Singapore chess release from NCFP

SINGAPORE – The father and son tandem of FIDE Master Hamed and Alekhine Nouri extended their Christmas celebration here with similar convincing victories in the Singapore International Chess Festival.

The elder Hamed trounced Sitorus Sangga in the 8^th Singapore Open while his little boy defeated Alexander Chan in the Open Under-8 division of the 2^nd Singapore International Youth Championships late Monday at the Jurong East Sports Complex.

Grandmaster Richard Bitoon also shared the spotlight by winning his opening match in the 2^nd ASEAN Men Campomanes Cup. The pride of Cebu manhandled International Master Kevin Goh to join fellow GMs Susanto Megaranto and Sang Cao on top.

But the day, make that the tournament in general, clearly belongs to the youth.

The Filipinos made a good account of themselves in the eight age divisions slated in the weeklong event.

Vince Angelo Medina downed Ryan Chin and Marc Christian Nazario toppled Azhar Muhammad Syakir Shazmeer in the Open U-17; FIDE Master Paulo Bersamina got the better of Jarrel Bin and Jerad Docena won over Han Tong Joon in the Open U-14; Woman FIDE Master Marie Antoinette San Diego scalped Freya Ho in the Girls U-14; Daniel John Lemi thrashed Lew Zhi Hong, Emanuel Van Paler beat Bhaven Jay Shah, Istraelito Rilloraza outwitted Abhimanyu Anna, Joshua Tan clobbered Keven Yong Jun Chua

Julius Gonzales subdued Zhou Zhiangheng in the Open U-11; Ronald Canino nipped Cyrus Nisban in the Open U-8; and Me Ann Joy Baclayon crushed Cleo Ng and Jerly Mae San Diego topped Janice Choy in the Girls U-8.

 

National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay lauded the effort of the country’s rising chess stars.

 

“Kahit kakatapos pa lang ng Pasko diretso pa rin sa pagpupursige ang mga batang players natin para maging mabigyan ng karangalan ang ating bansa,” Pichay said. “Sa ipinapakita nilang magandang attitude, sigurado ako na malayo ang mararating nila.”

 

The other Filipino winners were Alex Milagrosa and Roberto Suelo, Jr. in the Open. Milagrosa took the measure of John Lee while Suelo outmaneuvered Srivatanakul Pricha. Unrated Jelvis Calvelo joined the party by holding Malaysia’s national champion Lim Zhuo Ren.

Mandaluyong advances in Inter-Cities

TANAUAN CITY – Powerhouse Mandaluyong City clinched a spot in the crossover semifinals following a 3-1 victory over Tandag City Sunday in the 2011 National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championship at the Tanuan Event Center here. Barring a lopsided loss in the final round against Tanauan City-Shopper’s Mart and a huge win by Bacolod Negros/Nica against Tandag, Mandaluyong would be the number one seed in the crossover semifinals. The team supported by Mayor Benhur Abalos, Jr. and Rep. Neptali Gonzales II banked on FIDE Master David Elorta and Francis Glen Panes to remain perfect after six rounds and maintain solo leadership with 12 points. Elorta, a renowned blitz player, stamped his class over International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia on board two while Panes toppled Jimson Bitoon on board three. Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio halved the point with fellow GM Richard Bitoon on board one while Jose Vito Tapulgo salvaged a draw from a losing position against Sherwin Tiu to complete Mandaluyong’s conquest. The team’s vaunted middle of the order also provided the winning blow against Tanauan City-FAITH in the fifth round late Saturday. Elorta stunned IM Rolando Nolte while Panes downed Andrew Casiano. Their effort didn’t go unappreciated. “My teammates are carrying the load for me,” said Antonio. “Medyo relax ako sa laro kasi confident ako na kaya nilang umiskor ng panalo.” Bacolod swept Lima-Malvar, Batangas, 4-0, to maintain solo possession of second spot with 10 points. Tanauan City-Shopper’s Mart shocked pre-tournament favorite Tagaytay City, 2.5-1.5, to stay in the hunt with nine points. Also in contention for the remaining three spots with identical nine points were Tandag, San Juan City-B and FEU-Manila. San Juan City-B trounced Bohol-Matwood, 3-1, while FEU-Manila beat Tanauan, 2.5-1.5.

