Chinese style

It's amazing to see how Team China fielded its chess players to the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam.

Let's look at their line up:

MEN
GM Wang Yue (2736)
GM Bu Xiangzhi (2702)
GM Ni Hua (2692)
GM Wang Hao (2690)
GM Zhou Jianchao (2623)
GM Ding Liren (2530)

WOMEN
GM Hou Yifan (2585)
GM Zhao Xue (2542)
WGM Shen Yang (2453)
WGM Ju Wenjun (2443)
Tan Zhongyi (2435)
WGM Huang Qian (2424)

Now let's take a look at the Chinese rating list based on FIDE's ratings as of September 2009:


For the Men's team, China fielded its Top 5 players.

For the Women's team, it fielded six of its Top 9 players.

I don't think the China Team employed any elimination system to choose its players for this event.

Considering that it is not yet the Chess Olympiad makes China's style more amazing. It's easy to read their philosopy in sending their team: send the best and only the best.

What about the Philippine system? Your comments please . . .

Paragua lone RP entry in Men's Rapid in 3rd Asian Indoors

GM Mark Paragua is the lone Filipino entry in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games - Men Rapid Preliminary category for chess which is set to take place from November 1 to 3 in Vietnam.

He will be in the company of a very stong field which includes GM Bu Xiangzhi (2702) and GM Ni Hua (2692) of China, GM Haririshna (2673) and GM Krishnan Sasikiran (2661) of India, GM Kazhgaleyev Murtas (2643) of Kazakhstan and GM Le Quang Liem (2602).

Notably, Paragua is seeded No.24 out of 27 entries and is one of the four UNRATED players in the Men's Rapid event.

It's not so funny. All of the six-player RP Team are all UNRATED in this international event!!

Why? The Philippine chess federation was simply delisted from FIDE's country rating list.

The RP Team is composed of GMs Paragua, Rogelio Antonio, Jayson Gonzales, WIM Mariano Christine Rose, and WFMs Shercila Cua and Catherine Pereña.

WIM Beverly Mendoza and IM Rolando Nolte were supposed to be in the team after qualifying in the eliminations staged by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

GMs Antonio and Gonzales will not play in the Men's Rapid but only in Team Rapid and Team Blitz.

GM Wesley So spends day with fans

(IMPORTANT NOTE: This special event has been postponed due to bad weather. New date to be announced later.)

I don’t know if it would be a historic first. All I know is that I haven’t heard yet of a Philippine chess star spending his time with fans in a highly organized fashion. Until this one . . .

Here are the details:

What: GM Wesley So Tag Heuer Chess Simul
Date: 31 Oct 2009 Saturday
Time: 1200 to 3 pm
Venue: Burgoo Restaurant 2nd Level Mall of Asia
Attire: BW shirt

Imagine chess fans bonding together, pooling their resources, being with each other, taking the initiatives for a common purpose, oh wow, it's indeed for the chess world to get amazed with.

So when GM Susan Polgar said the line: "I think the Filipino chess fans must be the most passionate chess fans in the world," she could not be wrong.

For sure, nowhere else in the chess world will you find something as magical as this.

I just wish that GM Polgar write about this fantastic event in her blog and tell the whole world of the Filipinos' distinctive passion for chess.

1ST GOVERNOR AMADO T. ESPINO JR. CUP Rapid Chess OPEN DIVISION

FINAL RANKINGS

Rk. Name Pts.
1 GM PARAGUA MARK 6.5
2 GM DABLEO RONALD 6
3 GM LAYLO DARWIN 6
4 GM ANTONIO ROGELIO 5.5
5 NM LLAVANES RONALD 5.5
6 LIM PETER 5
7 NM GUTIERREZ DENNIS 5
8 FM PASCUA HARIDAS 5
9 FALCON ZALDY 5
10 AQUINO PRINCE MARK 5
11 NM MACALA ALLAN 5
12 FRANCISCO GERMAN 5
13 ULANDAY JUDYLITO 5
14 BAUTISTA ROBERT 5
15 LAGASCA MARVIN 5
16 MANUEL ORLANDO 5
17 ESTABILLO ELY JOHN 5
18 GICAIN DICK 4.5
19 CARINO MICHAEL 4.5
20 MENDOZA JOHN-JOHN 4.5
21 CACHIN JOSEFINO 4.5
22 NAVA FRANCIS 4.5
23 LOZANO CARLOS 4.5
24 TORRES CASIANO 4.5
25 RABANERA ROBERT 4.5
26 CASTILLO MARK DONALD 4.5
27 NM SILVA WINSTON 4
28 LABUANAN FIDEL 4
29 LOPEZ TYRONE 4
30 LANGIT DANILO 4
31 LIM SAMSON 4
32 APETA JESUS JR. 4
33 TULLAO EDGAR 4
34 LAMSEN PERRY 4
35 MEJIA RAUL 4
36 IGNACIO ERIC 4
37 SUAREZ EDUARDO 4
38 DE LEON ENRICO 4
39 GICAIN FEDERICK 4
40 SANCHEZ FERNANDO 4
41 NILLO BERNARD 4
42 DE GUZMAN DENNIS 3.5
43 DULAY ERWELL 3.5
44 REVITA SAMANTHA 3.5
45 FERNANDEZ ROEL 3.5
46 GALLARDO MICHAEL 3.5
47 MACALANDA RYAN 3.5
48 VERGARA RON 3.5
49 AQUINO JENNIFER 3.5
50 CUISON ELMER 3.5
51 CATUBIG FLORENCIO JR. 3.5
52 AUSTRIA JIMMY 3
53 MANUEL ROEL 3
54 MORAZO JOHN RANEL 3
55 LACA JOVITO 3
56 DEL MUNDO JAYSON 3
57 ACAM ROMIL 3
58 PALAMING ROMEO RODNEY 3
59 DE GUZMAN TERENCE 3
60 RAMOS RODOLFO 3
61 CASPE RYAN 3
62 AMANSEC JOSE 3
63 QUINTO MERLOU 3
64 SISON ROQUE 3
65 LANGIT RUBEN 2.5
66 ABLANG DARWIN 2.5
67 TIBULE EMMANUEL 2.5
68 LOMIBAO EMMANUEL 2.5
69 DATUIN MONALISA 2.5
70 MARTINEZ HIGINIO 2.5
71 TERSOL ARSENIO JR. 2.5
72 CAMPOS BRIGIDO 2.5
73 GONZALO NOEL 2
74 CARIG CRESANTO 2
75 ENTIMANO FERDINAND 2
76 SISON MARJOE 2
77 HIDALGO AUDREY 2
78 ESTOLAS CHRISTOPHER 2
79 SORIANO RICARDO 1.5
80 TORIO PERFECTO JR. 1.5
81 ABALOS LEONARDO JR 1
82 NATAVIO BONNIE 1
83 FERRER MARCIAL 1
84 DELFIN MODESTO 1
85 SOLIS MANUEL JR. 1
86 MANANTAN ERWIN 1
87 UBANDO DANTE 1
88 SABADO FRAMY 1
89 MEJIA CHERRY ANN 0
90 LLAMAS PHILIP 0
91 FRIALA DHARYLL 0
92 PERALTA FELIX 0

