Monday, August 31, 2009

Changes in RP rankings in September 2009 FIDE Rating List

The Top 10 Filipino players in the July 2009 FIDE Rating List are still the Top 10 players in the September 2009 list, except for some "regodon."

Notably, GM Darwin Laylo made the biggest improvement among the country's Top 10 by leaping four notches from No.7 no No4, or a gain of 43 Elo points from 2494 to 2537. On the other hand, GM Eugene Torre suffered the biggest blow in terms of Elo point loss by shedding 25 Elo points from 2560 to 2535. GM Torre slid to No.4 from the previous No.2 post.

Here are some notable changes in terms of rankings in the recently released September 2009 FIDE Rating list from July:

September 2009

1 So, Wesley =
2 Antonio, Rogelio Jr. Up 1
3 Laylo, Darwin Up 4
4 Torre, Eugenio Down 2
5 Gomez, John Paul =
6 Barcenilla, Rogelio Down 2
7 Paragua, Mark Up 2
8 Bitoon, Richard Down 2
9 Sadorra, Julio Catalino Up 1
10 Sanchez, Joseph Down 2


July 2009

1 So,Wesley
2 Torre,Eugenio
3 Antonio,Rogelio Jr
4 Barcenilla,Rogelio
5 Gomez,John Paul
6 Bitoon,Richard
7 Laylo,Darwin
8 Sanchez,Joseph
9 Paragua,Mark
10 Sadorra,Julio Catalino


RP's Top 100 September 2009


1 So, Wesley g PHI 2644 9 1993
2 Antonio, Rogelio Jr g PHI 2557 8 1962
3 Laylo, Darwin g PHI 2537 17 1980
4 Torre, Eugenio g PHI 2535 9 1951
5 Gomez, John Paul g PHI 2521 8
6 Barcenilla, Rogelio m PHI 2518 0
7 Paragua, Mark g PHI 2501 17 1984
8 Bitoon, Richard m PHI 2490 17 1975
9 Sadorra, Julio Catalino m PHI 2468 0 1986
10 Sanchez, Joseph g PHI 2463 17 1970
11 Salvador, Roland m PHI 2461 29 1982
12 Gonzales, Jayson g PHI 2457 8
13 Barbosa, Oliver m PHI 2451 19 1986
14 Dimakiling, Oliver m PHI 2434 0 1980
15 Villamayor, Buenaventura g PHI 2426 0
16 Nolte, Rolando m PHI 2424 15
17 Martinez, Rolly m PHI 2420 11
18 Dableo, Ronald m PHI 2417 0 1979
19 Yap, Kim Steven m PHI 2416 0
20 Mascarinas, Rico m PHI 2410 0 1953
21 Vuelban, Virgilio m PHI 2405 19 1972
22 Nadera, Barlo A. m PHI 2400 8 1965
23 Ranola, Yves m PHI 2399 11
24 Nava, Roderick f PHI 2396 0
25 De Guzman, Ricardo m PHI 2395 2 1961
25 Fernandez, Ernesto PHI 2395 0
27 Dela Cruz, Noel PHI 2392 0
28 Ballecer, Dino PHI 2390 0
29 Donguines, Fernie f PHI 2373 0
30 Roca, Petronio m PHI 2372 0
31 Senador, Emmanuel PHI 2367 6
32 Elorta, David PHI 2364 3
33 Tolentino, Rustum PHI 2362 0
34 Chiong, Luis m PHI 2358 0 1957
35 Nouri, Hamed PHI 2350 0
36 Garma, Edgardo PHI 2345 6
37 Causo, Deniel PHI 2334 7
37 Carlos, Leonardo f PHI 2334 6
39 Young, Angelo m PHI 2333 20
40 Garma, Chito m PHI 2331 7 1964
40 Sales, Jesse Noel f PHI 2331 0 1967
42 Bancod, Ronald m PHI 2329 0
43 Andador, A. PHI 2326 0
44 Legaspi, Rhobel PHI 2325 5
45 Olay, Edgar Reggie PHI 2323 0
46 Habla, Jony PHI 2316 0
47 Garcia, Jan Emmanuel PHI 2312 0
48 Bagamasbad, Efren PHI 2311 5
49 Pascua, Haridas f PHI 2310 0 1993
50 Gloria, Eric PHI 2306 11
51 Segarra, Randy f PHI 2300 0
52 Pacis, Adrian f PHI 2299 5 1958
53 De Ramos, Julius PHI 2298 0
54 Arroyo, Christian PHI 2293 7
55 Branzuela, Ali PHI 2288 4
56 Nodado, Jerry PHI 2287 0
57 Salubre, Jason PHI 2282 0
58 Naranja, Renato m PHI 2276 8
59 Lluch, Victor f PHI 2274 0
60 Villanueva, Nelson PHI 2267 0
61 Macala, Allan PHI 2266 2 1970
62 Salcedo, Raymond PHI 2265 0
63 Castellano, Christopher f PHI 2264 0
64 Florendo, Paulo James PHI 2262 0 1989
65 Ochoa, Karl Victor PHI 2261 0
66 Andador, Rolando PHI 2260 4
67 Verdun, Xavier John PHI 2259 0
68 Evangelista, Ritchie PHI 2258 13
69 Diaz, Conrado PHI 2254 10
69 Milagrosa, Alexander PHI 2254 5
71 Guerrero, Chester Brian PHI 2253 0
72 Llavanes, Ronald PHI 2252 3
72 Mercado, Levi PHI 2252 0 1967
74 Labay, Rainer PHI 2248 3
75 Aquino, Jose Jr. PHI 2245 0
75 Sinangote, Julius PHI 2245 0
77 Udani, Ian PHI 2241 0
78 Villanueva, Hugo PHI 2240 0 1961
79 Arguelles, Efren PHI 2237 13
80 Lao, Elias PHI 2233 0 1948
81 Maga, Mirabeau PHI 2230 3 1952
82 Portugalera, Ric PHI 2221 4
83 Pestano, Catrihino PHI 2219 0
84 Tan, Oscar PHI 2212 0 1954
85 Nebato, Sheider PHI 2202 0
86 Salcedo, Richilieu PHI 2194 0
87 Cantonjos, Allan PHI 2191 0
88 Tabada, Jobannie C. PHI 2189 0
89 Datu, Alcon John PHI 2188 6
90 Camacho, Chardine Cheradee wf PHI 2186 0 1994
91 Suelo, Roberto Jr. PHI 2182 3
92 Bolico, Exfelicos PHI 2174 6
92 Asor, Jan PHI 2174 0
94 Morazo, John Ranel PHI 2172 0 1991
94 Rivera, Albert PHI 2172 0
96 Chavez, Antonio PHI 2160 0
97 Agagon, Eduardo PHI 2158 10
98 Cua, Sherily wf PHI 2156 9 1987
99 Dela Cruz, Richard PHI 2155 6
100 Bulicatin, James PHI 2148 0

