Board prize achievers

Not one of our Filipino players won any medal in the just concluded Dresden Chess Olmpiad, but some had showcased a performance good enough to make it among the Top 20 Board Prize achievers.

MEN's TEAM

Board 2

Name: GM Wesley So
Ranking: No.11
Rating Performance: 2689
Points: 7.0

Board 4

Name: IM John Paul Gomez
Ranking: No.19
Rating Performance: 2585
Points: 7.5

Board 5

Name: GM Darwin Laylo
Ranking: No.19
Rating Performance: 2440
Points: 3.5

WOMEN's TEAM

Board 4

Name: Chardine Cheradee Camacho

Ranking: No.17

Rating Performance: 2276

Points: 8.0

Board 5

Name: Christy Lamiel Bernales
Ranking: No.15

Rating Performance: 1992
Points: 5.5

Just a point to consider: let's not be contented with just being among the Top 20. Let's always strive to be No.1.

Bird's eye view

Undeniably (at least for me), it's best to play chess if you have a clear view of the board (unless you're playing blindfold, of course).


As we know it, Filipino players -- due to our inherent medium body structure -- use double-padded monoblock chairs when playing in tournaments to see the game from a bird's eye view.


No wonder why the 'mirons,' the ones wathching the games in standing position, see the game better than the ones who are actually playing.


It's really interesting to note that I had this actual experience of wacthing the grand finals of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Champioship 2008 from a perfect bird's eye view.


Since the event was held at the ground floor of SM Megamall, I went up to the second floor, and presto, what a view to behold! I was able to watch a lot of games clearly from one location.

Just imagine that you're one of those chess fans watching from the second floor.

This is the view from the second floor -- a perfect bird's eye view!

A tip on solving chess problems

Here is a tip on how to solve a chess problem, specifically for beginners who are engaged in self-study.

I got this advice from the chess material “Comprehensive Chess Course Vol.1: Learn Chess in 12 Lessons” by GM Lev Alburt, which was described by GM Garry Kasparov as a “once-secret Russian method of chess training.”

By the way, the chess material was generously given to me by a friend who, I think, has one of the largest collections of chess literature in the Philippines.

The tip reads:

“When asked to solve problems or to answer various
questions, we recommend
that players spend no more than five to 10
minutes on most positions; the
point is not so much to test yourself as to
understand the chess meaning of
the answers given elsewhere and to
acquire needed knowledge.”

I used to spend a day or three in solving a certain chess problem or position. What a folly of me!

So remember, when solving a certain chess problem, do not spend more than 10 minutes for it. If you can’t solve it, look for the provided answer and UNDERSTAND how the solution was arrived at and ACQUIRE the KNOWLEDGE.

RP Team members' performance

Here is the list of RP Team members showcasing their performance in the Dresden Olympiad, arranged according to scored points.

Chardine Cheradee Camacho 8.0 points
IM John Paul Gomez 7.5
GM Wesley So 7.0
Christy Lamiel Bernales 5.5
Daisy Rivera 4.0
Shercila Cua 4.0
GM Jayson Gonzales 3.5
GM Darwin Laylo 3.5
Catherine Pereña 3.0
GM Bong Villamayor 2.0

I highlighted the names of those who performed well (in my opinion).

Notable notes:

- Gomez got his GM title (unofficial)
- Camacho got her WIM title (unconfirmed and unofficial)
- So never dropped a single game
- Only Gomez was allowed to play 11 games
- Rivera and Gonzales had the least number of games played with 7 games each
- Both Board 1 players (Bong and Pereña) produced the lowest points
- The four youngest members of the team produced the highest points

ASEAN final rankings

Here are the FINAL RANKINGS of ASEAN chess federations in the just concluded Dresden Chess Olympiad. Let's see how the Philippines performed compared with our ASEAN counterparts.

Men's Team
No.9 Vietnam (SNo.37)
No.46 Philippines (SNo.38)
No.52 Indonesia (SNo.69)
No.62 Singapore (SNo.78)
No.96 Malaysia (SNo.73)
No.100 Thailand (SNo.97)

Women's Team
No.26 Vietnam (SNo.24)
No.42 Indonesia (SNo.67)
No.43 Philippines (SNo.51)

Congratulations, Vietnam! As for the Philippines, wake up!

