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Manila Loadmanna Knights Top Professional Chess Association of the Philippines

Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Loadmanna Knights scored back-to-back wins against Toledo-Xignex Trojans in the two-game finals to claim their first title in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4 Grand Finals held May 25, 2024 via chess.com platform.

The Load Manna Knights, led by their International Master (IM) Paulo Bersamina (photo above) were on pace after taking Set 1, 11-10.

Also stepping up their games were WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, IM Chito Garma, Alji Cantonjos, and a draw by FM David Elorta and FM Deniel Causo won 5-2 in the first blitz duel. Val Mendoza was their coach.

The Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Load Manna Knights were supported by Atty. Arnel Batungbakal backed while Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe backed Toledo-Xignex Trojans.
However, the Xignex Trojans dominated the rapid, 8-6, but not enough to power their team.
Set 2 saw Causo, WNM Arvie Lozano, Garma, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Bersamina winning their respective matches as Load Manna Knights won the second blitz duel, 5-2.
The Load Manna Knights beat Xignex Trojans, 9-5, in the second rapid game to win Set 2, 14-7.
The Load Manna Knights led by Elorta, Bersamina, Garma, Daryl Unix Samantilla and a draw by Ryan Dungca.
Other members of the victorious Manila Load Manna Knights are GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, CM Genghis Imperial, Jovert Valenzuela, Jhulo Guloran and John Ernie Polancos Maraan.

Before battling Xignex Trojans in the finals, Manila finished No. 3 in the Northern Conference with a 21-4 record behind the San Juan Predators (22-3) and the defending champion Pasig City King Pirates (21-4).
The Load Manna Knights went on to beat the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 15 -6, 16 -5,  in the quarterfinal round, Pasig , 13.5-7.5 , 14-7, in the semi-final round and San Juan, 15-6, 11-10, in the North finals.
Toledo, on the other hand, finished No. 2 in the Southern Conference with a 17-8 record behind the Camarines Soaring Eagles (20-5).
But after beating the Arriba Irigain the quarters, 21-0, 21-0, and Davao Chess Eagles, 14-5-6.5, 14.5-6.5, in the semis, Toledo pulled the rug from under Camarines, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 13-8, 2-1, to rule the Southern Conference.
In the battle for third, Camarines defeated San Juan.
The tournament was organized by PCAP, headed by President/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria , Chairman Michael Angelo Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sanctioned by the Games and amusements Board (GAB), led by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.
It was also supported by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land Premier, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness, Starshots Coffee, Ortigas Malls, Estancia,  Seiko, Davies, Petrochem, Sudeco, CDCI, Chess.com and PC Worx.-Marlon Bernardino-

Toledo-Xignex Trojans beat Camarines Soaring Eagles in Professional Chess Association of the Philippines

The team of Toledo-Xignex Trojans beat Camarines Soaring Eagles to qualify into the grand finals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4. Toledo edged Camarines Soaring Eagles, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 8-13, 2-1, in the Southern Division Finals being held through Chess.com Platform Wednesday night, May 22, 2024.

Photo shows Toledo-Xignex Trojans led by co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang (3rd from left) receiving the PCAP’s Community Service Special Award. Others in photo from left: L to R: are Team Capt. Bonn Rainauld Tibod, IM Rico Mascariñas, FA Felix Poloyapoy Jr., co-team owner John Signe and IM Kim Steven Yap.
In the 1st set, the Trojans had a hard time in the opening blitz, holding Camarines to a 3.5-all stand off. They also split the points, 7-all, in the rapid game to forge an Armageddon tie-break.
According to International Arbiter and National Master Lincoln “Linky” Yap, in chess, the Armageddon is a variation of the blitz event where a drawn game is counted as a win for the black pieces. By nature, an Armageddon game cannot end in a draw and black also starts with less time on the clock than white.

