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Tristan Jared Cervero, one of the top players of Ateneo de Manila University chess team, reigned supreme in the Barangka Chess Club tournament held last Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Barangka, Marikina City, Philippines.
Cervero bagged the title of the over-the-board tournament after registering the highest output of a perfect 7.0 points.

In photo, Marikina Chess Federation president Johnny “Joel” Gaudia (left) and Isagani De Ramos of Barangka Chess Club made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament.

The tournament was organized by Restie Roxas and Isagani De Ramos of Barangka Chess Club in close cooperation with Marikina Chess Federation president Johnny “Joel” Gaudia.

Jonathan Trajano placed second with 6.0 points, followed by solo third Clord Bragais with 5.5 points. Felix Julius Caesar, James Joshua Padua, Lord James Malveda, Light Maranan and John Khedev Argarin occupied the fourth to ninth spots with 5.0 points each. John Khedev Argarin wound up solo tenth with 4.5 points.

Adjudged category winners were Jan Michael Ellar Jr. (Top Junior), Llewelyn Aries Alan (Top Female) and John Deaniel Basiya (Top Kiddie).-Marlon Bernardino-

FIDE Master David Elorta (above, center) swept his assignments and scored 9.0 points to rule the Mayor Frederick Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos FIDE Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament on 29th June 2024 at the Dapitan Sports and Cultural Complex, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Awarding the prize are Hon. Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares (left), NCFP Chairman Committe for Youth Programs and Daryl Patilano (right), Executive Secretary of Dapitan City. Visit chess-results.com.

Elorta opened his campaign with a win over Iora Megan Garcia then followed it with victories over Elvis Longjas, NM elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo, AFM Jaymiel Piel, Michael Linde, Cedric Kahlel Abris, FM Ellan Asuela, AGM Julius Dan Augustine Ablin and Phil Martin Casiguran.

Elorta pocketed the P30,000 cash prize during the awarding ceremony awarded by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Grassroots & Development Committee head and former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, NCFP Chief Executive Officer – GM/ FST Jayson Gonzales and the Executive Assistant of LGU, Mr. Jose Darry C. Patilano.

Elorta is one of the top players of PCAP’s Manila Indios Bravos who is set to play in the 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament on July 9 to 10 at AYA Hotel and Residences, Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

After losing to Elorta in the sixth round, Abris (above right), one of the top players of College of St. Benilde, defeated Rigil Kent Rosell Pahamtang in the seventh round, then halved the point with Piel in the eight round and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. in the ninth and final round to score 7.0 points and receive the runner-up prize of P20,000 for his efforts. Abris got the highest tie break points in the huge group of 7.0 pointers.

Piel, AGM Dennis Bernas of Iloilo, Jerish John Velarde of Imus City, Cavite, Vincent Ryu Dimayuga of Lipa City, Batangas and Irwin Aton of Davao City also finished the tournament with similar 7.0 points.

Bernardino wound up over-all 15th place after the tie break points were applied. Bernardino was undefeated in nine games with 4 wins and 5 draws to raise his total 6.5 points, good for a share of 8th to 19th placers in this 1-day event, hosted by Mayor Frederick Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos, who is also a part of the board of directors of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

IM Michael Concio (third from left) won the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineer (IIEE) Southern Luzon Regional Conference (SLRC) open chess tournament last June 27, 2024 at Centro Mall, Pulo, Cabuyao City, Laguna, Philippines.

The top three were IM Michael Concio – Champion, FM Mark Jay Bacojo – 1st Runner Up, Jonathan Jota 2nd Runner and IM Eric Labog Jr. – 3rd Runner Up.

Other winners are FM Noel Dela Cruz – 4th Runner Up, NM Angele Tenshi Biete 5th runner up and top junior, NM vince Angelo Medina, Jose Caumban -Top IIEE, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad – Top, GM Joey Antonio – Top Senior, Kyla Lorraine Aurelio – Top Lady and Alexandro Anthony Desepeda.