When I say wake up, I mean the whole RP Team must perform as a TEAM -- with an end goal of doing what is best for the COUNTRY.

Prioritzing any other agenda is unpatriotic.

Final push

As they say, save the best for last.

Let’s admit it, the RP Team as a whole (men and women) has performed below standard in the Dresden Olympiad.

Going into the last round, we only rank 53rd (men), far below our No.38 initial ranking, and 54th (women), which is slightly below our initial ranking of No.51.

Yes, there were some instances of excellence.

We used to address “The Pope” as an IM. If the reports are true, let’s now accustom ourselves with calling him a GM.

GM Wesley proved that he can play against truly world class players (it seemed to me that even super GMs already feel his chess powers and are satisfied having a draw against him).

Chardine Cheradee Camacho showed that she is the brightest female hope of our land when it comes to chess.

Christy Lamiel Bernales is another promising revelation.

And now that they are into the final round, let’s pray that the whole RP Team give its very best and leave a decent impression.

Go, Philippines!

GM John Paul Gomez

According to GM Susan Polgar's blog, John Paul Gomez is the country's new grandmaster (as reported by Ed Andaya).

Reportedly, GM John Paul "The Pope Gomez" earned the GM title after securing a draw with GM Viktor Laznicka of the Czech Republic in the 9th round of the Dresden Olympiad.

If the reports are true, then we have a reason to celebrate for in our participation in this Olympiad.

Perhaps, achieving that goal was the main reason why Team Captain Eugene Torre allowed "The Pope" to play ALL 11 ROUNDS without rest.

In fact, only "The Pope" -- of all the RP Team members including the Ladies -- is the only Filipino player who has been given the opportunity to play from start to finish.

That could also be the reason why GM Bong Villamayor is giving way to the youngsters -- what a role to play.

I don't know if producing another Filipino GM (under Pichay's watch) is the MAIN agenda behind RP's participation in the Dresden Olympiad.

Is there a script for that? If indeed there is, what a perfectly played out script!

Photo medicines

Just in case you missed these pictures that define human drama in chess . . .

And of course, may these pictures lessen the pain we are experiencing right now due to our not-so-encouraging performance in the Dresden Olympiad.

This picture of a father-and-son tandem best defined the real essence of the 1st Malibay Chess Club Mini-Chess Tournament. It was all about bonding and enjoyment -- especially between parents and kids.

Nothing compares to a mother's love. Paulo Bersamina's mother, Mrs. Rosalie S. Bersamina, is all-support to his priceless son, shown here protecting her gem from the scorching heat of the sun.

Dresden Tactics

I have here two tactical puzzles executed by two members of the RP Team in the ongoing Dresden Olympiad.

Could you identify the correct moves as well as the player who made those moves (for the sake of those who were not able to watch these particular games)?

Tactics #1.

Black had just played 19.Bxe5. Can you find the best move for White? And who is the player in White?

Tactics #2

Black had just played 14. . . Nd7. What's the best continuation for White? Who's White?

Blemished

Erstwhile clean records of Chardine Cheradee Camacho and IM John Paul "The Pople" Gomez are gone.

Camacho and Gomez suffered their first setbacks in Round 8 to their respective opponent from the Dominican Republic and Netherlands, respectively.

Camacho's record got stalled at 6 points while Gomez remained with 5.5 points, with both players having played 8 games in a row.

So now, going into Round 9, only GM Wesley So parades an unblemished performance.

I personally feel that RP Men's Team performance in Round 8 served as a wakeup call for Philippine chess.

You see, we're almost blanked by Netherlands -- a federation which was BEATEN by VIETNAM!

In fact, VIETNAM held a draw with China -- a federation which DEFEATED the Philippines.

Round 8 was just fine for RP's Women Team. At least it was a draw. The painful thing, however, was that Camacho tasted her first (and hopefully last) loss.

Kids lead the way

After seven rounds of play, Chardine Cheradee Camacho, IM John Paul Gomez, and GM Wesley So have remained unscathed in Dresden.

Could you believe it? It is a very young Filipina who leads the RP Team (Men and Women) in Dresden!

