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Tristan Jared Cervero won the March 2024 edition of the Axe Brand Universal Oil FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament last Saturday, March 2nd, at the Walter Mart Mall, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Philippines.

Cervero, an AB Interdisciplinary Studies graduate student at Ateneo de Manila University, pocketed the P7,000 purse and the trophy for winning the tournament over 60 other players.

He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.

Cervero defeated Jewel Mireya Avelino,  Almwayne Magpusao, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, John Lee Antonio, Jerry Areque,  and Paul Matthew Llanillo in the first and sixth rounds, respectively.
He snapped his six-match winning streak when he had a draw against NM Jasper Faeldonia in the seventh and final round.
Cervero is set to play in the upcoming GM Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open rapid chess championship on March 23rd at the 3rd floor Robinsons Galleria, Edsa corner, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City.
Virgen Gil Ruaya’s second place finish with 6.0 points earned him P4,000 and the trophy, while the third place went to Luffe Magdalaga with similar 6.0 points to earn P2,500 and the trophy.
Faeldonia and Llanillo finished the tournament with similar 5.5 points while Areque, John Lee Antonio, Vladimir Gonzales, Yuri Lei Paraguya and WNM Lexie Grace Hernandez had identical 5.0 points.
The March 2024 Axe Brand Universal Oil Rapid Chess Tournament was supported by Walter Mart, Axe Brand Universal Oil, Starshots Coffee, Nova Wellness Store and Mr. Travis Vincent Chua.
Tournament director was IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia assisted by NA Ranier Pascual and NA Ferdinand Reyes Sr.-Marlon Bernardino-

FIDE ranks federations by average of top ten rated players. For March 2024, India is ranked first in Asian men followed by China and Russia. See Top Chess Federations FIDE Open. China, with many women’s world champions, leads Asian women’s ratings followed by India and Russia. Note that players under FIDE flag are not counted under RUS.

The Philippine Technical Council World Engineering Day online and over the board chess tournament reeled off 1st March 2024 at the Sentro Artista, Arton by Rockwell, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines.

Shimmer & Shield Car Coating President/CEO Jeff Bugayong (left) shakes hands with Asia’s First Grandmaster and Hall of Fame Eugene Torre to signal the start of the month-long series. Looking on are, from left, NM/US master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., RDR Business Solution Inc. President/ CEO/Pambansang Business Mentor Reymond Delos Reyes and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez.

The event was also graced by QC rep. Arjo Atayde, Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul, Noel Jay “Super B” Estacio and veteran journalist Jay Ruiz and his wife Marj Ruiz. Philippine Technological Council (PTC) World Engineering day is co-organized by 13 engineering association of the Philippines. The over-the-board chess tournament will be held in Koten Enterprise in Pasay City with NM Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. as chief arbiter.

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineer (PIChE) team will be led by IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Bren Sasot, the Institute of Electronics Engineer (IECEP) has Michael Palma and Jaime Hizon, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineer (PSME) will have the Adamson angels Bonalyn Ornido and Jellie Ann Magro while Jellie’s sister Judie Ann will join the defending champion IIEE Jose Piff Caumban and Analyn Cueto.  Players from Philippine Institute of Civil Engineer (PICE) and other Engineering Professional Organization (EPO) will comprise the 40 players slot for this 6 round-swiss, 15+5 tournament.

Meanwhile, on the on-going online Chess tournament participated by 30 teams, the first round was topped by IIEE State of Qatar led by GM Darwin Laylo while 2nd and 3rd round was topped by NM Fritz Bryan Porras playing as import for IIEE Iloilo.  The 4th and 5th final round will be played on March 8 and 22.  Other notable imports playing in this tournament are NM Bernardino, IM Angelo Young, IM Bagamasbad, FM Noel Dela Cruz among others

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. finished undefeated in the Dan Jorda & IIEE-Bayanihan Chess Club FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament held Sunday, February 25 at the Sentro Artista, Arton Strip, Rockwell, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines.

In photo above are (from left) Tournament Director NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Jerson Ong, IIEE (Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers Of The Philippines), GM Joey Antonio, National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, IIEE Branding and Promotion Vice Chairman Engr. Menandro Lim, IIEE National Secretary Engr. Joseph Darren Solicar and IIEE National Auditor Engr. Adrian Rey after the awarding ceremony. (Contributed photo by Engr. Ervin Fernandez).

For his feat, Antonio pocketed P1,500, plus an Amador Inlayo, the “Monalisa 2.0” art painting worth P15,000, Genesis Xyngular product, Axe Brand Universal Oil and a gold medal.