GM Wesley So down to No.97 in September 2009 FIDE Rating List

GM Wesley So retained his post in the Top 100 chess players in FIDE's September 2008 Rating List but slid by five notches to No.97 from his No.92 ranking in the July rating list.

His rankings in the world's top juniors also took one step back from No.7 in July to No.8 this September. Wesley shed 2.0 Elo points from 2646 in July to 2644 in the updated rating list. By all indicators, his quest for the 2700 mark this year looks more challenging. Good luck, Wesley!

Top 100 (September 2009)

Rank Name Title Country Rating Games B-Day

1 Topalov, Veselin g BUL 2813 0 1975-03-15

2 Anand, Viswanathan g IND 2788 0 1969-12-11

3 Aronian, Levon g ARM 2773 13 1982-10-06

4 Carlsen, Magnus g NOR 2772 10 1990-11-30

5 Kramnik, Vladimir g RUS 2772 10 1975-06-25

6 Leko, Peter g HUN 2762 23 1979-09-08

7 Radjabov, Teimour g AZE 2757 10 1987-03-12

8 Ivanchuk, Vassily g UKR 2756 42 1969-03-18

9 Gelfand, Boris g ISR 2756 33 1968-06-24

10 Morozevich, Alexander g RUS 2750 18 1977-07-18

11 Jakovenko, Dmitry g RUS 2742 24 1983-06-28

12 Svidler, Peter g RUS 2741 9 1976-06-17

13 Ponomariov, Ruslan g UKR 2741 9 1983-10-11

14 Gashimov, Vugar g AZE 2740 0 1986-07-24

15 Wang, Yue g CHN 2736 0 1987-03-31

16 Nakamura, Hikaru g USA 2735 17 1987-12-09

17 Grischuk, Alexander g RUS 2733 0 1983-10-31

18 Shirov, Alexei g ESP 2730 18 1972-07-04

19 Alekseev, Evgeny g RUS 2725 23 1985-11-28

20 Karjakin, Sergey g UKR 2722 13 1990-01-12

21 Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar g AZE 2721 2 1985-04-12

22 Dominguez Perez, Leinier g CUB 2719 13 1983-09-23

23 Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime g FRA 2718 31 1990-10-21

