and Steve Nitafan.
The 1-day rapid tournament was hosted by National Master David Almirol Jr. and International Master Roderick Nava of Kamatyas Chess Club.
-Marlon Bernardino-

Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge FIDE Rated Chess Tournament

Ang Buhay at Batas, in partnership with Pasig City Police Station, Soroptimist International Pasig, Nicolas & de Vega Law Offices and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines will hold a FIDE Rated Chess Tournament for Pasig policemen and policewomen dubbed as Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge to be held 9am on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Pasig City Police Headquarters, C. Raymundo Ave., Pasig City, Philippines.
The FIDE rated 7-round rapid chess tournament offers P10,000 to the champion. Second place will earn P5,000, 3rd place will receive P3,000 while Best Policewoman will bring home P5,000.
Free registration, free lunch and free merienda to all participants.
With Special Guest is GM Eugene Torre, Asia’s First Grandmaster.
Open to Pasig police only.
Please register with PCPT Resel Guevarra and PEMS Miguel Torallo.
The Soroptimist International of Pasig joined hands with the Pasig City Police Station, led by PCOL Hendrix Mangaldan and the Philippine Association of Esthetic Dentistry Pasig-Pateros-Taguig Chapter and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote child nutrition through the 3Ts Program — Tamang Pagkain, Tamang Timbang, at Tamang Kalusugan was held November 6, 2025 at Pasig Police Headquarters
-Marlon Bernardino-