What’s with Korea Electronics Show 2011?

Brace yourselves because the Korea’s biggest electronics show is coming, the Korea Electronics Show 2011! Here, the biggest Korean electronic brands will showcase their newly-released gadgets such as cell phones, Ipad, laptops, computers and much more.

Smart Korea Conference

KES 2011 will also highlight the future government policies regarding IT. Different ministries and government institutions are expected to participate including Ministries of Defense, Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. They will be looking for IT solutions for their respective fields.

This 42^nd Korea Electronics Show will begin on October 12 and end on October 14 this year. This will be a three-day extravaganza that will also introduce the IT icons of Korea.   

Likeable Korea

There are many reasons why I like visiting Korea in the future. First, I would like to see my students. I worked in a Korean company as an online English teacher and I’ve had many Korean students who became close to me. Each of them used to ask me when I will visit them. Well, My students live in different parts of Korea so when I get there, I may have a nationwide tour lol!!!

Next, I want to see the beautiful places in Korea especially the parks, mountains, beaches and islands. I have a student who lives in Jeju Island. He said that there is a lovely mountain there in the middle of the island that is popular among skiers and hikers. Then, I’d like to go to Seoul and see the Cheongwadae (Blue House); the Korean presidential residence.



Finally, I want to buy gadgets and electronic appliances in Korea because a friend said that Koreans prioritize the quality of their products. I can buy affordable and yet high quality gadgets in Korean Electronics market wohooo.

Visit the Korea Electronics Show 2011

The last year’s KES was a huge success (click here to view) and I’m pretty sure that it will be more successful this year (view the brochure of KES 2011 here).The show will be held in places such as KINTEX and Times Square at Yeongdeungpo. Again, it will be on October 12-14 2011and I have a good news, smartphone app will be released soon for KES 2011! Yeehaw!

Visit this page http://www.koreaittimes.com/story/16261/electronics-extravaganza-october

KES Official Facebook Page : http://www.facebook.com/kes.org

KES Official Twitter : http://twitter.com/kes_info

  

Cruz tops media chess tilt

REMATE Online editor Noli Cruz ruled the 1-ProDem Press Freedom Cup at the National Press Club (NPC) canteen in Intramuros, Manila on Sunday (September 25).

The pride of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro actually ended in a tie for first place with Elech Dawa of Remate/Hataw, Celso Quijano of Manila Bulletin/Tempo and Orlando Primo of X-Files/Police Files with 4.0 points.

But Cruz, a former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) chess team stalwart, got the champion’s trophy for besting second placer Dawa, third placer Quijano and fourth placer Primo in the tiebreak.

Genie Villota of Remate/Aksiyon, Arce Cortez of Pinoy Journalismo Bulacan and Ian Piedad of Balita shared fifth to seventh places with 3.0 points.

Tying for eight to 10^th places were Michelle Borlongan of Bulacan Herald, Maria Angela Gonzales and Jun Borlongan of Bulgar.

Villota and Cortez shared the top senior player award while Michelle and Maria Angela shared the top lady award.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Executive Director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and Dr. John Teope of 1-Prodem attended the opening ceremonies of the tournament to give inspirational messages to the participants.

The one-day tournament sponsored by the 1st Philippine Pro-Democracy Foundation, Inc. in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), National Press Club (NPC) and the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) applied the Swiss System format with 25-minute time control. Marlon Bernardino

Achieving Clean and Green Environment with B2B Marketplace

“Nature” refers to the development of physical world and to life in general. We only have one Earth and there’s no substitute to it. Since our planet is the only one capable in supporting life, we have to take care of it. Human beings are the ones responsible in taking care of our planet. On the other hand, it is also us; human beings are responsible in degrading the nature. There are human activities that relatively affect the nature like quarrying, cutting of trees, polluting the air and water, littering the land and so on. 