24 Eljanov, Pavel g UKR 2717 13 1983-05-10

25 Malakhov, Vladimir g RUS 2715 10 1980-11-27

26 Movsesian, Sergei g SVK 2711 9 1978-11-03

27 Motylev, Alexander g RUS 2710 0 1979-06-17

28 Bacrot, Etienne g FRA 2709 23 1983-01-22

29 Short, Nigel D g ENG 2706 10 1965-06-01

30 Rublevsky, Sergei g RUS 2703 0 1974-10-15

31 Kasimdzhanov, Rustam g UZB 2702 30 1979-12-05

32 Bu, Xiangzhi g CHN 2702 0 1985-12-10

33 Onischuk, Alexander g USA 2699 0 1975-09-03

34 Akopian, Vladimir g ARM 2698 13 1971-12-07

35 Jobava, Baadur g GEO 2696 9 1983-11-26

36 Vallejo Pons, Francisco g ESP 2696 9 1982-08-21

37 Moiseenko, Alexander g UKR 2694 20 1980-05-17

38 Kamsky, Gata g USA 2692 32 1974-06-02

39 Navara, David g CZE 2692 9 1985-03-27

40 Ni, Hua g CHN 2692 8 1983-05-31

41 Miroshnichenko, Evgenij g UKR 2690 28 1978-12-28

42 Wang, Hao g CHN 2690 0 1989-08-04

43 Bologan, Viktor g MDA 2688 8 1971-12-14

44 Tomashevsky, Evgeny g RUS 2688 7 1987-07-01

45 Nielsen, Peter Heine g DEN 2687 10 1973-05-24

46 Polgar, Judit g HUN 2687 0 1976-07-23

47 Naiditsch, Arkadij g GER 2685 10 1985-10-25

48 Almasi, Zoltan g HUN 2685 9 1976-08-29

49 Grachev, Boris g RUS 2684 11 1986-03-27

50 Adams, Michael g ENG 2682 25 1971-11-17

51 Najer, Evgeniy g RUS 2681 17 1977-06-22

52 Volokitin, Andrei g UKR 2681 2 1986-06-18

53 Vitiugov, Nikita g RUS 2681 0 1987-02-04

54 Sargissian, Gabriel g ARM 2678 10 1983-09-03

55 Sutovsky, Emil g ISR 2676 9 1977-09-19

56 Harikrishna, P. g IND 2673 8 1986-05-10

57 Tiviakov, Sergei g NED 2670 45 1973-02-14

58 Tkachiev, Vladislav g FRA 2669 11 1973-11-09

59 Kurnosov, Igor g RUS 2669 0 1985-05-30

60 Avrukh, Boris g ISR 2668 19 1978-01-08

61 Timofeev, Artyom g RUS 2668 10 1985-01-06

62 Cheparinov, Ivan g BUL 2667 20 1986-11-26

63 Areshchenko, Alexander g UKR 2667 9 1986-06-15

64 Guseinov, Gadir g AZE 2667 2 1986-05-21

65 Meier, Georg g GER 2664 18 1987-08-26

66 Inarkiev, Ernesto g RUS 2664 13 1985-12-09

67 Nisipeanu, Liviu-Dieter g ROU 2664 11 1976-08-01

68 Georgiev, Kiril g BUL 2663 26 1965-11-28

69 Berkes, Ferenc g HUN 2663 18 1985-08-08

70 Pashikian, Arman g ARM 2663 18 1987-07-28

71 Dreev, Alexey g RUS 2662 27 1969-01-30

72 Caruana, Fabiano g ITA 2662 17 1992-07-30

73 Fridman, Daniel g GER 2661 26 1976-02-15

74 Sasikiran, Krishnan g IND 2661 9 1981-01-07

75 Andreikin, Dmitry g RUS 2659 9 1990-02-05

76 Milov, Vadim g SUI 2659 0 1972-08-01

77 Fressinet, Laurent g FRA 2658 23 1981-11-30

78 Roiz, Michael g ISR 2658 20 1983-10-10

79 Sokolov, Ivan g BIH 2657 10 1968-06-13

80 Beliavsky, Alexander G g SLO 2656 9 1953-12-17

81 Landa, Konstantin g RUS 2655 0 1972-05-22

82 Predojevic, Borki g BIH 2654 18 1987-04-06

83 Efimenko, Zahar g UKR 2654 0 1985-07-03

84 Postny, Evgeny g ISR 2651 33 1981-07-03

85 Krasenkow, Michal g POL 2651 27 1963-11-14

86 Van Wely, Loek g NED 2650 19 1972-10-07

87 Tregubov, Pavel V. g RUS 2649 9 1971-12-21

88 Smirin, Ilia g ISR 2648 17 1968-01-21

89 Kobalia, Mikhail g RUS 2648 9 1978-05-03

90 Lastin, Alexander g RUS 2648 0 1976-10-30

91 Zhigalko, Sergei g BLR 2646 32 1989-03-28

92 Baklan, Vladimir g UKR 2646 18 1978-02-25

93 Riazantsev, Alexander g RUS 2646 11 1985-09-12

94 Seirawan, Yasser g USA 2646 0 1960-03-24

95 Fier, Alexandr g BRA 2644 31 1988-03-11

96 Granda Zuniga, Julio E g PER 2644 27 1967-02-25

97 So, Wesley g PHI 2644 9 1993-10-09

98 Fedorchuk, Sergey A. g UKR 2643 37 1981-03-14

99 Amonatov, Farrukh g TJK 2643 13 1978-04-13

100 Kazhgaleyev, Murtas g KAZ 2643 9 1973-11-17

1st MMLDC Chess Cup (KIDDIES)

THE country’s future chess stars take center stage on Sunday (September 6) when the 1st MMLDC Chess Cup for kiddies (14 years old and below) to be held at the MMLDC Km 27 Sumulong Hi-way, Antipolo City.

The event is sponsored by MMLDC Foundation, Inc, through Ms. Agnes Fidelino, Managing Director, as part of their 10th year anniversary celebration and sharing with the community and thus, registration is free. MMLDC Foundation specializes in providing training solutions within a total learning ambiance. The tournament is also supported by MERALCO Marikina Business Center Head Tere Estrada, MERALCO Cainta Business Center Head Ed Vargas, MERALCO Angono Business Center Head Winston delos Reyes, MERALCO Worker's Association, UST Alumni of MERALCO, Hernandez Customs Brokerage, 2009 RP 12 Under Champ Paulo Bersamina, and Casiano Sol Cruz Sr & Jr Foundation. It will be an individual Swiss System on rapid time control with Rp and US chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. as Chief Arbiter and Fide Master Christopher Castellano as Deputy Arbiter.

Joe Fabiar of Lores Chess Club of Antipolo, IM Idelfonso Datu and NM Roland Perez of Ateneo de Manila University, NM Rudy Ibanez of Marist School Marikina, Romy Aguilar of Angono Chess Federation, Coach Jojo Aquino of National University, Coach Raul Cruz of Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School and Coach Expedito Bolico of La Immaculada Concepcion School (LICS) of Pasig have already signified their intention of sending their players to this first ever event of Meralco Chess Club.


“We expect 70 kiddie players to participate in the 1st MMLDC Chess Cup for kiddies on September 6,” said tournament organizer Rolly Sol Cruz, also the president of Meralco Chess Club.


Among the early entries are JV and Jett Marcos of Ateneo de Manila University, Joshua and Vince Morte of Marist School Marikina, Rhal Sol Cruz, Ralph Villaflor, and Julian Sabularse of La Salle Greenhills, Norbel de Jesus and Miguel Vergara of St. Mary's Academy, Joshua Nicart, Kevin Ulanday, and Haydie Valerio of San Isidro National High School, Jonathan Serenio, Lourdes Pajares, Gian Munoz, and Francis Villarosa of St. John's Worth Montessori, Gerome Romero, Nostradamus Raagas, Jessica Chua, and Maverick Rivera of Juan Sumulong Elementary School, Nico Soler, Felipe Magdalaga, Jorie Bonifacio, Quinna Soler, and Jolina Saltorio of National University.


Prizes are broken down as follows: Champion - P1,500 plus medal, 2nd Place - P1,000 plus medal, 3rd Place - P 500 plus medal, 4th to 10th - P 200.

