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Abraham Tolentino, Former FIDE GenSec, Reelected Phil Olympic Committee President

ABRAHAM ‘Bambol’ Tolentino has been given a new mandate as Philippine Olympic Committee president after beating baseball chief Chito Loyzaga in today’s elections.

Tolentino soundly beat the former Barangay Ginebra player, 45-15 (with one abstention), in elections among 61 voters during the polls held at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque City, Philippines.

“I think the performance was the basis,” said Tolentino, who was the POC president when the Philippines captured the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Games and Carlos Yulo bagged two golds in Paris.

“We will continue what we’ve started. United, transparency, our platform will be sustained more for the athletes, athletes, and athletes.” Tolentino added.

There were 61 voting members – 58 national sports associations, two members of the Athletes’ Commission in EJ Obiena and Nesthy Petecio, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.

Tolentino’s victory was the icing on the cake as his teammates all won, with basketball’s Al Panlilio and surfing’s Jose Raul Canlas seizing the posts of first vice president and treasurer, respectively, unopposed.

From Spin.ph  Bambol Tolentino beats Chito Loyzaga in POC elections

 

Asian Children Dominate FIDE World Cadet Championship 2024

The 2024 World Cadet Chess Championship concluded in Montesilvano, Italy, after eleven thrilling rounds of competition across six tournaments. Outstanding young talents emerged as champions in each section.

Chen Zhihan dominated the U8 Girls tournament. The second seed from China scored an impressive 9.5/11, finishing a full point ahead of Abigail Zhou and Stella Xin, both representing the United States, who secured second and third places, respectively.

The U8 Open was fiercely contested, with three players tying for first place on 9/11. The Buchholz tiebreaker crowned Reddy Adulla Divith (India) as the gold medalist. His compatriot Swain Sattwik secured silver, while Guo Ziming (China) claimed bronze.

WCM Alanna Berikkyzy (pictured above) lived up to her pre-tournament favorite status in the U10 Girls section. The top seed from Kazakhstan finished in clear first with 9.5/11, despite suffering a setback in her eighth-round game.

Roman Shogdzhiev (FIDE) triumphed in the U10 Open, achieving one of the event’s two highest scores, 10/11. Marc Llari, who defeated Shogdzhiev in their direct encounter, could not maintain the pace and finished second. Ider Tselmuun (Mongolia) took bronze, edging out Chenxuan (USA) on tiebreaks.

The U12 Girls section ended with Xue Tianhao (China, pictured above)) and Khanzada Amanzhol (Kazakhstan) tied for first place. Xue claimed gold due to a slightly superior Buchholz tiebreaker.

FM Mark Smirnov (pictured below) delivered a commanding performance in the U12 Open, conceding only two draws and finishing 1.5 points ahead of his closest rivals. Antoni Radzimski (Poland) and David Lacan Rus (France) earned silver and bronze, respectively.

Final standings:

U08 Girls

1. Chen Zhihan (China) – 9½/11
2. WCM Abigail Zhou (USA) – 8½
3. Stella Xin (USA) – 8½

U08 Open

1. Reddy Adulla Divith (India) – 9
2. Swain Sattwik (India) – 9
3. Guo Ziming (China) – 9

U10 Girls

1. WCM Alanna Berikkyzy (Kazakhstan) – 9½
2. WCM Aimee Yang  (USA) – 9
3. WCM Ider Tselmuun (Mongolia) – 8½

U10 Open

1. Roman Shogdzhiev (FIDE) – 10
2. Marc Llari (France) – 9½
3. Nguyen Quang Anh  (Vietnam) – 8½

U12 Girls

1. WCM  Xue Tianhao (China) – 9
2. WCM  Khanzada Amanzhol (Kazakhstan) – 9
3. Tong Thai Hoang An (Vietnam)

U12 Open

1. FM Mark Smirnov (KAZ) – 10
2. CM Antoni Radzimski (Poland) – 8½
3. FM David Lacan Rus (FRA) – 8½

The closing ceremony brought the event to a spectacular conclusion, featuring speeches by event officials, an electrifying performance by a local dance group, and the awarding of trophies to the winners.

Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar and Niklesh Jain | ChessBase India

Official website: worldcadetschess2024.com/

From Winners crowned at FIDE World Cadet Championship 2024

FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar in Russian held 25-27 November 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

A FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar was organised from 25/11/2024 to 27/11/2024 in Tashkent, under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation supported by the Planning and Development Commission.

The Lecturer was IA Vardapetyan, Ashot (ARM), FIDE Lecturer, and Assistant Lecturer was IA/IO Turdialiev, Husan (UZB), FIDE Lecturer.