In the 1st Armageddon, International Master Kim Steven Yap defeated FIDE Master Giovanni Mejia while Chin Lim shocked Grandmaster Darwin Laylo to lead the Trojans of Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe to victory.
International Master Joel Pimentel, meanwhile, bowed to FIDE Master Ellan Asuela of Camarines.
In the 2nd set, Laylo whipped Pimentel, Asuela subdued Lim, Woman International Master Bernadette Galas crushed Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, Coellier Graspela toppled Diego Abraham Capariño and a drawn by Virgen Gil Ruaya against National Master Merben Roque to lead the Soaring Eagles of Engr. Jojo Buenaventura to 9-5 victory in the rapid play to forge another Armageddon tie-break.
Camarines also bested Toledo, 4-3, in the blitz play.
In the 2nd Armageddon,  Kim beat Mejia while Lim upset Laylo. Asuela trounced Pimentel but not enough to power Camarines.
In the North, Manila Loadmanna Knights outplayed San Juan Predators, 15-6 and 11-10, to arrange a titular showdown with Toledo.
“It will be a very good match up given the similarities of our team composition and team structure. Without a doubt, Manila is fired up and determined to claim, as much as we do, the championship trophy. It will boil down to final preparation, board placement, sharpness of play during the match, internet connection, and some element of luck. Both teams being the most consistent grand final contenders from start to date, we can’t be more happy with our performance. All the same, may the best team wins,” said 8-time Illinois USA champion International Master Angelo Abundo Young, another kay player of Toledo that includes International Master Rico Mascarinas, National Master Edmundo Gatus, Allan Pason, among others.
“I couldn’t be prouder of you all for winning the Southern Division Finals and defending our title. Your hardwork and teamwork have been amazing! As we head to the Grand Finals, let’s remember that our unity got us here. Together, we can win it all. Let’s make it happen. ” said Toledo co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang.
PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness and PC Worx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.-Marlon Bernardino-

Join Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 12-21 July 2024 in Penang, Malaysia

The Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and International Chess Federation (FIDE), is inviting all National Chess Federations in Eastern Asia to participate in the 8th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship. The championship will take place from 12th to 21st July 2024, at CitiTel Hotel, located on the island of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Your chance to earn Direct Titles of IM/WIM, FM/WFM and CM/WCM.

Download Eastern_Asia_Youth_Regulations_2024

Download Registration Form (EAYCC24) – Revised

 

Unleashing Excitement: The Asian Rapid Team Championship 2024 in Hong Kong

by K K Chan – 24/05/2024

The inaugural edition of Asian Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024 will take place in Hong Kong from 21st to 25th August. The tournament is open to any team comprising at least six players, maximum nine, including at least one female player and one who has never crossed 2000 FIDE rating in either Standard, Rapid or Blitz format. For more details, please check the tournament regulations. The top three prizes are HKD 100000 + cup, 60000 and 40000 along with a medal for each member of the team, provided they have played at least one game. Registration deadline is 1st June 12 p.m. Hong Kong time, 9:30 a.m. IST. Teams only need to register six players by that time. The remaining three players if needed can be added till 22nd August 10 a.m. Hong Kong time. Photo: Official site. Visit chess-results.com.

In a landmark announcement, the Asian Chess Federation has revealed plans for the highly anticipated Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship, set to captivate chess enthusiasts in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong this August. Building upon the resounding success of its predecessor, the inaugural World Rapid Chess Team Championship held in Germany, this event promises to elevate the sport to new heights on the Asian continent.
K K Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this prestigious event, stating, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship represents a thrilling opportunity to showcase the talent and passion for chess that thrives in our region. We are honoured to welcome players from across Asia to compete in our international city. Notably, this championship emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming recreational players, fostering harmony and unity within the chess community. K K Chan highlighted the significance of this approach, affirming, by embracing players of all backgrounds and abilities, we strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and enrich the chess experience for everyone involved.

Schedule

The tournament will take place from 22nd to 25th August, 21st is the arrival day. There are four rounds on 22nd and 23rd August. On 24th August, there will be three rounds. There is a Blitz tournament on 25th August from 10 a.m. onwards.

