Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, (fourth from left) was conferred the Doctor of Science degree honoris causa from the Mapua University during its 17th Commencement Exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Torre was the guest of honor and commencement speaker of the event, which recognized his exceptional contributions to the field of chess and sports.
Torre, who left Mapua as a third-year Business Administration student to focus on chess, became the first Asian Grandmaster in 1974 and was recently inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in October 2022. The Doctor of Science honoris causa recognizes GM Torre’s extraordinary achievements and impact on society, as well as his character, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Mapua University President, Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, said, “We are proud and honored to confer GM Eugene Torre with the Doctor of Science honoris causa. He embodies the Mapuan spirit of excellence and service and represents the best of Filipino values and heritage.”
The 17th Commencement Exercises also recognized the hard work and dedication of the families, friends, mentors, and teachers who supported the graduates throughout their journey. Mapua University has a rich history in chess, producing legends such as First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, Asian Zonal and Philippine Champion IM Renato Naranja, and was the First Chess Team Champion in 1976 when chess was included in the National Collegiate Atholetic Association (NCAA) and leading universities Ateneo and De La Salle were still NCAA members. -Marlon Bernardino-

Vladimir Lait (fifth from left) swept the Don Tomas Mapua Centennial Chess Cup presents GM Eugene Torre Rapid Tournament held January 18, 2025 at the Mapua Gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines.

Lait, a Grade 12 student of Mapua University scored perfect 7.0 points to receive the champion purse of P10,000 for first place.
The Pasig City resident Lait scored victories against Kyla Marie Vallesfin, Gian Ztdric Sucao, Allan Anthony Alvarez, Rodel Bobila, Alexsis Enrico Jacinto, Christian Arroyo and Glenn Midel Delos Santos, respectively.
Lait had earlier won the Rookie of the Year award in the NCAA Season 100 or the 2024–25 season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association chess team tournament.
Arroyo and Arjoe Loanzon finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points; Delos Santos, John Paolo Gaspar Medina, Austin Jay Tablan, Daniel Mondares and George Quinto have identical 5.5 points.
Bobila and Jacinto made it to the top 10 with 5.0 points each.
The rapid division attracted 100 players.

Von Arvie Barbosa Wins Blitz Category

In the blitz category, Von Arvie Barbosa of Taytay, Rizal emerged champion with 8.0 points in nine outings. Mark Tupas, Christian Roche Thompson and Marlon Montoya, both with 7.5 points, took second, third and fourth place.
David Mojar and  Stephen Von Estavillo secured the fifth and sixth spots with 7.0 points apiece while Enrique Naperi,  Mark Joseph Barbosa, John Christopher Alvarado and Karl Christian Coleto made it to the top 10 who totes 6.5-points each.
The blitz division attracted 100 woodpushers.

Ceremonial moves between Mapua President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo and Dr. GM Eugene Torre for Rapid;  Ceremonial moves between NAMA Presidents Engr. Adam Abinales and FIL-CHI President Engr. Rudy Niu for blitz.

The event was opened by GM Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grand Master, Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapúa University and Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Mapúa alumnus. It was organized by the Mapúa Institute of Technology Filipino-Chinese Alumni Association, Inc., in collaboration with Mapúa Athletics and Mapúa University Sports Enthusiasts Organization (MUSEO).-Marlon Bernardino.-

 

The 2025 Begonia tournament will be held in Ballarat (AUS) from 8th to the 10th of March, 2025. Full details are available from the website: Begonia Open Chess

The Rooty Hill Chess Club Presents the Return of the:

2025 Sydney International Open

Three Classical Divisions:
Sydney International Open – Championships (NORM EVENT)
Sydney International Open – Challengers
Sydney International Open – Contenders
One Blitz Event:
Sydney International Open – Blitz

Venue: Novotel West HQ, Conference Rooms 5 & 6

FIDE and ACF Rated Chess Tournament

$16,600 Total Prize Pool

In partnership with the 2025 Melbourne International Open and 2025 Doeberl Cup

 

The O2C Doeberl Cup – Australia’s Premier Grand Prix Chess Tournament Since 1963 is scheduled 17-21 April in Canberra, Australia. Register at https://www.doeberlcup.com.au/register.html

The 2025 Melbourne International Open will be held from April 7 to April 14, 2025 at the Melbourne Chess Club. The 2025 MIO is organised by Independent Chess Australia and consists of a 9 round classic, a 9 round rapid, and a 13 round blitz tournament.