Going to Round 8, Camacho parades 6.0 points (5 wins, 2 draws); Gomez, 5.5 points (4 wins, 3 draws); and So, 4.5 points (3 wins, 3 draws).

Indeed, our youngsters are the ones who wave the Philippine flag in Germany.

After Round 7:

Camacho (Women’s)
- 8th best player according to points
- 17th best player according to percentage

Gomez (Open)
- 19th best player according to points

So (Open)
- 38th best player according to rating performance (2734)

GM Bong Villamayor

After seven rounds of play, GM Bong Villamayor (2468), who was tasked to man Board 1, has yet to produce his first win.

In fact, he is now the only RP Team member, who hasn’t erected a 1.0 record after a game.

So far, he has piled up 1.5 points out of possible 5.0 (3 draws, 2 losses) for a rating performance of 2392.

Disappointing? NO.

For me, he’s doing a great job in Dresden – a true team player who creates the unseen good things happening for the whole RP Team.

For one, he obliged (I guess) to the wishes of the Filipino fans who clamored to see a So-Shirov match (a game, sad to say, that did not live up to expectations).

He side stepped to give our youngsters the opportunity to play against world class players and help achieve their full potentials.

Yes, he hasn’t posted YET a 1.0 score. But his best value, I guess, lies behind the numbers.

Bobby Ang

Bobby Ang, the country's No.1 chess journalist, dropped me an email and said:

Hi!

I like your blog. (Some texts deleted)

bobby ang

It's indeed an honor to receive such a compliment from Mr. Ang.

Thank you very much, Sir!

ASEAN chess update

After Round 6 of the Dresden Chess Olympiad, let's see how the Philippines is faring compared with other ASEAN chess federations.

Men's Team
No.15 Vietnam (from No.21 in Round 5, UP by 6 notches)
No.44 Philippines (from No.28 in Round 5, DOWN by 16 notches)
No.65 Indonesia (from No.52 in Round 5, DOWN by 13 notches)
No.70 Singapore (from No.91 in Round 5, UP by 21 notches)
No.81 Malaysia (from No.59 in Round 5, DOWN by 21 nothces)
No.103 Thailand (from No.122 in Round 5, UP by 19notches)

Women's Team
No.9 Vietnam (from No.18 in Round 5, UP by 9 notches)
No.48 Indonesia (from No.57 in Round 5, UP by 9 notches)
No.67 Philippines (from No.58 in Round 5) DOWN by 9 notches)

Let kids cry

Another impression from the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship 2008.

My heart really melted for those kids who cried it out after losing important games during SNYACC 2008 grand finals.

I saw more than one kid who cried after losing their respective games.

I consider their crying a good sign – that is, they really put to heart their chess life.

Let’s hope that the rich tears they are shedding now become jewels of wisdom and success in the future.

Killer look

This time, a respite from the Dresden Olympiad.

Still vivid in my mind is a lingering impression about the grand finals of the 16th Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship that took place in SM Megamall.

I just noticed that there were some young players – all the participants were young in the first place – who beamed a “killer look” toward their respective opponent in the opposite side of the board after making a move.

For the purpose of this post, I define “killer look” as a manner of looking at somebody as if the one looking will devour the person being looked at.

As I observed, the gesture usually happened when these “killer-looking” kids were on a strong position, or had just executed a strong move.

I don’t know if this kind of gesture is natural for a chess player. I don’t know if this kind of attitude is, taught, learned, or what.

Daisy Rivera

Weeks before the Dresden Chess Olympiad, a chess lover in Edang, Pasay City said he would invite Daisy Rivera to his baranggay to do a simul for the young kids.

Rev. Larry Teodoro, a true chess lover and community leader, train a number of kids in his barangay to involve the youth in sports, particularly chess.

I did not know that time that Daisy Rivera will be a member of RP's Women Team to the Dresden Chess Olympiad now taking place in Germany.

As you already knew, Daisy has so far scored 1.0 point out of two games in Dresden. I hope she's given a board assignment again in Round 6 and go for the win.

How we wish that Daisy grants the request of the youth from Edang afte her patriotic mission in Germany.

Good luck, Daisy!

