The first day of the All In Sports-Expo 2010 Open Rapid Chess Championship saw a number of surprises that tell so much of the bright future of Philippine chess.
First, the country's reigning 12-Under prince Paulo Bersamina held IM Richard Bitoon to a draw in a "cardiac" end-game battle with each player's time almost flagging down (Round 2).
Second, age-group campaigner Jerad Docena, playing with Black, downed GM Darwin Laylo, who hasn't probably recovered yet from his unsuccessful campaign in Aeroflot Open 2010 in Moscow, Russia, in Board 3 (Round 2).
And to the surprise of many, including me, the country's Numero Uno GM Wesley So lost to NM Llavanes in Board 1 (Round 3).
Interesting Day One, which set the tone - I hope - for the rest of the remaining rounds.
Based on my own observaration, a number of young participants are playing in the event, holding their own ground against more experienced opponents in a tournament that drew the top players of the country.
I heard interesting comments from uzis ("usesero" or kibitzers) like "Dugo ang ilong ng mga GMs ngayon;" "Galing ng mga bata;" "Walang GM-GM;" etc.
Four rounds were played today (Feb. 27). The remaining rounds will be played tomorrow at the same venue (canteen of PSC.) A total of 175 players joined this event which guarantees P30,000 to the champion. How should I say it? Standing Room Only (SRO)? No Vacancy? All Seats and Tables Taken? Oh yes, the venue was filled with participants - and uzis.
I already said it here but let me say it again: the secret for a local tournament to be successful is to invite GM Wesley So to play. Got the logic?
I left the venue while Round 4 had barely started so I don't have the rankings yet. I'll bring to you the complete details hopefully tomorrow.
GM Wesley So (in white shirt with RP flag) in a losing position in Board 1 against NM Llavanes (hidden). Mr. Victor Diokno, Wesley's avid fan from NAIA (the one in blue shirt with stripes), eagerly looks on.
NM Llavanes (hidden from his hand, with long sleeves) delights the crowd with his post-game analysis of his win over RP's Number One 
GM Darwin Laylo (in green) vs his tormentor in Round 2, the small kid Jerad Docena
RP's three-time age-group ruler Paulo Bersamina displays his thrilling end-game skills against IM Bitoon to an exciting draw 
Jan Jodilyn Fronda vs GM Joey Antonio in Board 2!
The jam-packed venue
Barangay Wesley members Tedceldor and Sugardom at the venue, always supporting GM Wesley So win or lose.
3 Comments:
Nice fresh news. If I'm not mistaken, said NM Llavanes usually gives GM Wes a hard time. Think sa Paranaque Open ba yun sa SM Sucat,naka-draw and it was also a rapid event?
Baka IM strength talaga siya, lying low lang?
good article...nicely done! that's what rapid games are all about...prepared lines win games in tournament like this!... bawi ako tomorrow...hehehe
Nice pics, I saw them na, nicely packed.
I think aside from GM Wes, the juicy prizes were attractive
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