1ST GOV. AMADO T. ESPINO, JR. CUP Rapid Chess Under 16 Division

FINAL RANKINGS

Rk. Name Pts.
1 FAGON Romy 7
2 FRANCISCO Raynand 5.5
3 TOLEDO Ernie 5
4 MEJIA Cherry Ann 5
5 GARIDAN Jinsen 5
6 FERNANDEZ Dean Rabin 4.5
7 PEREZ Baltazar 4.5
8 SUAREZ Dodde 4.5
9 ELIZALDE Mariane 4
10 BENITEZ Jonathan 4
11 RABANERA Ryan 4
12 BOQUIREN Marc Vincent 4
13 GALANG Richard John 4
14 PALAMING Rowene Wyse 3.5
15 MAGAT Modesto 3.5
16 DE GUZMAN Kinluther 3
17 TRINANES Edison Meadow 3
18 GARCIA Ma. Luisa Beatriz 3
19 FERNADEZ Czar Aaron 3
20 JOVEN Eliasa Jean 3
21 BANAGA Jan-Rowie 2.5
22 QUEROL Joseph 2
23 TIGNO Epifanio 2
24 BRANZUELLA Allyssa Dawn 1.5
25 CALAIS Sidro 1
26 BRANZUELA Jianne 1
27 MANGILA Rosemarie 1
28 CAGUIOA Joas 0
29 CABRERA Clarence 0
30 VARGAS Trisa 0

1ST GOV. AMADO T. ESPINO, JR. CUP Rapid Chess UNDER 12 DIVISION

FINAL RANKINGS

Rk. Name Pts.
1 MANALOTO Heirry 6.5
2 MEJIA Giovanni 5.5
3 ANDRADA Hanna Coleen 5.5
4 VINLUAN Brylle Gever 5
5 RABANERA Ramil 5
6 MENDOZA Fernando 5
7 GUTIERREZ Dennis Iii 5
8 NILLO Shelley 4.5
9 NILLO Carla Mae 4.5
10 GARIDAN John Kevin 4
11 GUTIERREZ Dennis, Jr. 4
12 GUTIERREZ Mikaela Bianca 4
13 GUTIERREZ Maika Sofia 4
14 LIMOCON Marvin 4
15 PALAMING Regyne 4
16 TOMINES Christian Jake 3.5
17 JAMEL Nelmida 3
18 VALENZUELA John Hermes 3
19 BERGADO John Paul 3
20 ABLANG Charles Darwin 3
21 USON Michael 3
22 TORIO Justin 3
23 SOREL Erwin-Rommel 3
24 LIMOCON Mark Vincent 3
25 TANDICO Jearon 3
26 APETA Hannakathleen 2
27 ABLANG Danica Alexis 2
28 TRINANES Lee Andrew 2
29 DIMARANAN Axel 2
30 UBANDO Danever James 1
31 FERNANDEZ Czar Aaron 0
32 PULIDO John Ervin 0
33 INGARAN,JR Jesus 0

Best Chess Quote

Make it for the record. I nominate the following chess quote as the "Best Chess Quote" ever said about Philippine chess:

"I think the Filipino chess fans must be the most passionate chess fans in the world."

The quote came from the very famous world chess personality GM Susan Polgar who has become the symbol of global scholastic chess in recent years.

"It's a great thing. I am amazed. I wish all countries would have chess fans like this," added GM Polgar who made the quote over Barangay Wesley's page at chessgames.com.

