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JCI Senate Lipa Open Rapid Chess Tournament

The JCI Senate Lipa Open Rapid Chess Tournament will be held on June 17, 2024 at the Lipa Convention Center, formerly known as LASCA. The tournament is held in celebration of the Lipa City Foundation Day.

A total pot of P222,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs in this 2 division tournament.

The team champion will earn P50,000 while the individual winner will pocket P7,000.

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The city of Lipa was founded on June 20, 1947 by virtue of RA 162. Known for its rich coffee heritage, there are many tourist attractions in Lipa City that cater to local and foreign tourists with its rich culture and delicious cuisine. We highly encourage chess players to explore the city of Lipa before or after the tournament.

The tournament is part of the week-long celebration of Lipa City’s foundation day.

JCI Senate Lipa firmly believes that chess not only instills discipline but also nurtures excellence and a competitive spirit among players, especially the youth.

Call or text mobile number: +63-908-702-5913.

Association of Chess Amateurs in the Philippines, Inc. Formed


A new chess league called Association of Chess Amateurs in the Philippines, Inc. (ACAPI) under an online Platform has been formed. In simul photo are founder AGM Engr. Rey Crisologo Urbiztondo versus Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre

Colorful opening ceremonies are set for February 11 while the game starts on February 13.
The league, which is founded by the team of Online Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Engr. Rey Crisologo Urbiztondo, will have 101 teams competing, composed of Open (16 teams), Senior (13 teams), Female (14 teams), Youth (25 teams), U-12 ( 21 teams) and PWD  (12 teams).
“We have been planning this for a long time,” said Engr. Urbiztondo, who is also member of the board of directors of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
“We are doing this for the chess industry,” added Urbiztondo. The league seeks to provide opportunities for the country’s amateur woodpushers. It covers almost all sectors of the chess community with six categories, notably: Open, Youth, Elementary, Seniors, Ladies and PWD.
“Presently about 101 teams have confirmed participation or almost 600 players and still counting with the deadline of submission of participation on February 8,” waas the last word of Engr. Urbiztondo, who is also Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates team owner at the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines PCAP chess league and founder of Rising Chess Unlimited Diamond Developmental Program (RCUDDP).
Among the team to watch are Surigao Diamond Knights owned by Engr. Urbiztondo and team manager Engr. Dohjie Morales and sponsored by Rep. Ace Barbers and Davao Durianburg managed by Davao executives headed by Atty. Jong Guevarra and the 3 teams from Misamis Occidental ( AMOFCA) of Governor Henry S. Oaminal. -Marlon Bernardino-

Pakistan Launches Large Scale Chess in Education Program

Pakistan’s government makes a strong push towards promoting chess, starting with 10,000 schools

The delegation of FIDE, headed by President Arkady Dvorkovich, met with the President of Pakistan, Dr Arig Alvi, and Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on February 2nd 2024 in Islamabad for the launch of Pakistan’s National Mind Sports Initiative.

Promoted by the government, the initiative aims to introduce chess and other activities in schools and to the public, fostering the development of mind sports in the country.

During the meeting in Islamabad, FIDE officials and representatives of Pakistan’s chess federation discussed strategies to increase the popularity of chess in Pakistan. Currently, Pakistan’s top player, Mohamed Zohaib Hassan, has a rating of 2269.

Recognizing the mental and educational benefits of chess and its positive impact on intellectual development, the government of Pakistan introduces chess into its educational system.

Following the meeting, it was announced that Pakistan, with 236 million residents, will promote chess in the country, particularly at the grassroots level, through programs aimed at schools. FIDE, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, and other Pakistani state officials discussed how this could be done, with a focus on the primary school level, modeling on FIDE’s successful project “Chess in schools,” implemented in many countries worldwide. As part of the mind games project, chess is to be introduced in 10,000 public schools across Pakistan, starting with 100 schools in Islamabad, the country’s capital.

“Some 6,000,000 children in 10,000 schools in Pakistan will have the chance to get access to this game,” said Arkady Dvorkovich. He promised FIDE’s support in coaching teachers for the chess in schools initiative.

FIDE’s Development Director Nigel Short and Secretary of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission Rita Atkins continue to tour Pakistan with chess in schools lectures, simultaneous game exhibitions, and meetings with prison authorities in promotion of the Chess for Freedom project.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said he was happy that he made a commitment to this special cause, and he will also continue to support and promote this cause in the future. He added that every school in the country should have access to this game.

Apart from Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE’s delegation included Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al-Nehayan (President of the Asian Chess Federation), Dana Reizniece-Ozola (Deputy Chair of FIDE’s Management Board), GM Nigel Short (FIDE’s Development Director), Hisham Al Taher, Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation, as well as Jauhar Saleem, Chief Patron of the Chess Federation of Pakistan.

Late Mir Sultan Khan given Grandmaster Title

The federal minister for inter-provincial cooperation, Fawad Hassan Fawad, noted the legacy of Mir Sultan Khan (1903 – 1966), a native chess player from Sargodha in northeast Pakistan, who won the British Chess Championship in 1929, 1931, and 1932.

Arkady Dvorkovich presented Pakistan’s officials with the document awarding the title of Honorary Grandmaster to Mir Sultan Khan. A Punjabi chess player, and a citizen of Pakistan is thought to have been the strongest chess master of his time from Asia. Mir Sultan Khan, who beat some of the world’s top players despite growing up with little access to chess books and knowing next to nothing about the theory of chess, became the first Pakistani grandmaster.

From FIDE delegation meets with Pakistan’s President and PM

GM Sayantan Das Wins 1st SOA International GM Chess Tournament

GM Sayantan Das of India won the 1st SOA International GM Chess Tournament held Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 at the SOA Campus 2 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Das finished first alone with 8 points out of 10 rounds. Visit chess-results.com for round by round standings and final results and to download games.