According to historical data, the Earth degradation has started during the industrial revolution (18^th to 19^th century) and it becomes worse as the time passes by. As a result, climate change erupted and becomes a major problem that should be taken seriously into account.       

Climate change is a significant and long-lasting change into the weather pattern. It may also be associated to extreme weather conditions like the recent typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that directly hit the Philippines last 2009 that caused absolute devastation and major casualties (hundreds of lives and millions of pesos lost). Also, my friends in Korea and Japan told me that they experienced a shorter Spring and Autumn seasons last year. Many countries in the world also experience heatwave (during summer) and snowstorms (during winter). Catastrophes such as flash floods, acid rains, soil erosion, landslides and so on, are also associated to environmental degradation. This is something that we have to be taken seriously.

Scientific studies discovered that climate change cannot be solved and later on eliminated in just a short span of time. However, we can slower the progress of climate change by doing some necessary actions, so that the next generation people can still enjoy the nature. Good thing there are institutions like Korea Environmental Technology & Institute (KEITI) that seriously helps preserving and conserving the nature. In my browsing on YouTube last week, I discovered their video regarding Environment. It is with Korea Environmental Technology and Industry Institute.

KEITI is the institution that founded ECOTRADE. ECOTRADE is a Premiere Environmental B2B Marketplace that aims to improve and upgrade the quality of life by promoting eco-friendly products. You can visit their website at http://www.ecotrade.or.kr In this present day and age, Internet is the most reliable source of information and also used for e-Commerce and Trade. ECOTRADE is a virtual marketplace that gives you the option to take advantage to eco-friendly products in the convenience of your own home or office. To give you an idea about their latest products, they are listed below. Find Korea's latest environmental products and technology.

Wehew! There’s nothing you can ask for, from water to noise, Air to soil treatment…they are all here!!! So, if you are an environmental enthusiast, nature-lover and a more responsible citizen of the country, join me in supporting ECOTRADE!  

You can also support them simply by following them on their Facebook Fanpage and to their official YouTube Channel. Come on; let’s help our country and the world to save the nature and environment by supporting ECOTRADE. It’s a great feeling and a fulfillment to be a part of Earth conservation and preservation activities. Let’s make the Earth clean and green!              

ECOTRADE Facebook Fan Page:  http://www.facebook.com/ecotrade
ECOTRADE YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ecotrade2010 

So nears title

Individual standings after round 12:

8.5 – GM Wesley So
7.5 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre
7.0 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon

6.5 – IM Rolando Nolte
5.5 – GM Mark Paragua

5.0 – GM John Paul Gomez
4.5 –GM Rolando Barcenilla, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.5 – GM Roland Salvador
3.0 – IM Yves Ranola

 

GRANDMASTER Wesley So virtually wrapped up the title in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters Friday night at the National Press Club.

The three-time defending champion halved the point with former trainer International Master Richard Bitoon after 65 moves of Sicilian Defense to raise his total to 8.5 points and maintain a full point cushion heading into the 13^th and final round of the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

“I went for the win to clinch the title pero ‘di na kayang ipilit,” said So.

So needs only to draw his match against GM Darwin Laylo in the final round slated Saturday afternoon to emerge as solo champion for the fourth straight time in the Battle of the Grandmasters, a brainchild of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr.

GM Eugene Torre and IM Oliver Barbosa, So’s closest pursuers, failed to gain ground after settling for draws in the penultimate round.

Torre split the point with Laylo after 30 moves of King’s Indian Defense while Barbosa agreed to a truce with GM Joseph Sanchez.

The 59-year-old Torre will meet Sanchez while Barbosa will face GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in the final round.