Complete schedule | Photo: Tournament Regulations

Remarkably, this event marks a historic milestone as the first time the Hong Kong government has provided financial support for a chess tournament held in the city. This endorsement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a valuable cultural and educational pursuit, further solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for intellectual engagement and sporting excellence. Moreover, the championship’s emergence symbolizes the burgeoning popularity of chess across the Asian region. With increasing participation and interest from diverse communities, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship serves as a testament to the game’s universal appeal and its ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Venue

Queen Elizabeth Stadium is the venue for the event | Photo: Official site

As chess continues to captivate minds and inspire strategic thinking throughout Asia, this championship stands as a beacon of the sport’s flourishing presence in the region. Teams interested in participating can register at the official website, with the deadline for registration set for July 31. As preparations for the championship gather pace, excitement is building within the global chess community. With over 500 participants expected to converge in Hong Kong, this event promises to be a spectacle of strategic brilliance and intense competition. From seasoned grandmasters to aspiring amateurs, players from across Asia will come together to showcase their skills and vie for the coveted title of champion team.

Accommodation

The Emperor Hotel located a minute away from the venue is the official hotel | Photo: Official site

Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship offers a unique opportunity for players to forge lasting friendships and exchange ideas with fellow enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Whether hailing from bustling metropolises or remote villages, participants share a common passion for the game, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of global solidarity. In the heart of Hong Kong, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the spirit of chess will reign supreme. As the chess world converges on this vibrant international city, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship promises to be a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the enduring power of the game to unite and inspire players from all walks of life.

Prizes

The top three prizes are HKD 100000, 60000 and 40000 each. The winning team receives a cup. All members of the top three teams will receive a medal, provided the player has played at least one game. The prize money will be paid in cash by Hong Kong dollars.

Prize details

About the Author

K K Chan is an International Arbiter, Lecturer, FIDE Trainer, International Organizer and the President of Hong Kong Chess Federation. He is also a member of Global Strategy Commission. He has been a Chief or Deputy Chief Arbiter at many FIDE major events.

IM Himal Gusain, Sandithi Kusalya Alwis Win 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival

IM Himal Gusain was crowned the DICF Player of the Year in the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024, while Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged as the Women’s Champion of the event. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and to download games.

The 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 took place from 17th to 21st May 2024, boasting a record-breaking participation of 472 players. Held at the prestigious S. Thomas De Silva Memorial Auditorium, Dharmasoka College, the DICF 2024 was a FIDE-rated event encompassing both standard and blitz championships.

The Old Boys’ Chess Association organised this esteemed championship under the auspices of FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation, and the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka. Since its inauguration in 2011, the Dhamso International Chess Festival has remained the first FIDE-rated event organised by a school-affiliated association in Sri Lanka.

This year’s event offered a total prize fund of one million five hundred thousand LKR, including trophies, medals, and certificates for all participants, along with a special cash prize of One hundred and fifty thousand LKR for the DICF Player of the Year.

The tournament featured top players from Sri Lanka and beyond, with International Master Himal Gusain of India leading the ranks. International Master Harshana Thilakarathna of Sri Lanka also graced the event, securing the second position in the starting rank list.

Parallel to the main event, the Dhamso International Blitz Chess Championship 2024 unfolded on the evening of May 18th, 2024. Harsha Senatathne and WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula emerged victorious in the Open and Women categories of the blitz event, respectively. T H D Thisarindu Induwara and C C Weerasinghe secured the first and second runners-up positions in the Open category, while Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and M Esandi Newansa claimed the corresponding positions in the Women’s category.

In the main event, IM Himal Gusain clinched the Open Championship with a remarkable score of 9.5/10 points, conceding only one draw to IM Harshana Thilakarathne, who secured the first runner-up position with 9/10 points. G W D M Dabarera secured the second runner-up position with 8.5/10 points.

In the Women’s Championship, Sandithi Kusalya Alwis emerged victorious with 7.5/10 points, edging out competitors in a closely contested event. Four players tied for the championship with 7.5/10 points. Sethumlee Devhara Palliyage and B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera secured the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. J M Theruni Jayasundara had to be satisfied with fourth place with her tie-break.

The University of Moratuwa claimed the championship title in the Higher Education Teams category, with Sabaragamuwa University securing the first runners-up position. In the Government Service and Mercantile Teams category, Sri Lanka Navy Western Command and Sri Lanka Navy Southern Command emerged as the champions and first runners-up, respectively.

Apart from competitive matches, rating category prizes and age group winners were also recognised for their outstanding performances.