Special Prizes: St. Teresa of Avila Award for Top Player with an accompanying mother of Grandmother, St. Charles of Borromeo Award with an accompanying father or Grandfather, Best Player of Cainta, Best Player of Marikina, Best Player of Angono and Top Player in 8, 10 and 12 Age Brackets. Marlon Bernardino

San Sebastian wrests NCAA Junior Chess lead

Team Standings after Round 12:

(Juniors division)

38.5 points---San Sebastian College-Recoletos
36.5 points--- Colegio San Juan de Letran
31.0 points---CSB-De La Salle Greenhills
25.5 points--- San Beda College
22.0 points---University of Perpetual Help Dalta System
15.0 points---Emilio Aguinaldo College
13.5 points--- Mapua Institute of Technology
7.0 points--- Jose Rizal University
3.0---Arellano University

LAST YEAR’S runner-up San Sebastian College-Recoletos stamped its class on Emilio Aguinaldo College, 3.5-0.5, over the weekend to gain control of the 8th NCAA chess team championships junior division held at the Cyberzone of SM Manila.

Despite a draw with top board player Aldous Roy Coronel against Drexter Saquilan, the Mendiola-based school had accumulated 38.5 points, two points ahead over defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran with 36.5 points after a 2-2 stand off over La Salle Greenhills after the 12th round action.

Arvie Jongko, John Mark Dimaliwat and Anfernee Bonficaio carry the fight for the Staglets by beating EAC’s Clinton Verano, Jerome Mabanag and Biencerlo Villa, on Board 2 to 4, respectively.

“Nais namin makuha ang top two spot after the preliminary round para may twice to beat advantage kami sa cross-over semifinal round,” said SSS-R head coach NM Homer Cunanan, who honed the skills of GM Darwin Laylo and GM-elect Ronald Dableo.

According to chief arbiter IA/NM Elias Lao, the top two teams after the preliminary round will advance to the cross-over semi-final round with a twice to beat advantage.

In other matches saw, San Beda College blanked Arellano University, 4-0, as well University of Perpetual Help Dalta System routed Jose Rizal University, 4-0.

Mapua Institute of Technology, meanwhile took a bye in the 12th round.

In the Senior Division, defending champion College of St. Benilde walloped Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 4-0, to keep its hold of the top spot with 32.0 points.

Action will resume this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), 1:30 pm at the same venue. Marlon Bernardino.

Tagaytay City 4th overall in Merdeka Open

Standings after nine rounds:
28.5 – INA-RTCC
27.5 – Bhayangkara Police R.I.
24 --- SMS Gold-KLMN, Tagaytay City
23.5 -- Jakarta Chess Club, Team Astro
22.5 – IRI-MAS
22 -- Calamba City, Calamba City B, SMS Gold-MO

LAST YEAR’S champion Tagaytay City failed to defend it's title settling for fourth overall at the conclusion of the 29th Merdeka Open Chess Team Championship at the Ballroom, Cititel Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio finally succumbed to fatigue and dropped a close match against newly-minted International Master Mok Tze Meng, but GM Darwin Laylo and Samson Lim registered the crucial wins, even as Willie Abalos scored a draw as Tagaytay edged SMS-Gold, 2.5-1.5 in the ninth and final round.

Laylo, who will join Antonio and GM Wesley So to the World Cup on November in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, topped Ooi Chern Fe, while Lim turned back Lim Zhou Ren in Boards 2 and 3.

Abalos, also the executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, settled for a draw against San Wai Cheong.

Overall, Antonio scored 6.0 out of a possible nine points; Laylo finished with 7.5 points, Lim also had six and Abalos scored 4.5 points.

“Actually, maganda na rin ang resulta. We fought hard, but I guess the other teams prepared hard against us,” said Abalos, noting that Indonesia sent no less than three strong teams.

Tagaytay, who won the four previous championships here, actually finished in a tie for third with SMS Gold-KLMN, but had to settle for fourth place due to an inferior tiebreak.

The Indonesian teams, which benefited from a more favorable pairing, finished 1-2, with INA-RTCC clnching the title with 28.5 points and Bhayangkara Police R.I. placing second with 27.5.

Three other Philippine teams made it to the Top 10. Calamba City A finished eighth overall, while Calamba City B was ninth, while Marfori Philippines, led by GM-elect Ronald Dableo, was 10th. All three finished with 22 points.

Tagaytay actually looked headed to a comeback after a 3.5-.5 drubbing of Calamba City in the seventh round that brought its total to 19.5 but ranged against INA-RTCC, the Antonio-led squad could only score a 2-2 draw, winning the top two boards, but losing in the lower boards for a 21.5 total going into the ninth and final round.MARLON BERNARDINO

GM Wesley So is a "Rebolusyonaryo"

Mrs. Leny So, the mother of GM Wesley So, sent us photos of the "2009 Gawad Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo: Natatanging Parangal sa Rebolusyonaryong Cavite" celebration where GM Wesley was among the 18 individuals who were given the highest award by the provincial government of Cavite for their performance and accomplishments during the year.




Sunday, August 30, 2009

GM Laylo tops blitz tourney in KL

WORLD CHESS CUP bound Filipino GM Darwin Laylo added another feather to his cap by ruling the 2009 Malaysian Open (Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2009) Blitz Chess Championships at the Ballroom Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over the weekend.

The Marikina City native Laylo defeated compatriot IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City in an All Filipino knockout stage finals to capture the title and pocket the top prize of RM 800 (Malaysian Ringit Dollar).

On the roads to the finals, Laylo defeated 2009 DATMO Open standard champion Indian GM Negi Parimarjan in the semis while Dimakiling edged countryman RP’s newest GM elect Ronald Dableo, co-champion in the 2009 DATMO Open.