Reading that sweet quote from GM Polgar herself is a big boost to Philippine chess, a kind of kindhearted statement that will continue to reverberate in the four corners of the world of chess for years to come.

Of course, GM Polgar could not be wrong in her statement. But putting that statement into proper perspective, the resurgence of chess popularity in the Philippines in the recent years could be largely attributed to one young lad in the name of GM Wesley So.

No other name in Philippine chess can capture the hearts of Filipino chess fans the way GM Wesley So does.

This young man can simply move people, a mysterious power that belongs only to a charismatic leader.

Ah yes, leader. How I wish for the Philippine chess to have true leaders. Time for change.

FIDE rules

Just in case you missed these regulations set by FIDE for the registration, transfer and eligibility for participation in FIDE-sanctioned competitions:

1. Registration under a Federation
1.1 A player may only be registered under one Federation at any one time.
1.2 A player who has dual citizenship must be registered under and only represent one Federation.
1.3 A player qualifies to be registered under a Federation:
(a) if he or she is qualified by citizenship or naturalization in the country of that Federation; or
(b) if he or she has resided for a continuous period of two years in a country of which he or she is not a citizen and, after thorough examination and clearance by the FIDE General Secretary, is approved for registration under the new Federation of his or her country of residence. This two- year period of residence shall be reduced to one year if the player has not participated in any FIDE competition (including continental individual and team events) for at least 5 consecutive years prior to the date of registration.
(c) if FIDE has approved his or her transfer.

2. Transfers between the Federations
2.1 A player who wishes to change his Federation and register under a new Federation must apply through the new Federation to FIDE for a transfer. A notification fee of €250 is payable for all transfers.
2.2 Consent and Compensation Fee from New Federation
2.2.1 A player who qualifies to be registered under a new Federation may at any time transfer from one Federation to another Federation with the consent of the new Federation to which he wishes to transfer.
2.2.2 Provided the player does not have a continuous period of residence of two years, such consent shall be accompanied with a payment from the new Federation to the old Federation of a compensation fee (“Compensation Fee”) according to the following scale:

FIDE Title/Rating Amount of Compensation Fee Payable

GM rated 2700 and above € 50,000
GM rated 2600 to 2699 € 30,000
GM rated below 2600 € 10,000
IM rated above 2400 € 6,000
IM rated 2400 or below € 4,000
FM or rated above 2300 € 2,000
Women players rated above 2600 € 50,000
Women players rated above 2500 € 20,000
Women players rated above 2400 € 10,000
Women players rated above 2300 € 5,000
Women players rated above 2200 € 2,000
WFM or rated above 2100 € 1,000

The rating of the player shall be that as published on the last FIDE Rating List before the date of receipt by the FIDE Secretariat of notification of change of Federation.
2.2.3 The old Federation may at any time elect in writing addressed to FIDE and the new Federation to waive all or any part of any Compensation Fee(s) due to it from the new Federation.
2.3 All transfers shall be the responsibility of the new Federation and must be submitted to the FIDE Secretariat on the prescribed form in Annex A (“Notification of Change of Federation”), together with the relevant:
(a) supporting documentary evidence of date and place of birth, citizenship and residence;
(b) Notification Fee of €250;
(c) Compensation Fee payable to the new Federation; and
(d) Transfer Fee payable, if any.
2.4 Upon receipt of a Notification of Change of Federation that is in satisfactory compliance with 2.2 above, FIDE shall inform the old Federation and publish such notification on the FIDE website. If no objection is received in writing by FIDE within three months from the date of publication on its website, the notification of change of Federation shall be deemed approved.
2.5 Transfers with Payment of Transfer Fees
A Federation may apply to FIDE to transfer a player before the stated period of residency in 1.3 if that player provides supporting evidence together with payment of a transfer fee (“Transfer Fee”) according to the following scale:

FIDE Title/Rating Residence in new Federation for a period between 0 to 12 months 13 to 24 months

GM € 5,000 € 3,500
IM € 2,000 € 1,500
FM or rated above 2300 € 1,000 € 750
WGM € 2,000 € 1,500
WIM € 1,000 € 750
WFM or rated above 2100 € 500 € 300
Others € 500 € 300

The rating of the player shall be that as published on the last FIDE Rating List before the date of receipt by the FIDE Secretariat of notification of change of Federation.
2.6 The date of commencement of any period of residence shall be the day after the date of receipt by the FIDE Secretariat of notification of change of Federation.
2.7 Any protest submitted to the FIDE Secretariat regarding transfers must be accompanied with a protest fee of €500, which shall be refundable, if the protest is upheld. The Presidential Board shall decide upon all protests.
3. Entries and Eligibility for Participation in Official FIDE Competitions
3.1 The rules in this section on entries for participation in official FIDE competitions and the eligibility of players to represent a Federation shall apply to all official FIDE competitions at world level, including all Continental events that are qualifying competitions for World events.
3.2 Entries
3.2.1 All entries for participation in official FIDE individual and team competitions shall be made by the respective Federations only.
3.2.2 Players with personal right of entry (such as FIDE rating or qualification from another event) or nominees (such as by the President or Organiser) may, in the absence of an entry by the Federation, enter himself directly into such competition, provided that the player shall be personally liable for any financial obligations to FIDE in respect of such entry.
3.3 Eligibility
3.3.1 A player is eligible to participate in official FIDE competitions and qualifies to represent a Federation at any time only if he or she is registered under that Federation.