Team winners: Top 1 – Cabuyao city with 16pts (jonathan Jota, NM Vince Angelo medina, AGM Apollo agapay), Top 2 – PECA (IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Bren Sasot, Samivin De los santos), Top 3 NU Manila (WFM Allan ey Jia Doroy, Alan Dorot, Kyla Lorraine Aurelio), Top 4 – Muntinlupa (Noel Trines, Edwin Caballero, Angelo Cuizon), Top 5 San Pedro – (Joshua Manire, Tom Saluba, Marianne Manire).  Top 6 to 8 teams are Ok-ka-kokey Manila led by Patrick Bonifacio, Cabuyao kids Royal Knights and IIEE East Laguna, respectively.

Eighty players participated in the tournament with IIEE theme “Transformational leadership towards Sustainable Development and Global Recognition” and as part of the 24th IIEE Southern Luzon Regional Conference (SLRC).

“Playing chess is like governing people, leading and directing the community on the right path” Guest of Honor Cabuyao Vice Mayor Leif Opiña said.

This is the strongest tournament in the history of Cabuyao City chess which boasts a big count of Chess Masters of over 15 playing in the event led by 13-time Philippine Open Champion Joey Antonio. The event was hosted in the city of Cabuyao City, Laguna and organized by Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineer (IIEE) together Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) and Rotary Club of Nuvali.

The event was supported by Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez and Engr. Mandy Diaz, both former National IIEE Presidents, IIEE Governor Eduardo Emata Jr. , IIEE Central Laguna President Noel Lobo and former President Roel Bebero, Dr. Fred Paez, Arena Grand Master, PECA President and Rotary Club Nuvali, Engr. Menandro Lim, IIEE Branding Chairman and his committee Secretary Lea Pueca, Katherine Tablao, the Emcee and Sponsor (Smart Options, 3M Authorized Distributor), Profibus and A. Alvarez Trading and Services Corp.  The event was broadcast with the use of 3 DGTs thru PSME Foundation President Roger Reyes.  Special thanks to Cabuyao City Vice Mayor, Atty. Leif Opiña, Councilor Michael Aranzanso and Rudy Derez, former Cabuyao CDRRMO Head. – by Marlon Bernaardino

Cabuyao Vice Mayor Leif Opiña vs GM Joey Antonio, IIEE Former National President Mandy Diaz vs PECA President Dr. Fred Paez, IM Michael Concio vs IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad vs WFM Allaney Jia Doroy …Standing are PSME Foundation President Roger Reyes, IIEE Best Import FM Noel Dela Cruz, IIEE 2021 National President Allan Anthony Alvarez

The Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships reel off 3rd July 2024 at the Ballroom of Gunadarma University in Karawaci-Tangerang, Indonesia, with 45 boys and 33 girls from eight countries, namely Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and host Indonesia. The tournament is held under the auspices of the Indonesian Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation and FIDE.

Top seeds are Indonesians IM Aditya Bagus Arfan (above left) among the boys and WIM Laysa Latifa (above right) among the girls.

Visit chess-results.com. See previous announcement in asianchess.com.

Rapid chess event starts 4th July while the Standard chess event will be held from 5th to 10th July 2024.

Download Eastern Asia Junior Chess Championship 2024 REGULATIONS. Chief Arbiter is IA Bong Bunawan of Indonesia.

IA Michael Joseph Pagaran (with trophy) won the Filipino Chess Players League – Qatar battle of the Champions Elimination held 21st June at the Doha Souq Mall in Al Nasser, Doha, Qatar.

The Tehran Chess Association, in collaboration with the Chess Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, cordially invites all Asian chess players and chess enthusiasts worldwide to participate in the prestigious 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival. This exciting event is scheduled to take place from August 5th to 12th, 2024, in the vibrant metropolis of Tehran, Iran.

Download the Prospectus for the Paytakht Cup (2024)

Festival Highlights

The Paytakht Cup, the biggest chess festival in the metropolis of Tehran, is an event of great significance in the international chess calendar. The word “Paytakht” means “the capital” in Persian, and hence, the “Paytakht Cup” translates to the “Capital Cup.” This festival has garnered immense prestige over the years, attracting numerous chess Grandmasters and offering a competitive edge that is unparalleled.