A total of 95 players took part in the preliminary round according to the report of official website yesterday. The time control of the Blitz competition is 3 minutes + 2 second increment. Marlon Bernardino

Tagaytay stays alive in Merdeka Open Chess Team Championships

Standings after five rounds:
17.5 – INA-RTCC
15.5 – Caviaga Lubricant
14.5 – Penang
14.0 – Tagaytay City, Team Astro, Marfori Philippines
13.5 – IRI-MAS, Calamba City, Jakarta Chess Club, Johor
13.0 – Perak Junior
12.5 – MISC Bhd, Ipoh Linau Bali, Astro
12.0 – The Four Seasons, Sarawak, Sabah, Roschach

KUALA Lumpur, Malaysia --- Tagaytay City survived a roller-coaster ride in the last three rounds to stay within striking distance of the leaders after five rounds of action in the 29th Merdeka Open Chess Team Championship at the Ballroom, CitiTel Hotel here.

The GM Rogelio Antonio-led squad stumbled against an all-Indonesian team on Saturday, 1-3, but racked up five points in the next two rounds against fellow Filipino bidders Marfori Philippines, 3-1, and drew with fifth-ranked Team Astro, 2-2, yesterday to bring their total to 14 points, just 3.5 points adrift of solo leader INA-RTCC, who had 17.5 points going into yesterday’s sixth round.

Antonio, a sergeant at the HSSG of the Philippine Army under Commanding Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, led Tagaytay’s assault against the Ronald Dableo-led Marfori Philippines, scoring the full point against IM Oliver Dimakiling at the top board.

Samson Lim, a former varsity chess player for UST, scored the other full point against Daneil Causo, while GM Darwin Laylo and Willie Abalos settled for draws against GM-elect Ronald Dableo and Winston Silva, respectively.

Against Team Astro, it was Lim who pulled through, winning against Muhammad Abdul Haq after Laylo dropped his match against GM Iuldachev Saidali of Uzbekistan at Board 2, and Antonio and Abalos drew with GM Dzhumaev Marat, also of Uzbekistan, and Tham Tick Hong Jax of Malaysia, respectively.

Marfori Philippines kept pace with Tagaytay with identical 14 points, bouncing back from the loss to Tagaytay with a 4-0 drubbing of Calamba B led by Rustum Tolentino and Roehbel Legaspi.

In the sixth round, Tagaytay City faces Penang (14.5), an all-Malaysian team backstopped by Tam Kahi Boon and Ng Tze Han. Penang is coming off a 2.5-1.5 win over Calamba City.

INA-RTCC takes on Caviaga Lubricant (15.5) at the top board, while SMS-Gold (15.0) tests the mettle of Bhayangkara Police R.I. (15.0) on Board 2.

“Tiyagaan na lang ito. May four rounds pang natitira. Maraming pang pwedeng mangyari,” said Antonio, who last Saturday won a side blitz tournament, where he topped a field of more than 50 players.

The 47-year old Antonio emerged tied with Iran’s Ghaem Maghami Ehsan with 9.5 points, but won the solo title per tournament rule. Marlon Bernardino

2nd National Age Group Championship final rankings

We will post here the names of those who made it to the World Youth to be held in Turkey as soon as official data from the NCFP become available.

Here are the early champs per age-category in the concluded 2nd National Age Group Championships:

Jesca Docena (Girls U8)
Mira Mirano (Girls U12)
Cristy Lamiel Bernales (Girls U16)
Paulo Bersamina (Boys U12)

Other names to be posted soon.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Can you beat a six-year old?

Remember Stephen Rome Pangilinan?

Well, he's the six-year old kid who made the country proud by ruling the Susan Polgar Boys Under-8 tournament in Las Vegas International Chess Festival.

With his big triumph in the US, the local media paid attention and made him instant celebrity. I saw his interview over Mel and Joey about his conquest of the US.

By the way, I had a chat with Stephen's parents last Saturday at the venue of the 2nd National Age Group Championships. We talked about their prized son's trip to the US andI learned some valuable information.

I saw Stephen play in Round 5 against equally talented 10th ASEAN RP representative Julius Gonzales for Boys U8 category. Stephen and Julius shared the top spot with perfect 4.0 points going into Round 5. A costly blunder by Julius in the endgame led to a full point lead by Stephen.

I, together with Stephen's father, Bong, was watching from the sideline. Haha, I would tell an interesting story about this in another posting.

By the way, Bong shared with all of us the PGN of Stephen's win over Julius in Round 5. Let's watch how these six-year old kids play.

Stephen vs Julius

(NOTE: Sorry, I wasn't able to put this PGN in a game replayer. Am just in a cafe and I got to go now.)

1. e4 c5
2. d4 cd4
3. c3 Nc6
4. Nf3 e6
5. cd4 d5
6. e5 Nge7
7. Bd3 Nb4
8. 0-0 Nd3
9. Qd3 Nc6
10. Be3 Be7
11. a3 0-0
12. Nbd2 Bd7
13. Rfc1 Rc8
14. b4 Qb6
15. Nb3 Nb8
16. Nc5 Bb5
17. Qb1 h6
18. a4 Be8
19. Nd2 Na6
20. b5 Nc5
21. dc5 Qa5
22. Nb3 Qb4
23. Bd2 Qh4
24. Qd3 f6
25. ef6 Bf6
26. Ra2 Qh5
27. Qg3 Bh4
28, Qd6 Bf2
29. Kh1 Bf7
30. Bh6 Qh6
31. Rf2 Qe3
32. Rf3 Qg5
33. Rg3 Qf6
34. c6 Rfd8
35. Qc5 Be8
36. Qa7 bc6
37. bc6 Rc6
38. Re1 Qf7
39. Qd4 Rc4
40. Qd3 Ra4
41. Rf1 Qe7
42. Nd4 Ra3
43. Qa3 Resigns

1-0

2nd National Age Group highlights

Yesterday afternoon (Saturday), I dropped by Victory Central Mall in Caloocan City, the venue of the 2nd National Age Group Championships.

Actually it was my first time to go to that mall. From Pasay City, I just got on the LRT, got off at the last station (Monumento) and had a little walk to the venue. Not really that hard to get there.

My first impression was that Victory Central Mall looks ideal for for holding national chess tournaments. The place is easily accessible and the mall draws a lot of people.