Full document HERE.

IM Oliver Dimakiling

Next to GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr., the other best Filipino performer in the concluded 4th PGMA Cup was IM Oliver Dimakiling.

Dimakiling finished the event at No.8 overall with 6.0 points, same output as Antonio's and only half a point off the eventual champion GM Anton Filippov of Uzbekistan.

He erected a respectable +4-1=4 performance, with the only loss suffered in the hands of compatriot, World Chess Championship-bound Antonio.

His 4th PGMA Cup campaign was highligted by his final round win over GM KOSTENKO Pyotr of Kazakhstan. Let's watch his games (NOTE: You need to have java installed in your computer to view the games).

Chessbomb

This one is awesome! A real explosive indeed.

Chessdom has partnered with the Chessbomb team to offer multi live games from tournaments with human commentary and engine analysis. Check the full news HERE.

As I've been saying here, technology does wonders in improving sports experience for better enjoyment.

The first event to be featured in this new functionality of Chessdom will be the European team chess championship 2009 in Novi Sad. Wow!

The beauty of this new revolution is that it is offered for free. No registration at all is needed. All we have to do is enjoy the live games. This development is a big slap to chess sites like chessgames.com which require paid premium membership to be able to enjoy live chess games coverage. Well, I just hope that this functionality always stay for FREE.

So next time that GM Wesley So gets featured again at Chessdom, it would certainly be a better experience to relish.

The chess world must be thankful for this is another leap of chess technology for chess lovers to enjoy.

Paragua rules 1st Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup Open Rapid Chess Championships

Top finishers:

Champion: GM Mark Paragua (6.5 points)
1st Runner-up: GM-elect Ronald Dableo (6.0)
2nd Runner-up: GM Darwin Laylo (6.0)
3rd Runner-up: GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (5.5)
4th Runner-up(?): NM Ronald Llavanes (5.5)
5th Runner-up(?): NM Dennis Gutierrez (5.5)

Category winners:

Romy Fagon (7.0) - Under 16
Heirry Manoloto (6.5) - Under 12


By: Marlon Bernardino

GM Mark Callano Paragua turned back National Master (NM) Haridas Pascua in the seventh and final round in to snare the title and the top prize of P10,000 in the just concluded inaugural Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup Open Rapid Chess Championships held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan, over the weekend.

The Tondo, Manila born Paragua, the 2003 Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete prevailed with the white pieces after 40 moves of Reti Opening to finish undefeated in the two-day (October 24 and 25) tournament with a total 6.5 points on account of six wins and a draw, organized by Menard Pulido, the founder/ Executive Vice President, Pangasinan Chess Association; Vice President-NAPCA Northern Luzon, Vice President PACE Northern Luzon and Coordinator of NCFP in Pangasinan.

After winning the first three rounds against the local player here in Pangasinan, Paragua subdued NM Allan Macalla in the fourth, drew with fellow GM Rogelio “Joey”Antonio Jr., in the fifth, then toppled Dick Gicain in the sixth before humbling NM Pascua in the seventh round enroute to the championship’s trophy.

“Suwerte lamang po,” said the 2009 Asian Indoor games qualifying round champion Paragua, the first Filipino to reach super grandmaster status, who is aiming to put the Philippines in the world chess map once again as he tries to break the Guinness simultaneous chess world record on December 26 to 27, 2009 at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Meanwhile,Grandmasters (GMs) Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo settled second and third placers with 6.0 points each followed by fourth placer GM Antonio with 5.5 points here in Gov. Espino chess. Also with 5.5 points were National Masters (NMs) Ronald Llavanes and Dennis Gutierrez.

Romy Fagon (7.0 points) captured the 16-year-old and below while Heirry Manoloto (6.5 points) won the 12-yeard-old and below.

Halloween chess

Ever thought of a good strategy to frighten your opponent during a chess game to win? How about halloween chess?

Perhaps the more scary you look, the bigger your chance is in disturbing your opponent. I think this kind of funny event is best done at night in a haunted house, haha.

The Meralco Chess Club (MCC) has been staging this kind of funny chess events. I don't know if they will hold one this October 31.

The photos below were the winning participants in the past Halloween chess organized by MCC. I'm not sure if the medals mean "winning the best costume" or best actual games over the board.

PGNs of 5th Pichay Cup

I keep on revisiting the official website of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) to check for the complete PGN files (Round 1 to 9) of the 5th Pichay Cup.

I do it everyday, only to see the unchanged Round 1 and Round 2 PGN files. It's been almost three weeks since the awarding ceremony of that international event. (NOTE: The 4th PGMA Round 1 PGN file was erroneously uploaded instead of the Round 1 PGN file of the 5th Pichay Cup).

Does anybody from the NCFP care about uploading the complete PGN games of the prestigious Pichay Cup?

Were the score sheets washed away by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng?

Frankly, uploading the PGN games of the Pichay Cup - an international chess event - may be the only good way for the NCFP to serve the chess community.

Please don't deny the chess community of that joy and service.

Nagcarlan, Laguna Chess Tournament

(IN PHOTO: Palarong Pambansa silver Medalist Michelle Yaon)

Young Calamba woodpushers dominated the Nagcarlan, Laguna Chess Tournament held last October, with four of them getting the 1-2 top rankings in the KIDDIES and JUNIORS categories.