After blowing his chances to get a GM norm with consecutive defeats, Nolte rebounded with back-to-back victories. He beat GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. in the 12^th round to push his total to 6.5 points.

Also making a late push was IM Yves Ranola, who scored his second straight win following a masterful 30-move conquest of GM Mark Paragua in their Reti Opening duel.

In other matches, Antonio drew with GM John Paul Gomez after 30 moves of French while GM Roland Salvador halved the point with Ateneo junior varsity standout IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

chess release para sa maaga magsara

Individual standings after round 12:

8.5 – GM Wesley So
7.5 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre
7.0 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon

6.5 – IM Rolando Nolte
5.5 – GM Mark Paragua

5.0 – GM John Paul Gomez
4.5 –GM Rolando Barcenilla, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.5 – GM Roland Salvador
3.0 – IM Yves Ranola

 

GRANDMASTER Wesley So virtually wrapped up the title in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters Friday night at the National Press Club.

The three-time defending champion halved the point with former trainer International Master Richard Bitoon after 65 moves of Sicilian Defense to raise his total to 8.5 points and maintain a full point cushion heading into the 13^th and final round of the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

“I went for the win to clinch the title pero ‘di na kayang ipilit,” said So.

So needs only to draw his match against GM Darwin Laylo in the final round slated Saturday afternoon to emerge as solo champion for the fourth straight time in the Battle of the Grandmasters, a brainchild of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr.

GM Eugene Torre and IM Oliver Barbosa, So’s closest pursuers, failed to gain ground after settling for draws in the penultimate round.

Torre split the point with Laylo after 30 moves of King’s Indian Defense while Barbosa agreed to a truce with GM Joseph Sanchez.

The 59-year-old Torre will meet Sanchez while Barbosa will face GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in the final round.

After blowing his chances to get a GM norm with consecutive defeats, Nolte rebounded with back-to-back victories. He beat GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. in the 12^th round to push his total to 6.5 points.

Also making a late push was IM Yves Ranola, who scored his second straight win following a masterful 30-move conquest of GM Mark Paragua in their Reti Opening duel.

In other matches, Antonio drew with GM John Paul Gomez after 30 moves of French while GM Roland Salvador halved the point with Ateneo junior varsity standout IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

So keeps lead; Torre wins

Men’s individual standings after round 11:

 

8.0 – GM Wesley So
7.0 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre
6.5 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon
5.5 – GM Mark Paragua, IM Rolando Nolte
4.5 – GM John Paul Gomez, GM Rolando Barcenilla
4.0 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.0 – GM Roland Salvador
2.0 – IM Yves Ranola

Women’s individual standings after round 9:

8.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose
6.5 – WNM Janelle Mae Frayna
6.0 – WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Jedara Docena, WIM Beverly Mendoza
5.0 – WIM Catherine Perena
4.0 – WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda
3.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego
2.5 – Jenny Rose Palomo, Shania Mae Mendoza, Mira Mirano
1.5 – Rowelyn Acedo

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua in the 11^th round yesterday in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.

 

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So after halving the point with Paragua in 31 moves of Catalan.

 

The 17-year-old raised his total to 8.0 points, at least a full point ahead of everyone else in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

 

But he’s not out of the woods yet specially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

The living legend of Philippine chess held nothing back in his victory over International Master Richard Bitoon.

 

“I outplayed him in the opening and he was forced to give up a pawn for us to have opposite colored bishop,” said Torre.

 

Torre’s white bishop proved to be a lot more active to brush aside Bitoon’s bid for a draw, get the win after 69 moves of London System Opening, and gain a piece of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points.

 

“Medyo mahirap na habulin si Wesley dahil two rounds to go na lang, but I will give it a try,” said Torre.

 

Barbosa earlier drew with GM Darwin Laylo after 31 moves of Queen’s Gambit Accepted.