I was late yesterday. Most of the tables were already cleaned up and the remaining games were about to finish.

I noticed that there was U-8 category for girls, though I don't see postings about that age group over chess-results.

OK, here are some of the highlights that I noticed about the games:

No.2 seed Cherry Anne Mejia (1815) lost to Bernadette Galas (1781) in Round 3 in the Girls U14 category with the White pieces. Mejia, a gold medalist in the 10th ASEAN Age Group in Vietnam, may not make it this time.

Big gun Chardine Cheradee Camacho vowed to rising star Mikee Charlene Suede in the Girls U16 group. If I could remember it right, Suede already beat Camacho during the National Age grouper that was held in Kalibo, Aklan. With another win over Camacho, Suede could be sending a strong message in her age category.

I haven't got an info about 10th ASEAN gold medalist Samantha Revita Glo. I don't know if she can make it again.

Another ASEAN gold medalist Austin Jacob Literatus lost to fellow gold medalist Paulo Bersamina in Round 3 in the U12 group for boys. Bersamina beat erstwhile leader Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar in Round 5 to snatch the lead with 4.5 points going into the last two rounds.

Of the four ASEAN gold medalist age-groupers in Vietnam, only Bersamina looks to making it to RP pool for the World Youth.

Good luck to all!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Bersamina sweeps three rounds

What happened to the posting of the updates of game results and pairings per round in the ongoing 2nd National Age Group Championships in Victory Central Mall in Caloocan City?

I was really elated when the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) posted the updates of Round 1 over chess-results.com on the first day of the tournament.

But that's all so far. No further updates yet on the succeeding rounds. What happened?

All I know is that 11-year old Paulo Bersamina, a gold medalist in the 10th ASEAN Age Group Championships in Vietnam, swept his first three round assignments in the Boys U12 category.

I hope the postings over chess-results.com resumes as soon as possible.

3 Filipinos dominate Ambank Chess

Didn't I tell you that the championship title in Ambank Chess Challenge, staged at the sideline of DATMO 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was in the bag for Filipinos with a round to spare?

The triumvirate of Samson Lim, Jr., Rodolfo Panopio, Jr., and Roel Abelgas stamped their class in Malaysia to have an emphatic finish of 1-2-3, respectively.

They all piled up 7.0 points but Lim emerged the overall champion due to superior tiebreak points.

Indeed, chess gems are abundant in the Philippines. All we have to do is find them, polish them, treasure them, and take care of them.

Top 10

Champion - Samson Lim Jr (PHI) - 7 points
Second - Rodolfo Panopio Jr (PHI) - 7 Points
Third - Roel Abelgas (PHI) - 7 points
Fourth - Jax Tham (MAS) - 6.5 points
Fifth - Tan Kok Liang (MAS) - 6.5 points
Sixth - Nor Ilhamuddin (MAS) - 6 points
Seventh - Izz Saifuddin (MAS) - 6 points
Eighth - Cheah Cheok Fung (MAS) - 6 points
Ninth - Fadli Zakaria (MAS) - 6 points
Tenth - Ooi Li Tao (MAS) - 6 points

IM Dableo snatches final GM norm

IM Ronald Dableo saved the best for last, pulled the trigger with all might, and crashed the fancied Indonesian GM Susanto Megaranto in the final round of DATMO 2009 to pile up 7.0 points to tie for first to second spot with eventual champion GM Negi Parimarjan of India. However, Dableo settled for 2nd overall due to lower tie break points.

With the win over Megaranto, Dableo snatched his third and final GM norm but still has to improve his Elo rating to 2500 to be awarded the elusive GM title. Entering the DATMO 2009 event, Dableo paraded an Elo rating of 2417.

Compatriot Senador Emmanuel, who was leading the pack going into the final round, blinked against GM Parimarjan and settled for 4th overall. It wasn't sorry for Senador, though, as he earned a GM norm in the event.

Not far is GM Darwin Laylo who had the same output as Senador with 6.5 points to settle at No.6.

See? Having three Filipinos in Top 6 finishers tells a lot about the power of Philippine chess.

Top 15

1. GM Negi Parimarjan (IND) (2590) - 7.0
2. IM Dableo Ronald (PHI) (2417) - 7.0
3. GM Ghaem Maghami, Ehsan (IRI) (2589) - 6.5
4. Senador Emmanuel (PHI) (2372) - 6.5
5. GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son (VIE) (2592) - 6.5
6. GM Laylo Darwin (PHI) (2494) - 6.5
7. GM Schebler, Gerhard (GER) (2486) - 6.5
8. Yu Yangyi (CHN) (2510) - 6.5
9. GM Iuldachev Saidali (UZB) (2518) - 6.5
10. Xiu Deshun (CHN) (2515) - 6.5
11. GM Li Chao b (CHN) (2634) - 6.5
12 GM Megaranto Susanto (INA) (2534) - 6
13. GM Nguyen Anh Dung (VIE) (2474) - 6
14. FM Mok Tze-Meng (MAS) (2343) - 6
15. Yu Lie (CHN) (2340) - 6

Pambata Chess 2009

(NOTE: A reader from Iloilo sent us an article about a chess event for kids in their area. We are glad to receive chess news, especially chess for kids, from our readers from different parts of the Philippines as well as from Filipinos from different parts of the globe.)


By Jay D. Fortunado

Two local young talents dominated with perfect scores the recently concluded PAMBATA CHESS, PAMBATO SILA!!! held at the University of San Agustin Student Center (Iloilo City) on August 22-23, 2009.

Lanz Renuel H. Otero, fifth grader of SPED Sto. Domingo chalked seven points besting 71 other hopefuls in Category 1 (7 to below 12). Fritz Bryan Porras of Guimaras Province also registered a convincing seven wins over a pack of 75 others in Category 2 (12 to below 17).