Register at https://www.trybooking.com/CWOOR

Remark Bartolome of the Philippines topped the Rooky Monthly Standard FIDE Rated chess tournament held 11-12 January 2025 in Thailand. The Swiss system finished in a 2-way tie between Remark Bartolome and Robert Suelo Jr. of Laos at 4.5 points apiece in five rounds.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

Bartolome secured the first place with a superior tiebreak. The 2-day (January 11-12, 2025) Standard chess tournament (60 minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control format) was held at The Rooky Academy, J. Place Building in Sathorn, Nanglinchee Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

Bartolome defeated Banyawat Tuntrairat of Thailand in the first round, Natthabhumi Suwitchanpan of Thailand in the second round,  Mingyang Sun of China in the third round, then split the point with Suelo in the fourth round.
He beat Sasinat Tawankanjana of Thailand in the fifth and final round.

Suelo, the 1996 Philippine Junior champion, playing for Laos Chess Federation, beat  Daniel Tokmachov of the USA (Round 1), Alisa Gutsulyak of Russia (Round 2), Nikolay Gutsulyak of Russia (Round 3) then drew with Bartolome (Round 4) and toppled Allan Pason of the Philippines in the last round.

Tournament director was IA Poompong Wiwatanadate.-Marlon Bernardino-

FIDE is proud to kick off 2025, the Social Chess Year, with a groundbreaking event: the World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon!

The Social Chess Year aims to bring chess to diverse communities and settings, including prisons, refugee camps, elderly care homes, and addiction recovery centers. By highlighting chess as a tool for social good, FIDE will champion projects that promote cognitive development, community building, and rehabilitation.

On January 19, 2025, we’ll gather online to celebrate the power of chess in making the difference. This event welcomes anyone passionate about using chess for social good — whether you’re leading an initiative, seeking inspiration, or hoping to connect with like-minded changemakers.

Why Attend?

• Discover innovative social chess programs from around the world.
• Connect with global change-makers.
• Participate in engaging discussions, live polls, and interactive networking sessions.

Event Details

• Date: January 19, 2025
• Time: Two slots for global convenience:
  • Slot 1: 9:00–12:00 CET
  • Slot 2: 17:00–20:00 CET

Format

The event will feature short, engaging presentations (10 minutes max) followed by interactive discussions. Attendees can participate in live polls and breakout networking rooms.

Register here: forms.gle/MPDqnNoW3SyYGhNw8

Don’t miss this chance to make 2025 a year of impact through chess!

Additional Workshop

Following the presentations, FIDE Social Commission is planning a workshop titled “Monitoring and Evaluation” to help initiatives better understand their direction and growth. This session will be led either by the UNHCR or Sonja Johnson herself.

Featured Speakers

1. Stephen Deburu (Chess Inda Hood, Papua New Guinea)
   • Initiative: Using chess to combat drug abuse and crime among youth.
   • Duration: Started as a chess club in February 2024 (10 months ago).
   • Beneficiaries: Community members, particularly youth.
2. Rafael Córdoba Baule (Dragon Chess Academy, Panama)
   • Initiative: Teaching chess to children and youth from scratch.
   • Duration: Ongoing since 2019, held annually at the beginning of the year.
   • Beneficiaries: Children and youth in Chitré, Panama.
   • Goals for the Event: Visibility and learning opportunities.
3. Nicolas Carbonell (Federation Burkinabè de Jeu d’Échecs, Burkina Faso)
   • Initiative: HUMANICHESS – Training children in refugee-dense areas to improve education and social integration.
   • Planned Start: 2025 (FBJE recognized by authorities in October 2024).
   • Beneficiaries: Underprivileged and refugee children in slums.
   • Goals for the Event: Visibility, inspiration, regional imitation, and attracting sponsors.
4. Alexandre Vergara (Chegança Instituto, Brazil)
   • Initiative: Quebrada Viva Project – Using chess for social inclusion and development of vulnerable children and adolescents.
   • Recent Activities: Pilot project in November 2024, featuring transformative community meetings.
   • Goals for the Event: Discover innovative programs, connect globally, and strengthen their initiative.

The final list of participants will be confirmed by January 10, 2025.