Youth chess programs in Laguna have been so active lately. May their good programs continue and hopefully produce future GMs. Congratulations!! (My thanks to Mr. Anthony Navarro for the info.)

Top finishers:

KIDDIES (12 Under)

Champion - Vladimir Gonzales (Calamba)
1st Runner-up - Jomar Mendiogarin (Calamba)
2nd Runner-up - Renato Flores

JUNIORS (18 Under)

Champion - Mark Tañamor (Calamba)
1st Runner-up - Michelle Yaon (Calamba)
2nd Runner-up - Isaac Piccio (Los Baños)

1st "Tulak Mo, Sulong Ko" tourney

By: Marlon Bernardino

More than 150 woodpushers from Metropolis will see action in the first "Tulak Mo...Sulong Ko”, One Manila non-master chess tournament this Sunday, October 25, 10 am at the SM Manila.

Adamson University head coach Christopher Rodriguez, member of the organizing One Manila chess group said, that the one-day tournament is open to all non-master chess players with the champion getting the lion share of P10,000 plus trophy, runner-up pockets P7,000, third place gets P5,000, fourth place will bring home P3,000 and fifth places takes P1,000. Sixth to tenth placers will also receive P500 each.

Also at stake are the category winners for the top lady, top kiddie (12 years old and below), top junior (18 years old and below) and top senior (50 years old and up) will receive P1,000 each.

Call or text at 0919 655 1973, 0921 274 0053 and 0915 390 6072 for added details.

1st Student Chess Olympics

By: Roland Joseph Perez

Chess Universe City (CUC) proudly brings you its…

1st Student Chess Olympics ‘09
(Non-Masters)

Date, Time, Venue:
November 22, 2009, 10am – 6pm
SM Megamall A – 2nd Floor Showcase Area
Format: 7-Round Swiss for each category (College, Secondary, Elementary)
Open to ages between 13 and 21 y/o, a must to bring school I.D. and copy of birth cert on Nov 22.

To register, SEND the following information:

FULL NAME: (surname, first name, middle initial) example: De la Cruz, Juan
NAME OF SCHOOL: example: Chess University
CATEGORY AND LEVEL (Grade, Year level) example: College 1st year, High School 4th year, Grade 3
BIRTHDAY: example: Dec 25, 1995

Text it to 09234427688 or 09322098368 OR / AND EMAIL it to UniverseCITY.secretariat@gmail.com OR / AND CALL , Makati Office (02) 893 89 09

Deposit the Registration fee at BDO’s 185 branches nationwide from as early as 8:00am to as late as 7:00pm! Take note that BDO banks in SM Malls are open even on weekends making your payment easier.

Click the link for BDO's banking days and hours.

http://www.bdo.com.ph/branches/bdo_branches_pop.htm

Bank details:

PLEASE TEXT 09234427688 or 09322098368 for the Bank Account Name and Number OR DOWNLOAD the registration form at the link below where the details are included.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=e03ddd8ae4ce1e92d0d290dca69ceb5ce04e75f6e8ebb871

Registration Fee: Php 200.00 (October 9 to 30)
Php 250.00 (October 31 to Nov13)
Php 300.00 (Nov14 to Nov20)

Deadline of Registration: November 20, 2009

Please TEXT the amount, time, and branch as soon as possible at the cell numbers mentioned above. PLEASE KEEP THE MACHINE VALIDATED DEPOSIT SLIP AND BRING IT ON NOV 22 to get your official receipt.

Filled up the form will get freebies through your emails.

This event will be handled by The Great Events Plus Phil. Inc.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Makati-Philippines/The-Great-Events-Plus-Phil-Inc/52728169893?v=wall

MAJOR PRIZES

COLLEGE (21 years old and below)
P6,000 +Medals
P3,000 +Medals
P2,000 +Medals
P1,000
P500
HIGHSCHOOL (17 years old and below)
P5,000 +Medals
P3,000 +Medals
P2,000 +Medals
P1,000
P500
GRADESCHOOL (13 years old and below)
P4,000 +Medals
P3,000 +Medals
P2,000 +Medals
P1,000
P500

CATEGORY and SPECIAL PRIZES

College
· Best 4th Year and Up – P500
· Best 3rd Year – P500
· Best 2nd Year – P500
· Best 1st Year – P500

High School
· Best 4th Year – P500
· Best 3rd Year – P500
· Best 2nd Year – P500
· Best 1st Year – P500

Grade School
· Best Grade 6 – P500
· Best Grade 5 – P500
· Best Grade 4 – P500
· Best Grade 3 – P500
· Best Grade 2 – P500
· Best Grade 1 – P500

BEST COACH PER CATEGORY
College: P3,000
High School: P2,500
Grade School: P2,000

COACH WITH THE MOST NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1st: P3,000
2nd: P2,000
3rd: P1,000

ONLY 400 participants will be accepted.

The first 100registrants will get freebies and discounts. (ebooks,programs,videos etc)

Registration Fee: Php 200.00 (October 9 to 30)
Php 250.00 (October 31 to Nov13)
Php 300.00 (Nov14 to Nov20)

Deadline of Registration: November 20, 2009

GM Mark Paragua tries to break Guinness simul chess world record dubbed as "1 vs 600: Beat the Mark"

PHOTO shown (from left to right) Albert Rivera, RP and US Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Robert Racasa, GM Mark Paragua, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Ms. Cynthia Carrion and Noli Cruz during a courtesy call of the organizing group Touch of Gold Enterprises at the Department of Tourism in T. M. Kalaw, Manila.