Otero also bagged the gold in Board 1 during the annual City Meet and bronze in the Regional Meet held in Capiz just recently. First runner up went to Fiona Guirhem, a Grade III pupil of Central Philippine University. She was also adjudged as the Best Female Performer after an exciting round with local sensation Diomel Escutin where the former although, down with a bishop, managed to checkmate Escutin in three moves.

Porras likewise has a record to speak for himself. He was champion during the Dinagyang 2009 Blitz, juniors division, victorious in the May Manggahan Festival in Guimaras and participated during the April 2009 Palarong Pambansa. He was followed by Noel Vincent Crucero of SPED ISEC, Iloilo City.

Despite being hampered by poverty and the recent death of an older brother who was also a competing chessplayer, this promising lad from Guimaras proved that the human spirit can triumph in the midst of adversities. With only enough money for transportation and a few necessities, he and his younger brother together with their ever-supportive parents sailed to Iloilo City with the hopes of winning in order for Fritz Bryan to be able to offer the victory to his deceased older brother. According to his mother, should he win the championship trophy, he would place it in their altar as an offering for his older brother who drowned in a swimming incident just recently. The parents would have wanted the other three children to join but they can barely make ends meet and paying for 5 registration fees at P75.00 each is too much a burden to bear.

In the penultimate round between the two, Crucero sacrificed a pawn to allow his king to invade the “h” file for a mating attack. However, Porras countered with an outside passed pawn for a queen promotion forcing Crucero to retreat his dark squared bishop. Surprisingly, he allowed the promotion on yet another mating combination with his bishop pair but this time failed analyze that the newly promoted queen controlled the long diagonal a1 to h8 stopping all intentions of mate.

Final ranking list: Category 1: Champion P1,500 plus trophy- Lanz Renuel Otero, 1st Runner Up P1,000.00 plus trophy Fiona Geeweeneth Guirhem (also Best Female Performer P500.00), 2nd Runner Up P700.00 plus trophy– Sean Falcis 3rd Runner up P500.00 Salia Magno. Category 2: Champion P1,500.00 plus trophy – Fritz Bryan Porras, 1st Runner up P1,000.00 plus trophy Noel Vincent Crucero,2nd Runner up P700.00 plus trophy– Victor Angelitud 3rd Runner up P500.00 Jan Hermo Baron, Best Female Peformer P 500.00 Angelica Trinos.

The event was organized by the Iloilo City Chess Club in cooperation with the University of San Agustin. Friends from here and abroad extended monetary contributions.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ambank Challenge almost in the bag for Filipinos

Indeed, the Filipinos are rampaging in Malaysia - living up to their pride as the supremos of chess in the ASEAN region.

It is a Filipino, in the name of IM Emmanuel, who is in solo lead going to the final round of Malaysia Chess Open (DATMO 2009).

And what can you say, it is three Filipinos who are on the lead - that is, one-two-three spot, in Ambank Chess Challenge which is being staged at the sideline of DATMO 2009.

Rodolfo Panopio, Jr., Roel Abelgas, and Samson Lim, Jr. have piled up 6.5 points a piece to lead the Ambank challenge after Round 8.

Notably, Panopio is pitted against Abelgas in the final round for a Board 1 battle which almost ensures a sure championship for a Filipino.

The only possible obstacle for a Filipino not to win the title in the Ambank Challenge is for the three Pinoy to end up in draws and Tick Hong Jax Tham, who is a 6.0 pointer, win his final game against Izz Saifuddin. In that case, the championship will be decided on tie breaks.

But I'm already sensing a title capped by a Pinoy. Bet?

Girls U8 and Girls U10 categories

Based on postings on chessresults, there are no Girls U8 and Girls U10 age-categories in the ongoing 2nd National Age Group Championships which is taking place at Victory Mall in Caloocan, City.

Don't we really have U8 and U10 categories for girls this time? I hope that there were just some lapses in the postings.

I noticed the missing categories since I was looking for the name Samantha Glo Revita who was among the four gold medalists in the 10th ASEAN Age Group Championships in Vietnam.

Her age-category is missing, and so her name.

The other three gold medalists in Vietnam are Cherry Ann Mejia (Standard Girls 14 Individual), Paulo Bersamina (Rapid Open 12 Individual), and Austin Jacob Literatus (Rapid Open 12 Individual).

Notably, all of the above gold medalist hurdled their Round 1 assignments and are among the leaders in their respective categories after Round 1.

Good luck to all!!

IM Senador earns GM norm, nears championship

With the win against erstwhile tournament leader Yu Yangyi of China in the penultimate round of DATMO 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, IM Emmanuel Senador of the Philippines has already earned a GM norm for himself. (I don't know, though, if that's his first GM norm. Perhaps our reader Batilsky can provide some valuable insights on this, please.)

Even a loss in the final round against India's chess whizkid GM Negi Parimarjan will no longer dent on his earned GM norm.

Notably playing with Black in a Sicilian encounter, Senador beat Yu to become solo leader with 6.5 points.

A win over GM Negi, of course, would ensure Senador of the championship title. Hmmnn . . . a title plus a GM norm? He could really feel like a Senator, right?

Leaders after Round 8:

6.5 points
Senador Emmanuel

6 points
GM Negi Parimarjan, GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan, GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, GM Laylo Darwin, Yu Yangyi, GM Li Chao, GM Iuldachev Saidali, IM Dableo Ronald, GM Megaranto Susanto

5.5 points
GM Schebler Gerhard, Xiu Deshun, GM Nguyen Anh Dung, WIM Muminova Nafisa, WIM Zhang Xiaowen, IM Bitoon Richard

IM Dableo needs one win to snatch final GM norm

Our reader Batilsky, the owner of the No.1 Philippine chess site pinoychess.informe.com shared a valuable information that IM Ronald Dabelo only needs to win his final round of DATMO 2009 to gain his final GM norm.