Here are some of the tactics that I spotted in Daisy's Round 5 game:

Maroroa,Sue (1938) - Rivera,Daisy (2073)

Chess Olympiad 2008 Dresden

(5.38)

17.11.2008

Position after 20.Bd3. Black to move. Can you guess Daisy's next move?

Position after 3.b4. Can you spot Daisy's next move?

Watch the complete game here

Imagine

Imagine you’re a strong chess player that you made it to a Chess Olympiad

Imagine you’re assigned to man Board 2.

Imagine you’re handling Black against a formidable GM.

Imagine that your teammate in Board 1 already drew his game. Then, your friend in Board 3 won his game. Unfortunately, your Board 4 teammate lost using his favorite opening.

Score: 1.5:1.5. It’s all on your shoulder now. If you lose, the team loses.

Time ticking. Both of you have just a minute or so in your clocks.

PRESSURE. You must not blink. You must not falter. Or else, the whole country will mourn.

PRESSURE. You are not expected to lose. The hero of a country is not expected to lose.

A lot of eyes are looking at you. All your teammates are holding their breath.

Imagine the whole country expects a lot from you.

Imagine the whole country who hates you when you settle for a draw.

PRESSURE.

Imagine you’re only 15 years and 1 month old.

Could you handle it?

Imagine you’re GM Wesley So. Aahhh, everything’s under control.

The Pope

I learned that Iranian GM Amir Bagheri (2490) is the owner of chesshere.com -- now my favorite chess site where I play free online chess under my handle name rusticbull.

My free account at Bagheri's chess server allows me to play 5 games in 24 hours. I have to acquire a premium account should I wish to enjoy the server's full benefits including ulimited games and a lot more.

I have no financial or any connection with chesshere.com but I highly recommend the site for FREE online game experience. Of course, you could sign up for a premium account if you desire.

I somehow feel sorry that the owner of chesshere.com, the online site where I play free blitz chess (don't mind my rating, hehe, am just a beginner) lost his Round 5 game in the ongoing Dresden Olympiad.

At the same time, however, I feel happy because the Filipino GM-strength IM John Paul "The Pope" Gomez won his Round 5 assignment.

It just so happened that it was GM Amir Bagheri whom "The Pope" defeated.

Just like the 14-year old Chardine Cheradee Camacho, Gomez (2519) now parades 4.0 points in five games (3 wins, 2 draws) and a rating performance of 2672.

May "The Pope" continue to deliver the 'sermon.' AMEN . . .

Camacho is super hot

The 14-year old Chardine Cheradee Camacho (2100) is leading the way for RP's Women's Team in the ongoing Dresden Chess Olympiad.

After five rounds of play, Camacho piled up 4.0 points (3 wins, 2 draws) for a rating performance of 2214.

Camacho is one of the three girls who recently made history in Philippine chess by bringing home the first ever bronze medal from World Youth Chess Championship.

May she improve her skills more and more and in the future become the country's first WGM (is my Philippine chess history right?).

Strike 3

I can't explain the joy within me whenever I come to see the tactical maneuvers of GM Wesley So (2610).

As you already knew, Wesley displayed tactical fireworks in his Round 1 game against China's GM Ni Hua (2710) in the Dresden Chess Olympiad 2008.

I don't know if that's the first time for Wesley to beat a 2700-rated opponent.

Let's see the three strikes that struck Ni Hua out.

Chess Olympiad 2008 Dresden

So Wesley (2610) - Ni Hua (2710)

(1), 13.11.2008

Position after 17. . . Kb7. Let's see Wesley's Strike One (just my own point of view, a chess beginner). Here, Wesley unleashed 18.e6!

Position after 22. . . a6. Wesley hurled Strike Two 23.Nxc7!

Position after 26. . . Kd8. Wesley pitched Strike Three with 27.Rxc8 and struck Ni Hua out.

Really appetizing. The chess is alive with Wesley playing. That's why I wanted to see him play against Shirov in Round 6. Oh how I pray it happens. For sure, fire meets fire.

ASEAN chess

After Round 5 of the Dresden Chess Olympiad, let's see how the Philippines is faring compared with other ASEAN chess federations.