The language of the Seminar was Russian. Participants were:

No FIDE ID Name (as on FIDE Profile) Sex FED
1 14201194 Shkurov, Ravshan M UZB
2 14210088 Abdulatipova, Zarnigor F UZB
3 14207060 Khusanov, Bekzod M UZB
4 14224666 Saidova, Nargiza F UZB
5 14238780 Akhmedov, Lutfullo M UZB
6 14238802 Hayitboev, Munisbek M UZB
7 14238799 Abdumajitov, Nurbek M UZB
8 14238810 Asatullaev, Biloliddin M UZB
9 14205246 Alibekova, Dinara M UZB
10 13802046 Sezdbekov, Arzybek M KGZ
11 13819461 Kydyrbekov, Kanimet M KGZ
12 13801635 Zholdoshmamatov, Adilet M KGZ
13 13814150 Tilekov, Eldar M KGZ
14 14704510 Nazarov, Zafar M TJK
15 14700255 Odinaeva, Saodat F TJK
16 447049006 Supbaev, Seytjamol M KAZ
17 447053127 Ilyasova, Soule F KAZ

3rd Alamto Cup and 1st Ilam IM Norm Tournament Set December in Iran

The Ilam Chess Association, in partnership with the Chess Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, warmly invites chess players from across Asia and around the globe to take part in the 3rd Alamto Cup International Chess Festival. This prestigious event will be held from December 7 to 13, 2024, in the historic city of Ilam, Iran. Download the Prospectus for the Alamto Cup (2024) En

Festival Highlights

The Alamto Cup is the largest chess festival in western Iran, playing a vital role in the growth and promotion of chess in this region. Its name, “Alamto,” meaning “the mountainous land,” is derived from the ancient name of Ilam, reflecting the city’s historical and geographical significance. Over the years, this festival has gained considerable prestige, attracting strong chess players from across the globe.

In its previous editions, the tournament witnessed notable victories by GM Pouria Darini (2022) and GM Sina Movahed (2023), further solidifying its reputation as a competitive and high-profile event.

The 3rd Alamto Cup will feature three primary tournaments: Tournament A for those with a FIDE rating of 2000 or higher, Tournament B for players rated between 1700 and 1999, and Tournament C for participants with a FIDE rating below 1700. Each tournament will consist of 9 rounds, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 13, 2024.

The festival will take place at the 3-star Zagros Hotel in Ilam, offering a comprehensive experience with accommodation, dining, and the tournament venue all conveniently located in one place. The hotel’s amenities provide an ideal setting for players and attendees to focus on the competition while enjoying a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Following the chess festival, the 1st Ilam IM Norm Chess Tournament will be held from December 14 to 20, 2024, providing an additional opportunity for players to achieve their IM norms. Download the prospectus for the Ilam IM Norm (2024) En

 

NM Michael Inigo Wins Philippine “Batang Pinoy” Blitz chess championship

National Master Michael Jan Stephen Rosalem Inigo emerged as the champion in the “Batang Pinoy” Blitz Chess Championship held November 24, 2024 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
Inigo, who plays for the City of Dumaguete , pocketed the gold medal for winning the tournament with 85 youth chess players participating.
He had a perfect campaign after tallying 5.0 points in the five-round Swiss system competition with a time control of three minutes plus two seconds increment.
Inigo defeated Juncin Estrella (City of General Trias), Daniel Gil Eclavia (Zambales), Clint Calvin Atoc ( City of General Santos), Aaron Limpangog (City of Davao) and Allan Gabriel Hilario (City of Meycauayan).
Cedric Kahlel Abris, representing the City of Mandaluyong, went on to place second overall with similar perfect 5.0 points.
Abris hacked out victories over Emmanuel Endrinal (City of Cabuyao), Denver Billedo (Ilocos Sur), Carl Jasphyr Lloyd (City of Digos), Jayrald Jade Antiporta (City of Paranaque) and Lance Nathaniel Orlina (Negros).
Inigo took the title plus the gold medal by virtue of a higher tie break points against runner-up place and silver medallist Abris.
Inigo,16, a grade 11 student of Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite International School, played under the watchful eyes of coaches Emerson Belardo Sayaman and Voltaire Marc Paraguya while Abris,17, Grade 12 student of La Salle Greenhills played under the guidance of coach Cruz.
Meanwhile, Karlycris Clarito Jr., representing Pasig City edged fellow 4.5 pointers Oscar Joseph Cantela, playing for Quezon City to romp home with the bronze medal.
Cantela and Lenmuel Jay Adena won the team gold for Quezon City, Clarito teamed up with Andrew James Toledo to take the silver for Pasig City while Rigil Kent Rosell Pahamtang partnered with David Kiel Briones to win the team bronze for Lipa City.
Tournament Director was NCFP CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.-Marlon Bernardino

Filipino FM Mario Mangubat Wins FIDE World Senior 65+ Rapid Chess Championship

Porto Santo Island, Portugal —Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat, 65, won the FIDE World Seniors 65+ Rapid Chess Championshipo held 23rd November 2024 in Porto Santo island in Portugal. Mangubat (third from left) hails from Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines.
 