If Dableo wins, hopefully, he will be the 12th(?) GM of the Philippines. Dableo's campaign in the tournament is highlighted by his Round 4 conquest of Asian Zonal 3.3 2009 champion GM Darwin Laylo.

The mission, however, is a tall order. Already with 6.0 points after Round 8 and tied for 2nd to 10th place with eight other players, Dableo will play Black on Board 5 against GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia.

Based on chessgames.com's database, Dableo and Megaranto has not yet met each other over the board. For sure, it will be an exciting game to watch out for.

May Dableo - finally - snatch his GM title. Let's all pray for him.

DATMO 2009 highlights

Again, a decisive result was reached between a Filipino against a fellow Filipino in the ongoing Malaysian Open (Dato’ Arthur Tan Malaysian Open 2009) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A Filipino fighting hard against a compatriot in an international competition in a foreign land is indeed a good sign to see.

Emmanuel Senador beat IM Oliver Dimakiling in Round 5 in 39 moves of a Sicilian encounter. Remember that IM Ronald Dableo defeated GM Darwin Laylo in Round 4.

Senador is now just half a point behind the untitled leader Yu Yangyi of China after seven rounds of play.

Senador is tied with 5.5 points with four grandmasters at 2nd to 7th place, including GM Laylo.

Let's look at the standings after Round 7:

6 points:
Yu Yangyi

5.5 points:
GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan,GM Negi Parimarjan,Senador Emmanuel,GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son ,GM Laylo Darwin

5 points:
GM Li Chao b,GM Rahman Ziaur,Gao Rui,IM Dableo Ronald,IM Sriram Jha ,GM Iuldachev Saidali,Yu Lie,GM Megaranto Susanto

With still two more rounds to play, Senador and Laylo have a chance to bring home the crown.

Should Laylo win the tournament, it would be more than a confirmation of his tough form nowadays.

Back to Senador, let's watch how he demolished IM Dimakiling in Round 5:

17th Shell Chess Active - Cebu Leg (KIDDIES)

Organizer(s) : PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Tournament Director : ALEXANDER DINOY

Chief or supervising arbiter : FA ODILON BADILLES

Arbiter : FA M. RUELAN, NM R. SUELO JR., T. CABIBIL

Town : SM CITY, CEBU CITY

Rating-Ø : 1264

Date : 2009/08/15 To 2009/08/16


(NOTE: Many thanks to Mr. Alexander Dinoy, the highly effective operations man behind the stagings of Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships in different parts of the country, for the continued sharing of information about this worthy project. More power, Sir!)


FINAL RANKINGS


Rank Name Pts

1 TABADA Kenneth John 7

2 ESPLANADA Jethro

3 SURPOSA Jeazzir Kline

4 IBAOC Tristan Frech 6

5 BALBONA Marq Gabrielle 6

6 AMAD Sherwin 6

7 LUMAPAC Argie 6

8 SEVILLANO Rhenzi Kyle 6

9 BALBONA John Francis 6

10 BENSI Raffy Glen 6

11 TAGANAS Harold Karl 6

12 BALBONA Felix Shaun 6

13 LUMAPAC Maria Cecillee 6

14 OUANO Don Gerard

15 IBAOC Kennard Troy

16 COQUILLA Chezter Jayson

17 MINOZA Daniel Lorenzo

18 IBAOC Keith Duval

19 CATADMAN Almar

20 DILOY Sheila Mae

21 HONCULADA Kenneth Norman

22 BANTOL Kyle Anthony

23 ENTERA John Theodore

24 TILUS Jan Cleo Mar 5

25 PENTADO Edrian 5

26 SALCEDO Vincent 5

27 PEPITO Jeremy 5

28 SOMBILLO Joshua 5

29 SOL CRUZ Rhal Jr. 5

30 TONOLITE Efren Jr. 5

31 OPEMA Julie Anne 5

32 BENSI Lefa Glier 5

33 CUALBAR John Lym Lyn 5

34 COLOTARIO Joshua 5

35 LUMAPAC April Venice 5

36 MORALA Keith Claire 5

37 PORTES Lyan 5

38 DEROTAS Vic Glysen 5

39 ABUCAY Marvie 5

40 SOTOMAYOR Paul Vincent 5

41 PONES Harold Dave 5

42 MASALTA Mikaliv Kaiser 5

43 BATOON Jay 5

44 FUENTES Paulino III 5

45 AMANSEC Joseph 5

46 PALER Emmanuel 5

47 CABIBIL Mercedita 5

48 PARUNGAO Jerika Joshua 5

49 LOQUEZ Ace Rey 5

50 ROMANOS Joseph Glenn 5

51 BATUCAN Sale Duanne 5

52 BASALO Mc Joemar 5

53 CLARO Jethro Ysmael 5

54 BALBONA James Andrew 5

55 MASALTA Al Mikel 5

56 BENTOY Machel 5

57 BAJO Jonas 5

58 GUINTO Joshua 5

59 COMING Julius Caesar 5

60 LUGA Detlef 5

61 MALINGIN Daniel 5

62 BATILLER Gian Martin 5

63 FORROSUELO Ira 5

64 SUGON Hale Jason

65 AMARILLENTO Ralph Greg

66 DEROTAS Glyxan

67 SESTOSO Mikho Angel Niño

68 ECHAVEZ Roberto

69 TORRES Crister Dave

70 TORRES Queenelyn

71 ADOLFO Jasonn

72 ARNOZA Jesson

73 NIKKO Mark

74 ELIZONDO Diane Kaye

75 PIASAN Henry Charles

76 CABANTAN Therese

77 PONDOYO Christian Klent 4

78 DEROTAS Vic Gyles 4

79 BERAME Loenel Clint 4

80 JACOB Kate Dianne 4

81 CINCO Nichola Marie 4

82 APAS Louis Albert 4

83 HAYAG Kertz 4

84 MANDAROS Jerico 4

85 DURENS Jay CY 4

86 YBURAN Jessa Mae 4

87 COQUILLA Christian And 4