Men's Team
No.21 Vietnam (SNo. 37)
No.28 Philippines (SNo. 38)
No.52 Indonesia (SNo. 69)
No.59 Malaysia (SNo.73)
No.91 Singapore (SNo. 78)
No.122 Thailand (SNo.97)

Women's Team
No.18 Vietnam (SN0.24)
No.57 Indonesia (SNo.67)
No.58 Philippines (SNo.51)

Hmmnnn . . . it seems Vietnam is now the chess leader in the ASEAN region

(Not included are new member-nations of ASEAN).

Who's hot, who's not

RP Team’s Performance after Round 4

Men’s Team Performance (Now in 47th place. Initial seeding: No.38)
RP vs China (1.5 : 2.5) 0 point
RP vs Algeria (2.5 : 1.5) 2.0 points
RP vs Monaco (2.5 : 1.5) 2.0 points
RP vs Greece (2 : 2) 1.0 point

Women’s Team Performance (Now at 73rd place. Initial seeding: No.51)
RP vs Lithuania (2 : 2) 1.0 point
RP vs Greece (1 : 3) 0 point
RP vs Yemen (3.5 : 0.5) 2 points
RP vs Belarus (0.5 : 3.5) 0 point

Men’s Individual Performance
Villamayor - 0.5 point out of 3 games (loss, draw, loss)
So – 2.0 points out of 3 games (win, draw, draw)
Gonzales – 0.5 point out of 3 games (loss, draw, loss)
Gomez – 3.0 points out of 4 games (draw, draw, win, win)
Laylo – 2.5 points out of 3 games (win, win, draw)

WHO's HOT:

Gomez

Laylo

Women’s Individual Performance
Pereña – 1.0 out of 4 games (loss, loss, win, loss)
Cua - 1.5 points out of 4 games (win, loss, draw, loss)
Rivera – 0 point out of 1 game (loss)
Camacho – 3.0 points out of 4 games (win, draw, win, draw)
Bernales – 1.5 points out of 3 games (draw, win, loss)

WHO's HOT:

Camacho

Arianne Caoili

Remember her? I can't help featuring her here after seeing her name in the chessresults.com team pairings.

Arianne Caoili -- that cute, smart, young lady. She fought for the Philippine Team in two chess olympiads (2000 and 2002).

She's now playing Board 1 for Australia. In fact, she already had played for Australia twice for the olympiad (2004 and 2006). It's now her third for Australia.

The main reason, really, why I thought of focusing the spotlight on her is the reality of LOSING our young female chess talents from the Philippine pool -- just like Arianne.

The reasons for LOSING a jewel like Arianne are many. Anybody, for one, can blame our politically fucking government.

We have many young female talents now . . . Camacho, Bernales, Fronda, Cua, and other names.

Let's take care of these young girls that they refrain from migrating to foreign lands for greener pasture.

Who wouldn't be mesmerized by Arianne?

Making chess a spectator sport

The proper and effective use of technology can largely contribute to making chess a spectator sport.

Let's see how:

A camera catches the game between Jan Nigel Galan (left) and Angelo Vince Medina (left). Galan won this match, if I remember it right.

The action in Medina-Galan game as monitored in the console.

The Medina-Galan match as projected in the wide TV screen for the spectators to frolic on.

Popularizing chess in the Philippines

These people are falling in line not to wage lotto bets -- they are mesmerized by the beauty of chess.

Their eyes are glued to the wide TV screen beaming the world-class games of SNYACC 2008 grand finalists.

The event, as you already knew, was held at SM Megamall.

Maybe it's time to rethink the venue in holding the country's international chess tournaments, namely PGMA Cup and Pichay Cup.

Do you really want to promote chess in the Philippines? The picture above will give you the realistic answer.

Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the youngest chess player who made it to the 16 Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship grand finals.

Introducing . . . the 9-year old Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano.

Rhenzi Kyle earned his ticket to the 16th SNYACC grand finals by topping the Cebu leg notably by posting a perfect score.

May this kid become another Pinoy grandmaster in the future.

Rhenzi Kyle (left) playing against Andres Buendia II.

The little wonder boy receiving his special award.

Sherwin Tiu

There's always a flavor of human interest whenever the so-called 'marginalized' (I just used this term for lack of a better word in mind) makes an admirable feat.