The awards ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Raweendra Pushpakumara as the chief guest who was the first chess coach of Dharmasoka College and former master in-charge of chess, who currently serves as the Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura. Additionally, Mr Luxman Wijesuriya, President of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, was present, along with Mr Saman Priyantha Wijewickrama, and Mr K A D Karunarathna, Principal of Dharmasoka College, further highlighting the significance of the event in the chess community.

The success of the 11th Dhamso International Chess Festival 2024 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Qatar Alumina of Dharmasoka College, Dharmasoka College Past Pupils’ Association – UAE, AKRA FOTO Digital Colourlab & Studio, INLUCK Computers & Printers, and Panhinda Bookshop.

Congratulations to all the winners, and anticipation builds for the 12th edition of the Dhamso International Chess Festival in 2025.

 

 

Walton 42nd Bangladesh National Women’s Chess Championship Starts

The WALTON 42nd National Women’s Chess Championship has started today, Monday, May 20, 2024 at Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall-Room. The WALTON Hi-Tech Industries, PLC sponsored the event and total 12 selected women’s players are participating in the event including 2 Women International Masters, 3 Women FIDE Masters and 5 Women Candidate Masters.

Before start of the games today, Mr. F. M. Iqbal Bin Anower (Dawn), Senior Executive Director of the WALTON Hi-Tech Industries, PLC, was present as the Chief Guest and officially inaugurated the competition. At that time, Mr. Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim (below), FIDE Zone 3.2 President & General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Mr. Rabiul Islam (Milton), Chief Arbiter Md. Haroon Or Rashid, Mrs. Anjuman Ara Aksir, Executive Committee Member of Bangladesh Chess Federation Anjuman and International Organiser Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly, Executive Member of Bangladesh Chess Federation were  present.

In this round robin system event, reigning National Woman Champion WFM Noshin Anjum, 20-times National Women Champion WIM Rani Hamid, former national woman champion WIM Sharmin Sultana Shirin, WFM Wadifa Ahmed, former national woman champion WFM Jannatul Ferdous, WCM Ahmed Walijah, WCM Nusrat Jahan Alo, WCM Kazi Zarin Tasnim, WCM Israt Jahan Diva, Neelava Choudhury and Tabassum Sadia Shahjahan.

Before the start of this competition, a press-briefing was held yesterday on May 19 on the occasion of this year’s Walton 42nd National Women’s Chess Championship. In the press-briefing, Mr. F M Iqbal Bin Anower (Dawn), Senior Executive Director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, PLC and Mr. Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation along with the officials of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Walton Hi-Tech Industries, PLC, briefed detailed information to the press about this year’s National Women’s Chess.

National Women of Bangladesh is a very important event for female chess players as all international women’s chess events including Chess Olympiad, Asian Continental Women’s Chess, Zonal Women’s Chess are selected through the results of the National Women’s Chess Championship.

The championship will be played till May 30. 1st round games were started after inauguration ceremony. In the first round of games, reigning Woman Champion WFM Noshin Anjum, WFM Wadifa Ahmed, WCM Israt Jahan Diba and Neelava Choudhury won their respective game and get full point. Today in 1st round, WFM Noshin Anjum defeated Tabassum Sadia Shahjahan, WCM Israt Jahan Diba defeated WFM Jannatul Ferdous, WFM Wadifa Ahmed defeated WCM Nusrat Jahan Alo and Neelava Choudhury defeated WCM Kazi Zarin Tasnim. WIM Rani Hamid drew with WIM Sharmin Sultana Shirin and WFM Warsia Khusbu drew with WCM Ahmed Walijah. The competition games will start from 3-00 PM daily. Winners will be awarded cash prizes and WALTON gifts.