Mangubat, whose stint here is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Cong. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, Victoria Sports Club, Nova Wellness Store and Minglanilla, Cebu Mayor Rajiv Enad, tallied 4.5 points in six outings to clinch the title in the 65 over category.
International Master Aitkazy Baimurzin and Marat Primetov of Kazakhstan notched 4.0 points apiece to settle for second and third place, respectively.
Last Friday, Mangubat also won the bronze medal in the Blitz event of the FIDE World Senior 65 and over category.
Mangubat duplicated the feat of IM Chito Danilo Garma who won the 50 and above category of the Blitz competition.
“I m really happy with my performance today. Winning the Rapid event is so much meaning to me. Aside from winning the bronze medal in the Blitz competition,” said Mangubat.
Other members of the Philippine team are International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Coach Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (Marlon Bernardino).

IM Ronald Dableo Wins Victoria Sports Club Rapid Chess Tournament

IM Ronald Dableo won the Victoria Sports Club Rapid Chess tournament held 23rd November 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings. Photo shows Ceremonial moves at the center with GM Joey Antonio versus Victoria Sports General Manager together with NM Al-basher Buto, VS Operation Manager Hart Ocampo and FM Ivan Travis Cu.
Champion IM Ronald Dableo was unbeaten before a final draw with eventual runner up FM David Elorta on the 7th round of the Victoria Sports Club Rapid Tournament.  IM Dableo won over Juan Lucas Agmat, WNM Ma. Elayza Villa, IM Barlo Nadera, Sherwin Tiu, Kevin Arquero and Chester Neil Reyes.  FM Elorta subdued Joshua Alega, Danie Baylosis, John Donguines, IM Angelo Young, GM Joey Antonio and FM Alekhine Nouri.  Other Masters who joined the event are GM Darwin Laylo, IMs Jan Garcia, FM Ivan Cu, Anthonio Molina. Mark Daluz and NMs Al-basher Buto, Lexie Hernandez and Romeo Alcodia.
IM Dableo pocketed P10,000, a hotel accommodation in the VS Hotel and convention and a 1 month premier membership with the Victory Sports Club facilities.  Other top 10 winners and 9 special prizes got special perks aside form cash prize while the 101 non-winning players got a free pass for the therapy water pool and spa.
The Tournament are organized by Victoria Sport Club led by Operation Manager Hart Ocampo, Chief Arbiter Rainer Pascual of Kaizen Knight, Media relation NM Marlon Bernardino and Tournament Director Allan Alvarez of i-Bayanihan (IIEE-Bayanihan)
The next event will the the 9th SiKAT or Speed-chess i-Bayanihan Knockout Armageddon Tournament and the Grand SiKAT or Armageddon Battle of Champions to be held in SMX Pasay City during the last day of 49th IIEE National Convention on November 30, 2024 at 8am.-Marlon Bernardino-

IM Chito Garma Wins World Seniors Blitz Chess Championship in Portugal

Filipino IM Chito Garma won the World Seniors Blitz Chess Championship held 22nd November 2024 in Porto Santo, Portugal. Garma won in the three minutes plus two seconds increment time control format with 8 wins and 1 loss in nine outings enroute to the coveted gold medal.

The 60-year-old Garma’s stint to Portugal is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Cong. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco.
The blitz event competition is an event of the FIDE World Senior Chess Championship being held at the Hotel Baleira in Porto Santo Island in Portugal. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.
Garma hacked out victories over Marat Primbetov of Kazakhstan, IM Ilgar Bajarani of Azerbaijan, IM Devaki Prasad of India, FM Richard Vedder of the Netherlands, IM Aitkazy Baimurzin of Kazakhstan, IM Silvia Alexieva of France, IM Stefan Loeffler of Germany and FM Pablo Alexander Ruiz Aguilar of Colombia, respectively. He lost to FM Victor Plotkin of Canada in the fifth round.
FM Joachim Wallner of Austria won the runner up honors for the silver medal while FM Plotkin settled for third for the bronze medal. Wallner and Plotkin, both tallied 7.0 points apiece.
“I am very happy with my victories. It’s an early Christmas gift to me. Thank God for the blessings,” said Garma.
“I would like to thank PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, NCFP Chairman/President Cong. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., NCFP CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, NCFP Vice President Sen. Manny Pacquiao, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, Victoria Sports Club, veteran sports journalist Mr. Noli Sangil Cruz and Mr. Travis Vincent Chua of Nova Wellness Store for supporting my participation in the FIDE World Senior Chess Championships”, he added.
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat, the pride of Minglanilla, Cebu won the bronze medal in the 65 over category with 5.5 points. Another Filipino entry International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad finished the tournament with 4.0 points.
“It was a tough match. I thank God for my latest achievement winning the bronze medal in the 65 over category,” said the 66 year old Mangubat, whose stint here is also supported by Minglanilla, Cebu mayor Rajiv Enad aside from the backing of the PSC, NCFP and PAGCOR. by Marlon Bernardino

Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities Awards

The 2nd Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities closed 18th November in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 79 players from seven countries, namely India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russians under neutral FIDE flag, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings.

In photo above are the medalists in the Open – Visual impairment category: gold medalist Khamdamov Suhrob TJK, silver medalist Jumadullayev Kuanishbek KAZ and bronze medalist Kimsanboyev Axadxon UZB.

The event was organized by the Kyrgyz Chess Union under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation supported by the FIDE Planning and Development Commission.

Categories of disability were

Visual Impairment: (men and women with disabilities with full or visually impaired (legally considered to be blind);

Physical Impairment: (men and women with disabilities with a lesion of the musculoskeletal system and others with physical disabilities);

Hearing Impairment: Category B (men and women with disabilities with full or weakened hearing loss (legally considered to be deaf).

Open Physical Imparment: gold medalist Venkata Krishna Karthik K IND, silver medalist Samarth J Rao IND and bronze medalist Kozhamuratov Marat KAZ

Open – hearing impairment: gold medalist Zaynidinov Sirojiddin UZB, silver medalist Kozhakhmetov Sultan KAZ and bronze medalist Oorzhak Aldar FID

Women – Visual impairment: gold medalist Kasymbaeva Gulzat KGZ and silver medalist Kuzmina Irina FID,

Women – Physical impairment: gold medalist Doan Thu Huyen VIE, silver medalist Melnik Galina FID and bronze medalist Tran Thi Bich Thuy VIE.

Women – hearing impairment: gold medalist Zhukovskaya Nina KAZ, silver medalist Gorokhova Natalya KAZ and bronze medalist Karybekova Sabina KGZ

Juniors – visual impairment: gold medalist Pomitov Aleksandr FID, silver medalist Kudratov Gulamzhan KAZ and bronze medalist Zholdoshbekov Nuradyl KGZ

Juniors – physical impairment: gold medalist Serikbayev Omiserik KAZ, silver medalist Jinay Ankitbhai Shah IND and bronze medalist Aditya Asaram Ghule IND

Juniors – hearing impairment: gold medalist Rakhatbekov Tilegen KGZ, silver medalist Bogdan David FID and bronze medalist Dustmurodov Bobur UZB

Girls – Visual impairment: gold medalist Konyakhina Angelina FID, silver medalist Ikromalieva Sabokhat UZB and bronze medalist Askar Sabina KAZ

Girls – physical impairment: gold medalist Sharon Rachel Aby IND, silver mdalist Durkasri Maruthaiah IND and bronze medalist Kudainazarova Dariia KGZ

Girls – hearing impairment: gold medalist Osmanova Alina FID, silver medalist Izentayeva Aynura UZB and bronze medalist Drugova Kira FID

Asian Amateur Chess Championship Tentative List of Participants

Registration for the Asian Amateur Chess Championship has been extended to 25th November 2024. Visit chess-results.com

The event is scheduled 14-23 December 2024 at the Danat Hotel in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The Al Ain Chess Club and Mind Games, on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), FIDE and UAE Chess Federation, has the honor to invite all Asian National Chess Federations to participate in the 2024 Asian Amateur Chess Championships, which will be held from 14th (arrival) to 23rd (departure) December 2024 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

The Asian Amateur Championships 2024 is open to all Asian amateur players who should not have a FIDE rating above 2000 at the start of the tournament. Download Asian Amateur 2024 Invitation and Regulations

Players should not have a FIDE title higher than FIDE Master (i.e., WIM, WGM, IM and GM). All participants must have a FIDE ID to participate in this tournament.

The playing venue shall be at the official Hotel Danat Al Ain Resort.

The tournament shall be conducted as a Swiss System competition of 9 rounds and will be played according to FIDE regulations. Each player will have 90 minutes with the addition of 30 seconds per move starting from the first move.