Sherwin Tiu, an out-of-school-youth who took part in the just concluded 16th Shell Natioinal Youth Active Chess Championship grand finals, braved all odds to prove that he can bang with the rest of well-schooled young players in the country.

Sherwin finished in solo second place, behind the eventual champion Nelson Mariano III in the Juniors Category. In fact, he tied with Mariano in the top spot with 7.0 points, but ended only in second place due to tie breaks.

By the way, Sherwin often visits the Malibay Chess Club to play blitz chess. Our club's top players are always ready, and able, to bang with him.

It's just nice to know that our club's frequent visitor has made an admirable feat.

Congrats, Sherwin!

Sherwin Tiu (left, with the Black pieces) playing against Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Shewin Tiu accepting the 1st runner-up trophy and a cash prize.

RP Women's Team in Round 1

The RP Women’s Team faces tough assignment in Round 1 of the Dresden Olympiad as our ladies are up against three WGMs and one FM of Team Spain.

RP Women’s Team is seeded No.51 (2134 Ave. Elo) while the Women Team of Spain is seeded No.22 (2296 Ave. Elo).

Time for “Maria Clara” and “Sisa” to remember history and fight for the freedom, honor, and dignity that eluded our ancestors during the time of conquest.

Let’s make it something personal in Round 1.

It’s time for revenge! Let’s pulverize the conquistadores!

Let’s pray for our girls. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipina!

Dresden 2008 official rules

Just in case you still don't know, here are the official rules and the schedules (particularly on the dates of official release of pairings) for the Dresden Olympiad:

Please click HERE

P5 million

The NCFP czar announced that the Philippine government allots P5 million to our chess development programs.

Vietnam, on the other hand, spends an amount equivalent to P150 million for its own chess agenda – according to him, too.

If you would look at the seedings in Dresden Olympiad, the Philippines is seeded No.38 and Vietnam, No.37.

I’m not sure if it’s the first time that Vietnam surpassed the Philippines in Olympiad seedings.

Hmmmnn . . . time to think and act about it.

Shell Corp. to stage international tournament?

In his speech during the awarding ceremonies of the just concluded 16th Shell National Youth Chess Championship, NCFP President Prospero Pichay said he is asking Shell Corp. to stage an international chess tournament.

Pichay said that since Shell is very active in supporting local chess events – in fact, sponsoring the Shell Active for 16 years – the oil company has the capability to stage a chess tournament that is global in scale.

Correct me if I’m wrong, we already have four international chess tournaments in the country. If Shell goes into it, then we would have five – a good development for our local chess players.

The proposal, PERSE, is good. We may no longer have GMA Cups or Pichay Cups in the future (it all depends on the tune of politics as you know).

But if Shell really goes into it, that would be the best contribution it would do to our country.

If Shell could spend millions and millions of pesos for a basketball team before, it could definitely spend millions, too, for chess – and that would be a sure win.

SNYACC 2008 photos

Photos of the recently concluded Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship 2008 are now available. Please explore the sidebar of this page. Enjoy the slideshow!

SNYACC 2008 champions

I didn't bring my pen with me in SM Megamall yesterday (Sunday) so I wasn't able to jot down all the winners in the 16th Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship grand finals.

Only the names of the champions in the kiddies and juniors categories got stuck in my memory.

Here are they are:

KIDDIES Category

Jerich Cajeras (Champion)

JUNIORS Category

Nelson Mariano III (Champion)

Mr. Alex Dinoy, the tournament's organizer, texted me to send the complete official results and other details of the tournament. So watch out for it. I'll post the complete lists of winners later.

Jerich Cajeras (Kiddies champion) reives his trophy and P20,000 cash prize.

Nelson Mariano III (Juniors champion) receives his trophy and P30,000 cash prize.

Please watch out for the pictures of the SNYACC 2008 in this blog at the sidebar (slideshow).