In previous editions, notable participants have included GM Alireza Firouzja, GM Parham Maghsoodloo, GM Amin Tabatabaei, GM Anton Demchenko, GM Alexandr Fier, GM Samvel Ter-Sahakyan, and GM Stanislav Bogdanovich, among others. The tournament has celebrated various champions over the years, such as GM Homayoon Toufighi in 2016, GM Anton Demchenko in 2017, GM Seyed Khalil Mousavi in 2018, GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami in 2019, and GM Masoud Mosadeghpour in 2023.

The 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival promises to be an exceptional event, continuing its tradition of excellence. This year’s festival will feature three main tournaments: Tournament A for players with a FIDE rating of 2100 or higher, Tournament B for players with a FIDE rating lower than 2100, and Tournament C for players under 14 years old. The schedule includes 9 rounds for Tournament A and 11 rounds for Tournaments B and C, all taking place from August 6 to 12, 2024. The Paytakht Cup is especially important for Iranian and Asian chess players, providing a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage.

The festival will be held at the luxurious 5-star Laleh International Hotel (formerly InterContinental Hotels & Resorts) in Tehran. This exquisite venue offers top-notch facilities for both players and spectators, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The hotel’s amenities make it the perfect setting for an international chess festival.

About Tehran

Tehran, the capital and largest city of Iran, boasts a population of approximately 12 million, making it the most populated city in Iran and Western Asia. It also ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, following Cairo. This bustling metropolis serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the country, offering a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition.

Tehran is steeped in history, with roots tracing back to the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. The city became Iran’s capital in the late 18th century during the Qajar dynasty. Today, it is a city of contrasts, where historical sites like the Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar stand alongside modern skyscrapers and contemporary art galleries. Tehran’s rich cultural scene includes numerous museums, such as the National Museum of Iran, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Carpet Museum, which showcase the nation’s diverse heritage and artistic achievements.

The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, music venues, and galleries. Tehran hosts several international film and theater festivals, reflecting its role as a cultural beacon in the region. The Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the oldest and largest in Iran, is a testament to the city’s thriving music culture.

This bustling city is home to people from many different ethnic backgrounds, which adds to its diverse food culture and lively streets. Tehran has a mix of busy markets and modern cafes, as well as peaceful parks and hiking trails in the nearby mountains. This combination of old and new offers a variety of experiences that show the city’s vibrant and constantly changing nature.

This summer, join the 6th Paytakht Cup International Chess Festival for an experience that promises unforgettable moments. Engage in thrilling chess battles, embrace the vibrant culture, and enjoy the renowned warm hospitality that Tehran has to offer. We eagerly await your presence for an epic chess showdown. See you in Tehran!

Saikat Kumar of Delhi emerged as the tournament champion, securing the top prize of ₹1,11,000 and a trophy. Adalja Vanssh J of Gujarat claimed the second position with a cash prize of ₹71,000 and a trophy. Arnav Gupta of Rajasthan took third place, winning ₹41,000 and a trophy.

Category Prizes The attractive rating category prizes were awarded as follows:

 1551-1700 Rating Category: Vibhor Ranjan of Delhi scored 8 points, winning ₹1,01,000 and a trophy.

 1401-1550 Rating Category: Saket Kumar of Bihar scored 6.5 points, winning ₹1,00,000 and a trophy.

 Unrated Category: Aarav Juneja of Punjab 6.5 points, winning ₹70,000 and a trophy.

 Best Vetran Above 50 : Harminder Singh of Delhi scored 6 points, winning ₹21,000 and a trophy.

 Best Vetran Above 60 : Srinivasa Rao G.V. scored 7 points, winning ₹21,000 and a trophy.

 Best Female: Aashi Upadhyay of Rajasthan scored 6 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Rajasthan Player : Pranay Chordia of Lakecity scored 7.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Lakecity Player : Geet Jain of Lakecity scored 6.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 7 : Aryan Brahmachari of West Bengal scored 3 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 9 : Garvit Jain of Uttar Pradesh scored 5.5 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 11 : Rudra Kavia of Rajasthan scored 6 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 13 : Rudradaman Mertia of Rajasthan scored 7 points, winning ₹10,000 and a trophy.

 Best Under 5 : Simone Sahu of Lakecity scored 1 points, winning a trophy.