By: Marlon Bernardino

Mark Paragua, the first Filipino to reach super grandmaster status, aims to put the Philippines in the world chess map once again as he tries to break the Guinness simultaneous chess world record on December 27 to 28, 2009.

The two-day event will be held at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium or San Andres Gymnasium in Manila.

“The ultimate test for mind and body endurance dubbed as “1 vs. 600: Beat the MARK” will pit the young grandmaster against 600 players at the same time. There will also be 400 reserves for a total of 1,000 opposing players present during the event.” Said journalist Noli Sangil Cruz.

The current record is held by Iranian GM Morteza Mahjoob, who faced 500 opponents simultaneously last August 13, 2009 at the Engelab Sports Complex in Tehran, Iran.

The Guinness World Record for the largest number of simultaneous games played in a single session was initially set in 1996 Swedish Grandmaster Ulf Anderson, who took on 310 opponents. This record was broken in 2004 by British IM Andrew Martin, author of many of our openings training DVDs. Martin played against 321 opponents, scoring 294 wins, 26 draws and 1 loss for a winning percentage of 95.64%. In August 2005 GM Susan Polgar played against 350 players simultaneously at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Finally, in February this year, Bulgarian GM Kiril Georgiev played a simultaneous exhibition against 360 opponents before broke by Morteza.

Paragua’s second/ trainer will be Asia’s First GM Eugene Torre and World Chess Cup bound GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. in the event organized by Touch of Gold Enterprises in close cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Manila Sports Council (MASCO) Chairman Niño dela Cruz, City of Manila, Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/ President Hector "Chito" Tagaysay and Meralco Chess Club.

Wilfredo “Willie” Abalos of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) will head the list of International arbiters (IA) that includes Gene Poliarco, national masters Erwin Carag and Elias Lao along with RP six-time executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor. For inquiries, you can call or text mobile no. 0919 849 3648 for complete details.

Notable games of GM Wesley So

I would like to present here the collection of replayable, notable games of GM Wesley So as chosen at chessgames.com. Enjoy!! (NOTE: You need java installed in your computer to view the games.)

RP's participation in international events

Now it's official. The Philippines has no representative to the World Junior Chess Championship 2009 in Argentina. No RP entry was paired in Round 1 of WJCC 2009.

The first to skip was GM Wesley So - for a good reason. He has to attend to his studies to be able to graduate in high school this year. Nothing beats a good education.

The supposed participation of RP's reigning junior national champions Paulo James Florendo (Boys) and Jedara Docena (Girls), who earned their WJCC slots for winning the national junior championship in Aklan early this year, didn't materialize.

At least, the reason for Wesley's non-paricipation in WJCC 2009 was clear and well announced.

With the case of Florendo and Docena, only heaven knows.

Of course, we would like to see at least a Filipino warrior battling for the Philippine flag in that world event.

What about the country's participation in the Asian Indoors which will take place in the first week of November in Vietnam? WFM Catherine Pereña, WFM Shercila Cua, WIM Cristine Mariano, WIM Beverly Mendoza, GM Mark Paragua, GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr., IM Rolando Nolte, GM Jayson Gonzales burned their skin in the qualifying stage to get there.

Remember that the NCFP had already spent a lot in staging regional eliminations for the Asian Indoors event. Let's all hope that all the preparations won't go for naught, too.

The signs are bad. Remember that none of our female Asian Indoor qualifiers joined the 4th PGMA Cup and the 5th Pichay Cup, which could have been their good training regimen for the Asian Indoors. At least, the NCFP had required them to participate with it shouldering all the expenses.

And how about the country's participation in World Youth Chess Championships (WYCC) in Turkey also in November?

Is money really the problem?

Not sending any representative to the World Junior Chess Championship? My heart goes for Florendo and Docena for ending up on an empty cloud.

Not sending the RP delegation to the Asian Indoors? I think the NCFP/PSC can, and in fact, should make ways to be able to wave the Philippine flag in that international event.

Not sending the RP delegation to the World Youth meet? Oh no, please. Let's say we can forego WJCC and the Asian Indoors, although still unacceptable, but not the World Youth.

Let's say the NCFP is really short on budget and is making a difficult decision on which one event to support. Choosing among the three events, the NCFP may forego WJCC and the Asian Indoors (I repeat, this is unacceptable) but not the World Youth.

Banking on the youth is still the best option. And somebody may commend the NCFP if indeed this scenario is what to take place.

Fine for late?

This one is totally ugly!

Just imagine the Presidential Board of FIDE submitting a proposal "that players who fail to appear at the start of a game, not only lose the game by default, but also give them a penalty of € 500 (a second time € 1.000 and a third time € 2.000)."

Good enough, this proposal met a lot of opposition.

As if the torturous pain from the zero default time rule weren't painful enough, FIDE's Presidential Board was still able to have the guts to come up with such a demonic proposal.

Thinking that the main motive behind the proposal was to generate revenues (which the zero default time doesn't do) makes it more out of this world. If international players are already burdened by air fares, registration fees, accommodation expenses and so on, what more with this kind of proposal if passed?