Plaza Ferguson Chess Club invites you

PLAZA FERGUSON CHESS CLUB
In Coordination With
Brgy. 667, Zone 72, District V

RAPID CHESS TOURNAMENT
Standard Rating 1900 Below
Plaza Ferguson, Ermita Manila
November 22, 2008

Prizes and Awards
Champion P 4,000.00 plus trophy
2nd place P 2,500.00 plus trophy
3rd place P 1000.00 trophy
4th place P 500.00 plus trophy

Top Senior P 300.00
Top Unrated P 300.00
Top Kiddie P 300.00

Registration Fee: P150 only
Game Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Plaza Ferguson (in front of Ermita Church)

Tournament Regulations:
1. Seven round swiss system, twenty (20) minutes.
2. In case of a tie, the following tie break system shall be applied in descending order:
results of the match/es bet. or among the players involved in the tie
Full Bucholz (Solkoff) System.
The Median Bucholz system.
3. Please bring identification card for name and age verification.

Contact Person:
James Ong: 09176201140

Craving for Garry Kasparov

After Garry Kasparov's official retirement from competitive chess, I started to crave for his new games.

In fact, as I told my friend, Kasparov can beat the reigning world champion Vishy Anand if ever they are pitted against each other anytime from now for a world championship (hehe, makes me a real Kaspy fan).

So when Kasparov conducted a clock simul in Corsica, France (while Kramnik-Anand world championship match was ongoing), I felt like a child whose craving for an ice cream was granted.

Indeed, I'm happy to see the real genius in Kasparov, just like in this game:

[Event "Clock simul Bastia"]

[Site "Ajaccio Corsica France"]

[Date "26.10.2008"]

[White "Kasparov,Gary "]

[Black "Vilaisarn,Akkhavanh "]

[Result "1-0"]

Position after 18. . . Rc8

White to move. Can you play like Kasparov? Can you guess his next move?

Read the related story here (just in case you missed it).

Watch Kasparov's five simul games here

Meet the young heroes

And now, the faces of our young heroes in WYCC 2008 -- a refreshing image to see indeed!

From right to left, first row: Rowelyn Acedo, Christy Bernales, Jedara Docena, Vince Medina, Jerad Docena (the girl in blue in the foreground is more probably a foreigner).

Second row, 4 boys, right to left: Jem Garcia, Haridas Pascua, Paulo Bersamina, Haince De Leon

Third Row (and behind Jem): Mark Prince Aquino

Last row, right to left: Kyle Ochoa, Karl Victor Ochoa, Alcon Datu (unsure), and John Ray Batucan.

Not in photo are Chardinee Cheradee Camacho, Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Ann Mejia, and Samantha Glo Revita.

(Photo courtesy of the RP Team Coach thru Mr. Norlito Bersamina)

Paulo Bersamina

Among the solid performers in the just concluded World Youth Chess Championship 2008 is Paulo Bersamina -- the 10-year old pride of Pasay City.

With all transparency, Paulo is a favorite in this blog not only because he is a Pasayeño (Malibay is in Pasay City just in case you still don't know), not only because he is a good son of a friend, but more especially because he is a REAL talent.

He's got a lot of fans -- adults and kids -- in Pasay, all the members of the Malibay Chess Club included.

What highlighted Pau's performance in WYCC 2008 was his solid performance starting Round 4. After back-to-back losses in rounds 2 and 3, Pau proved that he's got the talent to be in that competition by not dropping a single game starting Round 4.

Look at his performance: Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Win, Draw, Draw, Draw, Win, Draw, Draw.

In numbers, 4 wins, 2, losses, 5 draws.

That performance resulted in 6.5 points out of 11 rounds, a rating performance of 1711, and a final ranking of 27 out of 90 players in the Open 10 category.

At the start of the competition, Pau was seeded No.65 and UNRATED.

Notably, he defeated Bilel Bellahcene (rated 1836) of France in Round 9 and drew with Candidate Master Bharat Arjun (rated 1853) of India in Round 10 and with Bardia Sheykhhasani (rated 1898) of Iran in Round 11.

Well done, Pau!

Here are Pau's pictures taken during the WYCC 2008 in Vietnam:

Paulo Bersamina vs Vladimir Minko (Round 2)

Paulo Bersamina vs Maksim Vavulin of Russia (Round 3)

Paulo Bersamina vs Batkhishig Baatardorj of Mongolia (Round 8)

Pau's overall Performance in WYCC 2008: