Paulo Bersamina

Paulo Bersamina (1862), the 10-year old chess gem of Pasay City (and of course of the Philippines, too), proved that he is the chess kid to watch for in the near future after halving a point with Ildefonso Datu (2185) in the third round of the ongoing 4th Pichay Cup Chess Challenge.

After four grueling hours of battle, the youthful Bersamina held Datu to a draw after 65 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined (D52) Opening.

He continued to provide a good showing after splitting a point in round 6 with Mike Cariño (1975), the former coach of GM Wesley So (2577) and now the coach of Central Luzon Univeristy(?).

Not only that, Bersamina was also able to exchange wits and courage against Ryan Dungca (2012) in Round 7, compiling a total of 3.5 points after 7 rounds.

“Magaling na talaga,” said Merben Roque (2216), the tournament’s top seed, of Bersamina. Roque and Bersamina played each other during the one-day non-master rapid tournament right after the 3rd PGMA Cup event.

Bersamina vs Datu. Position after 33. . . f4?



White punished Black's mistake with 34.Rxf4!

Watch the game between Bersamina and Datu HERE