 Best Divyang : Tiwari O P scored 5 points, winning a trophy.

Opening Ceremony and Guests The tournament commenced on June 15th with an opening ceremony graced by several esteemed guests Udaipur MP, Mana Lal Rawat. Tushar Mehta, the chief patron of Chess in Lakecity, President of Chess in Lakecity Rajeev Bhardwaj, Sanjeev Bhardwaj, Prasoon Bhardwaj, Pankaj Bhardwaj, and the Chief Arbiter of the tournament, Rajendra Teli, Vice President of the Rajasthan Chess Association,and organizing secretary, Vikas Sahu

The prize distribution ceremony was held in a grand manner, with the chief guest Tara Chand Jain (MLA), Division Commissioner Rajendra Bhatt Sahab (IAS), Tushar Mehta Chief Patron – Chess in Lakecity , Rajeev Bhardwaj President – Chess in Lakecity , Dr. Om Sahu – Vice Predisent – chess in Lakecity, Pankaj Bhardwaj, Prasoon Bhardwaj, IA Vikas Sahu (organizing secretary) and IA Rajendra Teli (Chief Arbiter).

The Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL) held elections on Sunday, 24th June at its clubhouse in Reef Mall, Dubai, UAE. IM Oliver Dimakiling was elected president together with new set of officials above.

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Outgoing president Jobannie Tabada has been actively shepherding the FCPL since its foundation two decades ago.  Concurrent with the elections were a three-in-one event during the day (Rapid, Blitz and Bullet tournaments).

The FCPL counts over 100 members so far, and more are expected. The FCPL is part of the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc).

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Standard chess Girls Under-18 gold medalist WFM Anna Shukhman (FID) in center, silver medalist WIM Amina Kairbekova (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist WFM Galina Mikheeva (FID) at right. 

The Asian Youth Chess Championship was organized 9 -21 June 2024 in Almaty by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation under the auspices of FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation supported by the Planning and Development Commission.

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ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Standard chess gold medalist WCM Olesia Vlasova (FID) in center, silver medalist WFM Erdenebayar (MGL) at left and bronze medalist WFM Elnaz Kaliakhmet (KAZ) at right.

ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Girls Under-14 standard gold medalist Mariya N. Vlasova (FID) in center, silver medalist Dominika Ivashentseva (FID) at left and bronze medalist Le Thai Hoang Anh of Vietnam at right.

ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher with Girls under 12 gold medalist Tran Le Vy (VIE) in center, silver medalist Bordoloi Pratitee (IND) at left and bronze medalist Kristina Zavivaeva (FID) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov Girls under-10 standard chess gold medalist Alisa Genrietta (FID), silver medalist WCM Alanna Berikkyzy (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist Das Aaradhyta (IND) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Girls under-8 standard chess gold medalist Umesh Marathe Narayani (IND) in center, silver medalist Asena Golizadeh (IRI) at left and bronze medalist Gumudavelly Nakshatra (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys under-18 standard chess gold medalist IM Aldiyar Ansat (KAZ) in center, silver medalist FM Satbek Akhmedinov (KAZ) at left and bronze medalist IM Suresh Harsh (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys u16 standard chess gold medalist FM Sultanbelbarys Dumanuly (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Tran Ngoc Minh Duy (VIE) at left and bronze medalist CM Ragavesh Velavaa (IND) at right.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty Shakhanov Beibut with Boys under-14 standard chess gold medalist FM Edgar Mamedov (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Ganbat Tenguundalai (MGL) and bronze medalist FM Artyom Bogdanov (KAZ) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Boys under-12 standard chess gold medalist Ramtin Kakavand (IRI) in center, silver medalist Mazen Fandi (SYR) at left and bronze medalist Poonja Siddhanth (IND) at right.

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with Boys under-10 standard chess gold medalist Nurali Bolashakov (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda (SRI) at left and bronze medalist Tsogtbileg Anand (MGL) at right. 

Kazakhstan Chess Federation president Timur Turlov with boys under-8 standard chess gold medalist Rizat Ulan (KAZ) in center, silver medalist Sarbartho Mani (IND) at left and bronze medalist Mohammad Taha Malaknezhad (IRI) at right.