I have yet to hear a tournament here in the Philippines implementing the zero default time system. I hope not to hear such a thing in local tournaments.

In the first place - as I view it - the zero default system is already uncalled for. I guess the allowable defaulting time for a tournament game is humane enough.

I first heard of that strict system being used was from a tournament in China, with no less than GM Hou Yifan as the victim.

Isn't China a communist state? FIDE's Presidential Board might be believers of communism.

Campomanes seriously ill?

It was reported that FIDE Honorary President Campomanes skipped the FIDE Executive Board meeting in Halkidiki, Greece last October 16 to 17 because of "serious health problems." If true, prayers from the local chess community might help.

1st NM Cabrido Memorial Chess Cup participants

Presenting the young faces of a number of the country's best and brightest in Philippine youth chess. These kids engaged in a highly competitive battle in the 1st NM Cabrido Memorial Chess Cup held in Meralco in Ortigas.

Simply click on photos to enlarge. MORE PHOTOS TO COME . . .

Complete games of GM Antonio in the 4th PGMA Cup

I am presenting here the complete games (Round 6 missing) of GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in the 4th PGMA Cup Open where he emerged as the top Filipino player and ranked No.7 overall, only half a point off the champion. Notably, he finished the tournament unbeaten. Let's watch his games: (NOTE: You need java installed in your computer to view the games.)

No Pinoy in World Junior Chess Championship?

One of our readers commented that Paulo James Florendo and Jedara Docena will not join the World Junior Chess Championship 2009.

Well, I had that very strong notion, too. Not surprising in fact.

If it is true that the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is indeed having a difficult time awarding the cash prizes to the local participants in the most recent international chess tournament as allegedly reported, logic follows that Florendo and Docena CANNOT fly to Argentina to banner the Philippine Flag in the WJCC.

Add the fact that the country has been badly hit lately by back-to-back strong typhoons.

Although the Philippines abounds with chess jewels, we lack a truly dependable chess organization that can make them glow.

Paulo James Florendo to banner RP flag in World Junior Chess Championships

With GM Wesley So skipping the World Junior Chess Championship 2009, the mission to carry the Philippine Flag in this prestigious, competitive event will now rest on the shoulders of the 2009 National Juniors Chess Championship titlist Paulo James Florendo for the Boys category.

Florendo will join Jedara Docena who will represent the country in the Girls Category of WJCC 2009.

The two got the WJCC 2009 slots after bagging their respective category in the National Junior Chess Championship held in Aklan early this year.

The chess pride of Zamboanga City and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering (BSCE) student of Rizal Technological University (RTU), Florendo had already represented the country in international chess tournaments before, including the 8th ASEAN Age Group where he snatched a gold medal in the Rapid Under-18 category.

He also represented the Philippines in the 18-and-under category of the 2007 World Youth Chess Championships in Antalya, Turkey where he finished No.32 out of 114 players. In that event, he scored 6.5 points in 11 rounds.

Let's have a peek of his game which he played at the 2007 WYCC:

GM Wesley So skips World Junior Chess Championships

After the long wait and suspense, the camp of GM Wesley So - the best Filipino chess player the Philippines has ever produced so far - finally announced that Wesley will skip the Word Junior Chess Championships that is scheduled to take place from October 21 to November in Argentina.

Reason? "Wesley is busy with his studies. He must graduate this year. This is a sacrifice for a better future," kibitzed Mrs. Leny So, the very supportive mother of Wesley, over the Barangay Wesley page at chessgames.com.

Mother knows best, of course.

Life is not all chess in the first place.

Don't get me wrong, though. For GM Wesley to concentrate on chess is good enough. Chess belongs to him as exactly as he belongs to chess. Wesley is chess as chess is Wesley.

But for him to widen his horizon in knowing and living other aspects of life other than chess will surely make him more confident and complete.

Although Wesley fans are demanding (haha) for Wesley's performance in chess, they are understanding and caring as well. So even if they don't see Wesley play in WJCC 2009, they will surely be comforted by knowing that their Philippine chess hero excels too in school.

Prediction: GM Wesley So to graduate this year with all his fans beaming with pride and happiness at the graduation ceremony hall.

See you there!!

Docena tops 1st NM Cabrido Memorial Chess Cup

The 2007 Asean Age group silver medalist Jerad Docena nipped RP's reigning 12-Under Boys champion Paulo Bersamina in the championship round to rule the 1st NM Cabrido Memorial Chess Cup - which served to be a weekend crossroad of a number of the country's best and brightest in youth chess - held in Meralco, Ortigas last Sunday.

After the cross-over semifinal round, Docena and Bersamina met each other in the final round to engage in a hardly fought tactical battle in the endgame. The World Youth-bound Bersamina misfired in the course of the endgame and shook the hands of Docena to settle for first runner up.

Docena took home the gold medal plus P1,000 cash prize for ruling the tough event. Bersamina, on the other hand, was awarded with the silver medal and a P700 cash incentive.

In the fight for 2nd runner-up, RP's reigning Under-14 Girl champion and World Youth-bound Jean Karen Enriquez subdued 2009 National Age Group silver medalist Daryl Unix Samantila to bring home the bronze medal and P500 cash prize. Samantila also brought home P500.

Docena and Bersamina beat Enriquez and Samantila in the semifinal cross-over round.

Notably, the rising-star, Turkey-bound Karen topped the five-round eliminations with a superb performance of 4.5/5 before the cross-over semifinal round.

