Paragua tops 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight Chess Championships

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua extended his winning streak in the United States as he emerged as the overall champion in the recently held 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight Chess Championships in New York City, USA.

The third seed Paragua, the 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete subdued top seed American International Master (IM) Alexander Lenderman in the fourth and final round to finish unbeaten with 4 points in four outings.

The Meycauyan-Marilao ace Paragua, whose stint here is backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President/ Chairman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/ President Hector "Chito" Tagaysay and New York Immigration lawyer Gerry Albano, ealier beat Scot Elheny, IM Oliver Chernin and GM Jay Bonin of the United States, respectively.

The former child prodigy Paragua, the 1998 Disneyland, Paris, France World Rapid Under-14 champion also settled runner-up place over eventual champion GM Bonin a few days later in the event dubbed as 4 Rated Games.