by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—IM Angelo Abundo Young (above left) and FM Alekhine Fabiosa Nouri topped their respective division in the 1st PEZA Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament held at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority September 30, 2022.
IM Young, the 8-time Illinois (USA) champion and two-time MVP for the Chicago Blaze in the United States Chess League, trounced GM Darwin Laylo, a 4-time member of the Philippine team in the Chess Olympiad, to rule the Group A Division in this 15 minute plus 5 seconds increment time control format, supported by JC Premiere Marikina Business Center.
Other Group A finishers were chess ironman GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and IM Petronio Roca for 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
For the Group B top two winners, current Philippine Junior Champion FM Nouri (above) and the youngest FM in the world at the age of 7, foiled the winning streak of FM Suelo who recently bagged the top spot this year at the Singapore Holiday Rapid III championship.
As for the teen chess sensation Nouri, he is set to compete this month at the World Juniors Under 20 Chess Championships in Sardinia, Italy. For the last 2 spots, another teener NM Jasper Faeldonia defeated CM Genghis Katipunan Imperial.
Earlier, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Officer-In-Charge Director General Mr. Tereso “Theo” O. Panga led the opening rites.
National Ecozone Premier Queens Lady Eagles Club, with its President Elvira Roca visited the chessfest to show support. In photo are Leomarie Roca, Mary Grace Echapare, Rose Anova, National Ecozone Premier Eagles club members Alden Echapare, Paolo Anova and Lady Eagle Atty. Nori Tañag.
Washington State based Mr. and Mrs. Jessie and Carol Villasin , New York based Jun Encarnacion, Elizsa Gayle Cafirma and Edel Fay Cafirma of Thick and Thin Donut, Mike Tamonan of Busog28 Chinese-style Fried Chicken and Gerald Yulo also watched the event that featured some of the country’s top chess players.
Final Standings and Tournament Winnings
(Group A)
Champion IM Angelo Young (P10,000)
2nd GM Darwin Laylo (P7,000)
3rd GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (P4,000)
4th IM Petronio Roca (P3,000)
(Group B )
Champion FM Alekhine Nouri (P7,000)
2nd FM Robert Suelo Jr. (P5,000)
3rd NM Jasper Faeldonia (P4,000)
4th CM Genghis Imperial (P3,000)