Veteran blitz player Kevin Arquero won the Pozorrubio Town Fiesta Rapid Chess Tournament on January 11, 2025 in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Philippines
The Pasay City resident Arquero, who plays for the Philippine Army chess team, defeated former solo leader Robert Halili of Mabalacat City, Pampanga in the seventh and final round to score 6.5 points enrout to the coveted title.
Arquero receive the top purse of P10,000 for his effort in this event sponsored by Mayor Kelvin Tan, Vice Mayor Engineer Ernesto “Snooky” Salcedo III and SK Municipal Federation President/ SK Chairman Vince Karl Thirdy Sarmiento, in line with its grassroots chess development program.
Jhulo Goloran of Meycauayan City, Bulacan beat Genghis Imperial of Manila to tie Halili and Romy Fagon of Urdante City, Pangasinan for 2nd to 4th placers with 6.0 points each.
Halili’s second place finish earned him P5,000, while the third place went to Goloran to earn P3,000 and Fagon landed in fourth place to pocket P2,000.
The fifth to 10th placers were Alexis Emil Maribao of Cavite City (5.5 points), Ricardo Batcho of Quezon City (5.5 points), Jenric Curt Aquino of Calasiao City, Pangasinan (5.5 points), Sherwin Tiu of Manila (5.0 points), Imperial (5.0 points) and Rodney Palaming of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan (5.0 points).

Earlier, Retired Judge Jose Vallo and Vice Mayor Engineer Ernesto “Snooky” Salcedo III, made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament also graced by Councilor Dennis Uy and SK Municipal Federation President/ SK Chairman Vince Karl Thirdy Sarmiento.

Meanwhile, 11 years old Henrick Marello Balanos won the top Pozorrubio kiddies award while 15 years old Irish Ysabel Salcedo of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan is the lone survivor of the 12 board simultaneous chess exhibition performed by Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr.
In the 12 simultaneous games he did, Bernardino won 11 games and loss to Irish Ysabel Salcedo.-Marlon Bernardino

The New Zealand Chess Federation (NZCF) is currently holding the 132nd New Zealand Chess Congress in Auckland at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre.
This festival of chess incorporates a number of events and is the highlight of the New Zealand chess calendar:
 New Zealand Chess Championships,
 New Zealand Major Open
 New Zealand Rapid play Chess Championships
 New Zealand Lightning Chess Championships
 New Zealand School Pupil and Age Group Championships
 A New Zealand Junior U1000 rated event.
The New Zealand Chess Championship was first held in Christchurch in 1879. After a 9 year break it was held for the second time in 1888/9 and has been run almost every year since then (apart from the odd year missed during the 2 world wars). No other country has had a national championship with as many editions as New Zealand’s.
There are 590 entries across the 6 events from over 250 individual players, making this one of the largest NZ Chess Congress ever held.

Players from 19 countries have entered, including:
Grandmaster (GM) Gabor Nagy (Hungary)
International Master (IM) Herman can Riemsdijk (Brazil)
FIDE Master (FM) Yining Chen (China)
And New Zealand’s own:
IM Anthony Ker (14-time NZ Champion)
IM Russell Dive (7-time NZ Champion)
FM Daniel Gong (2-time NZ Champion)
FM Alphaeus Ang (former NZ Champion)
FM Felix Xie (former NZ Rapid and Lightning Champion)
FM Bob Smith (2-time NZ Champion)
Sarah Sun (2024 NZ Women’s Champion)
Candidate Master (CM) Isabelle Ning (2023 NZ Women’s Champion)
Dr Tony Booth – at 86, the oldest competitor
As well as a number of national representatives across all age groups and genders.
There are also a record number of juniors participating in the 2 junior events.
20 games from each round will be broadcast live on www.chess.com and www.lichess.org
Links:
https://www.chess.com/events/2025-new-zealand-chess-congress
https://lichess.org/broadcast/new-zealand-chess-congress-2025
The event is hosted by the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club, with Chief Organiser Paul Spiller MNZM leading a large team of officials and volunteers.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Richard Christie (NZCF Administrator) admin@newzealandchess.co.nz 021 111 5662
Paul Spiller (Chief Organiser) PaulSSpiller@outlook.com
Follow us on social media for updates and live coverage:
Facebook: New Zealand Chess Federation
Website: www.newzealandchess.co.nz