Antonio rode on a blistering start as he hurdled his two opponents – Adrian Alarcon in the first round and WNM Rinoa Mariel Sadey in the second round. He drew with IM Barlo Nadera in the third round then beat Gabriel Ryan Paradero in the fourth round, IM Angelo Young in the fifth round and NM Jose Aquino Jr. in the sixth and final round enroute the coveted chess title.
Over-all Antonio finished with five wins and a draw in six outings.
” A best birthday gift,” added Antonio, who turned 62 last February 19.
FM Mark Jay Bacojo, FM Randy Segarra and FM Noel Dela Cruz finished the tournament with similar 5.0 points while Aquino, Young, John Lance Valencia, WNM Francois Marie Magpily, NM Oscar Joseph Cantela and Nadera have identical 4.5 points.
Adjudged category winners were Bacojo, Segarra, Dela Cruz (top master), Valencia and Paradero (top non-master), Magpily (top lady), Young (top senior), 8-year-old Danry Seth Romualdez  (top kiddy) and lawyer Rudy Rivera (top PWD).

Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre vs Executive Producer of Exhibit Today Ric Angeles, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr.vs Carson, California based Danilo Jorda, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna vs lawyer Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera,  Engr. Roger Reyes vs NCFP Director Martin Gaticales and IIEE National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez vs IM Angelo Young made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament also graced by Engr. Ervin Fernandez, Engr. Menandro Lim, Engr. Joseph Darren Solicar and Engr. Adrian Rey. (Contributed photo by CM Genghis Imperial)

Earlier, Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre vs Executive Producer of Exhibit Today Ric Angeles, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr.vs Carson, California based Danilo Jorda, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna vs lawyer Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera,  Engr. Roger Reyes vs NCFP Director Martin Gaticales and IIEE National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez vs IM Angelo Young made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament also graced by Engr. Ervin Fernandez, Engr. Menandro Lim, Engr. Joseph Darren Solicar and Engr. Adrian Rey.
“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,”  said former Senator Antonio Trillanes, a chess enthusiast who personally visited the tournament.
The  Dan Jorda & IIEE-Bayanihan Chess Club FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament was supported by NA Ranier Bonoan Pascual, Engr. Gerry Gamaro, Engr. Roger Reyes, Engr. Robert Arellano, Engr. Ervin Fernandez of Genikos, Engr. Joseph Darren Solicar of CSC Construction, Engr. Butch Florido, Engr. Efren Rocamora, Dr. Joe Balinas,  lawyer Juman Paa, Travis Vincent Chua, Genesis Xyngular product, Axe Brand Universal Oil, Starshots Coffee, Nova Wellness store and veteran journalist Jay Ruiz and wife Marj Ruiz.
The next IIEE-Bayanihan Chess Caravan goes to Cafemilya Coffee Shop Luisita, Tarlac City on April 10 backed up by Engr. Roger Reyes in close cooperation with Tarlac chess organizer Henry and Regina Calacday and Alfred Miranda.-Marlon Bernardino-

FM Christian Gian Carlo Tade -Arca, 14, dominated the IM Rony and Mam Elvira Invitational Rapid Chess Championship held February 17, 2024 at the Metro Gate Club House, Metro Gate Subdivision in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines.

Gian Carlo Arca won the competition, achieving a score of 11.5 out of 13 Rounds on account of 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, and took home the grand prize of Php 10,000 and a medal.

FM Christian Gian Carlo Tade -Arca, second from left, shakes hands with 2-time Olympian IM Petronio “Rony” Roca.

Christian’s path to victory saw him outmaneuver a formidable lineup of opponents. He defeated NM Oscar Joseph Cantela in round 1, IM Chito Garma in round 2, IM Angelo Young in round 4, NM Carlo Lorena in round 5, NM Edmundo Gatus in round 6, FM Carlos Edgardo Garma in round 7, NM Homer Cunanan in round 8, IM Barlo Nadera in round 9, NM Romeo Alcodia in round 10, CM Genghis Imperial in round 12 and Agripino Camposano in round 13.
He drew with 1981 Asian Junior Champion IM Ricardo de Guzman in round 3. His only loss was inflicted by FM Adrian Ros Pacis in round 11.

For winning the tournament, the 14-year-old student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School got a chance to play 2-time Olympian IM Petronio “Rony” Roca in a challenge match. Playing black, Christian edged Rony and got added prizes of Php 5,000 courtesy of Rocafé Coffee Bar, Royal Maharaja Lady Eagles Club, Mapagmahal Region NCR 98, PER Solutions Engineering Services & Consultancy and C-Style Prints.

Christian is among the top players of the star-studded Dasmariñas Chess Academy of Rep. “Elpidio” Pidi Barzaga Jr., Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas.
IM Young came in second place with 10 points, losing only to the champion, IM Garma and IM Guzman, both scored 9 points, securing the third and fourth position.
IM Barlo Nadera clinched the fifth position with 8.5 points, followed by 16-year-old NM Oscar Joseph Cantela in sixth position with 7.5 points.
FM Pacis, NM Gatus, CM Imperial, FM Garma, NM Alcodia, NM Lorena, NM Cunanan and Camposano rounded out the top fourteen (14).
Meantime, Noel Jay “Super B” Estacio defeated Rodel Jose Juadinez Jr. in the play off to win the side event.
Tournament director was NM Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. assisted by Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. IIEE National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez and FIDE Arbiter Byron Gabrentina Villar.
Christian is setting his sights on becoming the country’s next International Master.  Christian. He is scheduled to compete in the 21st Bangkok Chess Club Open scheduled April 13 to 21, 2024 at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa in Phetchaburi, Thailand.
His current Elo rating is 2283 (standard), 2246 (rapid), and 2274 (blitz).
He bagged his first IM norm during the 18th IGB Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship held at the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last September.
It shall be recalled that Christian scored 8.5 points in nine rounds to rule the side event (blitz competition) of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship held last November at the Pala Dean Martin Centro Congressi  in Montesilvano, Italy.
Christian also won the gold medal in the blitz competition of the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship 2023 at the Sabah Oriental Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia last December.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo caption:

Final Standings: (Single Round Robin format, time control of eight minutes plus three seconds increment, 14 players field)
11.5 points—FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca
10 points—IM Angelo Young
9 points—IM Chito Garma, IM Ricardo de Guzman
8.5 points—IM Barlo Nadera
7.5 points—NM Oscar Joseph Cantela
7 points—FM Adrian Ros Pacis
5.5 points—NM Edmundo Gatus, CM Genghis Imperial
5 points—FM Carlos Edgardo Garma, NM Romeo Alcodia
4 points—NM Carlo Lorena
2.5 points—NM Homer Cunanan
2 points—Agripino Camposano

IM Rishi Sardana has won the 2024 Australian Championship, by a comprehensive two point margin. He was presented with his trophy and $3,000 prize by Brian Blanton, the Store Manager for Adelaide’s Finest Supermarket — Frewville — a major supporter for the event.

Sardana scored an undefeated 9.5/11, ahead of Yi Liu and Samuel Asaka on 7.5. Tied for 4th were Fred Litchfield and Stephen Solomon on 7.

All prize winners are listed on the Results page. More photos from the Closing Ceremony are in the Gallery \.

The first Dan Jorda & IIEE-Bayanihan Chess Club FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament reels off 25 February at the Arton Strip Rockwell, Blue Ridge A, 226 Katipunan, Quezon City (Beside Conti’s), Philippines.

Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre (seated) and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez

Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre will give the inspirational remarks, along with Carson, California based Danilo Jorda, Bayanihan Chess Club legal counsel lawyer Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera and Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez during the short opening ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25.

Bayanihan Chess Club founding president National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. will make the welcome remarks while National Arbiter Ranier Pascual will introduce the guest speakers.

Leading the participants are reigning back-to-back Asian Senior (65 over category) champion IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, IM Barlo Nadera, IM Hamed Nouri, IM Angelo Young, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Adrian Ros Pacis, FM Noel Dela Cruz and WFM Allaney Jia Doroy.

Others competing in the event, sponsored by New York based Engr. Gerry Gamaro, Sentro Artista Director Marjorie Ruiz, Engr. Art Maurera of Eurolux and Engr. Ervin Fernandez of Genikos are NM Jose Aquino Jr., NM Romeo Alcodia, NM Edmundo Gatus, NM Michael Gotel, NM Lorenzo Aaron Cantela and NM Oscar Joseph Cantela.

Other woodpushers participating are CM Genghis Imperial, Noel Jay Estacio, Vic Alfaro, Ronald Donasco, Julian Paul Querubin, Dionisio Urbina Jr., Evaristo Tizon, Seth Heherson Flores, Christine Alayon, John Michael Urbina, Juan Samson Cantela, Lee Santos, Anthony Bustonera, Arnel Espiritu Sr., Matthew Gunnar Gotel and Trustee Icao.

The event, hosted by IIEE and Bayanihan Chess Club, offers a total prize of P11,000 with the champion getting the lion’s share of P1,500 plus artwork painting worth P15,000 .

Al Romaithi Ahmad of the UAE won the Al Ain Winter International Chess Festival Blitz tournament held 10th February 2024 at the Al Ain Mind Games and Chess Club in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Al Ain Mind Games and Chess Club Technical Director Dr. Hesham Elgendy awards the champion trophy and medal to Al Romaithi Ahmad.

FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz won the Antonio “Bolok” Memorial Open Rapid Chess Tournament held February 10th at the Jesus Dela Peña Covered Court in Marikina City. In photo are, from left GM Darwin Laylo (3rd place), FM Noel Dela Cruz (2nd place), Tournament Director Isagani “Fischer” De Ramos Jr. and FM Christian Mark Daluz.

Daluz, a member of the University of Santo Tomas chess team under the guidance of GM candidate Ronald Dableo swept his assignments and scored 7.0 points to bring home a P10,000 cash prize.

FM Noel Dela Cruz scored 6.5 points while GM Darwin Laylo, NM Phil Martin Casiguran, Jeremy Marticio, IM Daniel Quizon, Leonel Escote, Carlo Caranyagan and Jonathan Jota finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points.

“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,” former National Chess Federation of the Philippines director Thaddeus Antonio “Boy Bolok” Santos Jr. said.

WNM Antonella Berthe Racasa won the Top Marikina Junior Chess Player award (right). Also in photo are (from left)  arbiter Albert Morris Odtohan and Tournament Director Isagani “Fischer” De Ramos Jr.