Live games Links are:

https://view.livechesscloud.com/#4f2e59d4-d6db-4104-85e0-425c45306857

https://lichess.org/broadcast/walton-42nd-national-womens-chess-championship/round-1/eciuncsg

https://www.chess.com/events/2024-walton-women-chess-championship/games

https://live.chessbase.com/en/Watch?id=42nd-WALTON-Women-ch-Banladesh-2024

https://live.followchess.com/%23!walten-bangladesh-w-chp-2024

Event Details link : https://chess-results.com/tnr943455.aspx?lan=1

 

Marc Kevin Labog Wins 9th leg of the PCAP Champions League Open


Marc Kevin Labog of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, emerged as the champion in the 9th leg of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Champions League Open Chess Tournament (over the board) last Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the SM City, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines.
Labog , who plays for the Pasig City King Pirates in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), pocketed the P7,000 purse and the trophy for ruling the tournament among over 90 players.
Labog is one of the top players of Datamatics Chess Team, the reigning BPO Olympics Champion, formerly known as Call Center Olympics.
Labog tallied 6.5 points in 7 rounds, the same output of Vince Angelo Medina of Cabuyao City, Laguna whom he bested in the tie break points.
Medina’s second place finish earned him P5,000, while the third place went to Mc Dominique Lagula of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya with 6.0 points to earn P3,000.
The fourth to 10th placers were Willy Villaruz (6.0), Jan Cliford Labog (5.5), Jake Tasi Tumaliuan (5.5), Marc Francis Balanay (5.5), Alexander Jude Malabad (5.0), Lionel Cerezo (5.0) and Lordwin Espiritu (5.0), respectively.
Tournament Director Laurence Wilfred Dumadag said Marc Kevin Labog will advance to the Grand Finals of Tournament of Champions (over the board) on July 19 to 21 at the Greenhills Mall, Ortigas, San Juan City.

Other renowned players who have made it to the grand finals are FM Ellan Asuela (Leg 1, Ozamis Chess 7 in 1 Team Festival), Kevin Arquero (Leg 2, HUbstar Open Invitational), Omar Bagalacsa (Leg 3, Pasig Battle of the Masters), John Philip Gabuco (Leg 4, Puerto Princesa Open Chess Challenge), IM Daniel Quizon (Leg 5, Chairman’s Cup), FM Austin Jacob Literatus (Leg 6, Davao), Virgen Gil Ruaya (Leg 7, Camarines Sur) and IM Kim Steven Yap (Leg 8, Cebu).
Completing the cast are 13-time Philippine Open Champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (PCAP Season 3 All Filipino Conference Best Player), IM Joel Banawa  (PCAP Season 3 Co-Best Player) and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia (PCAP Season 3 Co-Best Player).
According to Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, under tournament rules of the Grandfinals of Tournament of Champions , it will be a Round Robin Format. Each round will be composed of Blitz (5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment) and Rapid (13 minutes plus 2 seconds increment). Blitz will be scored 1 for win, 0.5 for draw and 0 for loss. Rapid will be scored 2 for win, 1.0 for draw and 0 for loss. Highest Total Game Points will win the round and will get 1 Match Point. If the score is tied, then 0.5 will be awarded to each player.
Chairman Chua added that cash prizes of P80,000, P30,000 and P20,000 await the top three placers. The fourth to 12th placers, meanwhile, will claim P5,000 each.-Marlon Bernardino-

Hanoi GM and IM Chess Tournaments 2024 in Halong City, Vietnam

Viet Nam Chess Federation has the honor to invite players to participate in the “HANOI GM/ IM/WGM CHESS TOURNAMENT 2024”. The Ha Noi GM/IM tournament is scheduled 21st to 26th May 2024 at the Quang Ninh Exhibition of Urban Planning & Expo, Ha Long Ward, Ha long city, Quang Ninh province, Viet Nam. Visit chess-results.com for list of players.

 

 

Join Asian Seniors 50+ and 65+ Chess Championships in Mongolia

The Mongolian Chess Federation in cooperation with the City of Ulaanbaatar under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and International Chess Federation and Mongolian National Olympic Committee, has the honour to invite all National Chess Federations in Asia to participate in the 2024 Asian Seniors Chess Championships for over 50 and over 65 years old (and best women), from 9-19 August 2024 at the Terelj World Resort Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Get a chance to earn Direct GM norm and Direct IM title.

Download Asian Senior Chess Championships 2024 regulations Final

Download Registration_Form_Asian_Seniors_Chess_Championships_2024

Visit hotel website: https://www.resortworldterelj.mn