Bitoon dropped into a share of fourth to seventh places with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez at 6.5 points.

 

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez agreed to a truce with GM John Paul Gomez after 45 moves of Slav Defense.

 

In other matches, IM Yves Ranola stunned Gm Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. after 22 moves of Sicilian while IM Rolando Nolte downed GM Roland Salvador after 63 moves of Caro Kann.

 

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose toppled WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego in the ninth round on Thursday to pull away from the rest of the field with 8.0 points. Jose, an MBA student at FEU-Makati, is 1.5 points ahead of her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

 

Reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to climb at solo second place with 6.5 points.

In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena stunned Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza; WNM Jenny Rose Palomo topped Mira Mirano; Shania Mae Mendoza scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo; and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia split the point with WIM Catherine Perena.

 

The 10^th and penultimate round in the women’s division is set late Friday.

chess release (11th round)

Men’s individual standings after round 11:

 

8.0 – GM Wesley So
7.0 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre
6.5 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon
5.5 – GM Mark Paragua, IM Rolando Nolte
4.5 – GM John Paul Gomez, GM Rolando Barcenilla
4.0 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.0 – GM Roland Salvador
2.0 – IM Yves Ranola

Women’s individual standings after round 9:

8.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose
6.5 – WNM Janelle Mae Frayna
6.0 – WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Jedara Docena, WIM Beverly Mendoza
5.0 – WIM Catherine Perena
4.0 – WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda
3.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego
2.5 – Jenny Rose Palomo, Shania Mae Mendoza, Mira Mirano
1.5 – Rowelyn Acedo

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua in the 11^th round yesterday in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.

 

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So after halving the point with Paragua in 31 moves of Catalan.

 

The 17-year-old raised his total to 8.0 points, at least a full point ahead of everyone else in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

 

But he’s not out of the woods yet specially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

The living legend of Philippine chess held nothing back in his victory over International Master Richard Bitoon.

 

“I outplayed him in the opening and he was forced to give up a pawn for us to have opposite colored bishop,” said Torre.

 

Torre’s white bishop proved to be a lot more active to brush aside Bitoon’s bid for a draw, get the win after 69 moves of London System Opening, and gain a piece of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points.

 

“Medyo mahirap na habulin si Wesley dahil two rounds to go na lang, but I will give it a try,” said Torre.

 

Barbosa earlier drew with GM Darwin Laylo after 31 moves of Queen’s Gambit Accepted.

Bitoon dropped into a share of fourth to seventh places with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez at 6.5 points.

 

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez agreed to a truce with GM John Paul Gomez after 45 moves of Slav Defense.

 

In other matches, IM Yves Ranola stunned Gm Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. after 22 moves of Sicilian while IM Rolando Nolte downed GM Roland Salvador after 63 moves of Caro Kann.

 

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose toppled WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego in the ninth round on Thursday to pull away from the rest of the field with 8.0 points. Jose, an MBA student at FEU-Makati, is 1.5 points ahead of her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

 

Reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to climb at solo second place with 6.5 points.

In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena stunned Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza; WNM Jenny Rose Palomo topped Mira Mirano; Shania Mae Mendoza scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo; and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia split the point with WIM Catherine Perena.

 

The 10^th and penultimate round in the women’s division is set late Friday.

(3rd to last graf) She is 1.5 points ahead of her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

Men’s individual standings after round 10:

 

7.5 – GM Wesley So
6.5 – IM Oliver Barbosa, IM Richard Bitoon
6.0 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, GM Eugene Torre
5.0 – GM Mark Paragua
4.5 – IM Rolando Nolte, GM Rogelio Barcenilla
4.0 – GM John Paul Gomez
3.5 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.0 – GM Roland Salvador
1.0 – IM Yves Ranola

 

 

Women’s individual standings after round 9:

8.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose
6.5 – WNM Janelle Mae Frayna
6.0 – WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Jedara Docena, WIM Beverly Mendoza
5.0 – WIM Catherine Perena
4.0 – WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda
3.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego
2.5 – Jenny Rose Palomo, Shania Mae Mendoza, Mira Mirano
1.5 – Rowelyn Acedo

 

 

THREE-TIME defending champion Grandmaster Wesley So regained his winning touch to pad his lead entering the homestretch of the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters Thursday night at the National Press Club.

