Marie Joseph Turqueza

Be convinced. Chess talents in the Philippines abound.

When I say chess talents, they are not only those who have two initials before their names.

Look at this. Untitled RP’s reigning 18-under champion Marie Joseph Turqueza just beat World Cup-bound GM Darwin Laylo in the 14th round of the Asian Indoor qualifying tilt in Quezon City.

That’s a big boost to the confidence of the youthful Turqueza. But that somehow cast a doubt on the preparations of Laylo for his participation in the much awaited World Cup in Russia later this year where he is going to play together with GMs Wesley So and Rogelio Antonio, Jr.

Here are other some notable upsets in this qualifying event. NM Ali Branzuela defeated GM John Paul Gomez and GM Jayson Gonzales. GM Mark Paragua bowed to NM Rhobel Legaspi. GM-elect Ronald Dableo got whipped by Belsar Valencia.

In fact, a lot of our chess talents are unheard of because of the mainstream media’s lack of interest and attention. But they are simply rampaging in the quietness, ready to explode anytime and devour media-celebrated titled players anytime of the day.

Asian Indoor Qualifying
Rankings After Round 14

MEN

9.5 points -- R. Antonio, M. Paragua
9 -- J. Gonzales
8.5 -- R. Nolte
8 -- J. Gomez
7.5 -- R. Dableo, A. Branzuela
7 -- D. Laylo, J. De Ramos
6.5 -- B. Villamayor
6 -- C. Castellano
5 -- H, Pascua
4.5 -- B. Nadera, R. Legaspi
4 -- E. Senador, M. Turqueza
3.5 -- B. Valencia

WOMEN

8 points -- C. Mariano
7 -- C. Perena
6 -- Shercila Cua
5.5 -- L.Medina, B. Galas
5 -- B. Mendoza
4.5 -- J. Docena, Sherily Cua
4 -- D. Rivera, S. Peque
3 -- J. Berago
2 -- G. Malbog
1 -- R. Tunguia