2009 Palarong Pambansa silver medalist Michelle Yaon, who was tied with four others with 4.0 points after five rounds, fell short of making it to the top four for the semis due to inferior tiebreak points. Michelle finished strong in 5th place after the elimination round.

After the five-round elimination, it was Karen Enriquez, Daryl Unix Samantila, Paulo Bersamina, Jerad Docena, Michelle Yaon, and Jerome Saltorio in that order.

10th Asean Age Group Chess championship bronze medalist Dennis Guttierez, Jr. settle for 13th place with 3.5 points.

Antipolo City Inter-School ruler Renato Cruz, Jr. and third-placer Virgen Gil Ruaya finished No.12 and No.11, respectively.

Category winners were Rhal Sol Cruz (Best Meralco Kiddie), Jolina Saltorio (Best Meralco Lady), and Jerome Saltorio (Best Meralco High School).

NM Andrew Vasquez served as the chief arbiter with the help of journalist NM Marlon Bernardino and International Arbiter NM Erwin Carag.

The highly competitive field was punctuated by the visit of chess academician GM Bong Villamayor who intently observed the games.

Meralco Chess Club president Rolly Sol Cruz and Mr. Lilet Bersamina were the prime movers behind this successful event which was put up to honor the late NM Cabrido who worked for and one of the pillars of MCC.

Cabrido is best remembered as the Filipino who taught world champion GM Viswanathan Anand to play chess when Anand's family was still based in the Manila in the 80’s.

FINAL RANKINGS
Champion - Jerad Docena
1st Runner-up - Paulo Bersamina
2nd Runner-up - Jean Karen Enriquez
3rd Runner-up - Daryl Unix Samantila

INTERIM RANKINGS AFTER THE FIVE-ROUND ELIMINATIONS

Rg. Name Pkte
1 Enriquez Karen 4½
2 Samantila Daryl Unix 4
3 Bersamina Paulo 4
4 Docena Jerad 4
5 Yaon Michelle 4
6 Saltorio Jerome 4
7 Cerrado Jo Nikka 3½
8 Viernes Tucker Howard 3½
9 De Jesus Normel 3
10 Saltorio Jefferson 3
11 Ruaya Virgen Gil 3
12 Cruz Renato 3
13 Gutierrez III Dennis 3
14 Docena Jesca 3
15 Gravillo Narciso 3
16 Monteza Jomarie 3
17 De Leon Luke Matthew 2½
18 Sol Cruz Rhal 2½
19 Gutierrez Dennis Jr 2
20 Alcantara Michael 2
21 Marcos Jett 2
22 Patindol Kenneth 2
23 Marcos JV 2
24 Abajon Jonalyn 2
25 Saltorio Jolina 2
26 Salazar John Emil 2
27 Gutierrez Mikaela 1½
28 Bermejo D3 1½
29 Espada Jenny 1½
30 Go Keith Stephanie 1
31 Go Patricia Stephanie 1
32 Soto Lyzza Marie 1
33 Serwelas Mike Gerald ½
34 Retonda Raymart Aaron ½



Some of the participants (winners with medals) with NM Andrew Vasquez, NM Marlon Bernardino and NM Erwin Carag



Final round: Paulo vs Jerad. Father and son Rolly and Rhal view the games from opposite sides.



Semifinal actions: Paulo Bersamina vs Daryl Samantila (foreground) and Jerad Docena vs Karen Enriquez



Special category prize winners, from left: Rhal Sol Cruz (Best Meralco Grade School), Jolina Saltorio (Best Meralco Lady), and Jerome Saltorio (Best Meralco High School)



GM Bong Villamayor dropped by the playing venue and watched the kids play



NM Andrew Vasquez closely supervises the games


Actions in the elimination rounds

La Salle Greenhills tops inter-school chess

By: Marlon Bernardino

THE La Salle Greenhills (LSGH) Grade School Chess Team emerged as over-all champion in the 1st EHSL Chess Team Leaque on Saturday at the Perez Building in Paranaque City.

Playing under the watchful eye of head coach NM Erwin Carag, the team is composed of Giovannie Mejia who bagged the board one gold medal, Luke Matthew de Leon, Earl Michael Tinaza, Arturo “D3” Bermejo III, and board number 5 gold medalist Dominique Dave de Leon.

Placing second in the grade school section is Father Simpliciano Academy followed by St. Andrew’s School-Paranaque.

Actually, LSGH and Father Simpliciano Academy, tallied identical 14.5 points apiece, however the former (LSGH) took the title vie winner over the other tie break points.

In the High School Division, Dr. Arcado Santos High School Acdemy captured the title, followed by Paranaque Science High School in second place. Third place went to LSGH powered by Trio Ramos and the gold medal performance of Mikey Ramos in board 4.

The chess event is conceptualized by Dr. Bong Perez. LSGH is being coached by multi-awarded NM/IA Erwin Carag, assisted by RP and US Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. and NA Roy Madayag. Program Manager is Mr. Victorino Lahoz and wife Mrs.Vicky Lahoz are extremely glad with LSGH’s latest feat.

Coach Carag added that they are dedicating their win to Brother Rolly Dizon and praying of his fast recovery from his sickness. “We also sympathize with all our countryman and chess players who greatly affected by the recent typhoon, floods and landslides,” said Carag.