Indians dominated the field of 96 players. Joining the top 10 were Jethro Dino Aquino of the Philippines (below) and IM Ranidu Dilshan Liyanage of Sri Lanka. Visit official site.

Central Asia Youth Chess Championship Slated August in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz Chess Union, together with the Public Foundation named after Ulan Cholponbaev, has the honor to invite all National Chess Federations of Zone 3.4 affiliated with FIDE to participate in the Central Asia Youth Chess Championship (U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16) which will be held from 10th August (arrival) to 18th August 2024 (departure) in Korumdu, Issyk-Kul region, Kyrgyzstan, “Simiram” hotel.

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IM Daniel Quizon Tops PCAP Rapid Chess

IM Daniel Quizon topped the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) rapid chess championship dubbed as San Juan Predators Chairman’s Cup on Sunday night, January 28, 2024 at the Level 1 Digiworld Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center in Quezon City, Philippines.

In photo are, from left, Tournament Director Coach Hubert Estrella, International Master Chito Garma (3rd place), champion Quizon, FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri (2nd place) and San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua
Quizon, a 19-year-old International Master (IM), defeated his seventh and final-round game with FIDE Master Roel Abelgas to rule the one-day meet, backed by The Michael Angelo Foundation Inc. and organized by HubzStar Chess Center, sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) in cooperation with PCAP Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria.
It was the first title for Quizon at the start of the year after he reigned supreme in the National Championship in Marikina City in December last year.
But known for his lightning-quick moves being the country’s blitz king, Quizon, who will represent the country in the Budapest Chess Olympiad slated for September 10 to 23, extricated his way out of trouble enroute for a win against FM Abelgas.
Quizon, a member of the star-studded Dasmariñas Chess Academy under the guidance of mayor Jenny Barzaga, Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. and coach FM Roel Abelgas took the top purse worth P10,000 plus a beautiful trophy and slot for the grand finals this year after topping the chess fest being held to coincide with the birthday celebration of San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.
He defeated Davin Sean Romualdez in the first round, National Master Ivan Travis Cu (2nd round), National Master Edmundo Gatus (3rd round), Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido (4th round), Fide Master Mark Jay Bacojo (6th round) and FM Abelgas (7th round).
He split the points with Fide Master Alekhine Nouri in the fifth round.
Quizon is a BS Information Systems freshman at the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas.
FM Nouri and International Master Chito Garma finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points; FIDE Master Randy Segarra scored 5.5 points while FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Bacojo, International Master Michael Concio Jr., National Master Edmundo Gatus, International Master Angelo Young, FM Abelgas, National Master Oscar Joseph Cantela and Kevin Arquero have identical 5.0 points.
Adjudged category winners were Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera (Top PWD), Arnel Ellis (Top Senior), WIM Mordido (Top Lady), NM Cantela (Top Highschool), Clord Bragais (Top Unrated) and Jason Rojo (Top 2000 and below).
Meanwhile,  National Master Mar Aviel Carredo won the Aspirant (Under 15) division while Caleb Royce Garcia topped the kiddies (Under 10) category.
Tournament Director was Coach Hubert Estrella.-Marlon Bernardino-
Caption photo:

Top PWD winner Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera received his cash prizes and a medal from San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.

Carlo Magno Rosaupan Wins 4th Noypi Chess Training Tournament


National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan emerged as the champion in the 4th Noypi Chess Training Tournament-1850 and below last Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the SM Center Sangandaan, Caloocan City, Philippiines.

In photo are, from left, Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter NA Richard Dela Cruz, National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan and Deputy Chief Arbiter NA Rainier Pascual.

NM Rosaupan, who plays for the Cavite Spartans in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), pocketed the P5,000 purse and the medal for ruling the tournament which saw 75 woodpushers take part.
He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
He defeated Jian Cedrick Bautista in the first round, Emiliano Colindres in the second round, Edwin Aguilar in the fourth round, Emil Chua in the fifth round, Marlou Guatno in the sixth round and Randy Turreda in the seventh and final round.
He snapped his second-match winning streak when he had a draw against engr. Ernie Faeldonia in the third round.
The 44 year old Rosaupan holds the Rank of Ssg at the Philippine Army and Unit assignment SSC, HHSG, PA.
Harris De Guia went on to place second overall with 6.0 points.
De Guia’s second place finish earned him P2,500 and a medal, while the third place went to Jaime Criste similar 6.0 points to earn P1,500 and a medal.
The fourth to 10th placers were John Lee Antonio (5.5 ), Jonathan Reyes (5.5), Randy Turreda (5.5), engr. Ernie Faeldonia (5.5), Clefzon Limpo (5.0), Joshua Roque (5.0) and Jerick Faeldonia (5.0).
The organizer of the tournament, National Arbiter Richard Dela Cruz said that this is their fourth time to host a Noypi chess tilt featuring pro and amateur woodpushers, backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman and President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Novelty Chess Club top honcho Sonsea Agonoy.-Marlon Bernardino-

Pakistan to Launch Large-scale Chess in Education Program

Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), Government of Pakistan (GoP), FIDE, FIDE EDU, Asian Chess Federation (ACF) are teaming up to launch the largest CIE program in the world targeting 10,000 public and private sector schools nationwide. Above are Chess Federation of Pakistan officials headed by President Hanif Qureshi.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan will inaugurate the program at the Prime Minister Secretariat in Islamabad on 2nd February 2024. The ceremony is to be attended by the key CFP, FIDE, ACF and EDU officials, Federal and provincial ministers and Secretaries, Senators, diplomatic representatives, World Bank and UN representatives, education ministry officials from all over the country. International donors agencies, press and media will also be present.

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