 

After five successive draws and yielding the spotlight to his pals, So put more cushion between him and the rest of the field with a victory over International Master Yves Ranola in the 10^th round.

 

He raised his total to 7.5 points, a least a full point ahead of everyone else in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

 

It was his first win since the fourth round and after relinquishing the headline to bosom buddy IM Oliver Barbosa and mentor IM Richard Bitoon.

 

The two made waves in the middle rounds and ended up with a GM norm each after nine games. They split the point in the 10^th to maintain their positions with similar 6.5 points.

 

GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Joseph Sanchez gained grounds with victories over lower rated opponents. Antonio beat IM Rolando Nolte while Sanchez downed IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

 

Antonio and Sanchez shared fourth to seventh spots with GMs Eugene Torre and Darwin Laylo at 6.0 points. Torre and Laylo halved the point with GMs Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez, respectively.

 

GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. rounded up the men’s round with a win over GM Roland Salvador.

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose toppled WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego to pull away from the rest of the field with 8.0 points. She is 1.5 points ahead of her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

 

Reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to climb at solo second place with 6.5 points.

 

In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena stunned Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza; WNM Jenny Rose Palomo topped Mira Mirano; Shania Mae Mendoza scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo; and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia split the point with WIM Catherine Perena.

(3rd to last graf) She is 1.5 points ahead from her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

Men’s individual standings after round 10:

 

7.5 – GM Wesley So
6.5 – IM Oliver Barbosa, IM Richard Bitoon
6.0 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, GM Eugene Torre
5.0 – GM Mark Paragua
4.5 – IM Rolando Nolte, GM Rogelio Barcenilla
4.0 – GM John Paul Gomez
3.5 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.0 – GM Roland Salvador
1.0 – IM Yves Ranola

 

 

Women’s individual standings after round 9:

8.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose
6.5 – WNM Janelle Mae Frayna
6.0 – WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Jedara Docena, WIM Beverly Mendoza
5.0 – WIM Catherine Perena
4.0 – WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda
3.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego
2.5 – Jenny Rose Palomo, Shania Mae Mendoza, Mira Mirano
1.5 – Rowelyn Acedo

 

 

THREE-TIME defending champion Grandmaster Wesley So regained his winning touch to pad his lead entering the homestretch of the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters Thursday night at the National Press Club.

 

After five successive draws and yielding the spotlight to his pals, So put more cushion between him and the rest of the field with a victory over International Master Yves Ranola in the 10^th round.

 

He raised his total to 7.5 points, a least a full point ahead of everyone else in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

It was his first win since the fourth round and after relinquishing the headline to bosom buddy IM Oliver Barbosa and mentor IM Richard Bitoon.

 

The two made waves in the middle rounds and ended up with a GM norm each after nine games. They split the point in the 10^th to maintain their positions with similar 6.5 points.

GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Joseph Sanchez gained grounds with victories over lower rated opponents. Antonio beat IM Rolando Nolte while Sanchez downed IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Antonio and Sanchez shared fourth to seventh spots with GMs Eugene Torre and Darwin Laylo at 6.0 points. Torre and Laylo halved the point with GMs Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez, respectively.

 

GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. rounded up the men’s round with a win over GM Roland Salvador.

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose toppled WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego to pull away from the rest of the field with 8.0 points. She is 1.5 points ahead from her closest pursuer with two rounds to go.

 

Reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to climb at solo second place with 6.5 points.

In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena stunned Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza; WNM Jenny Rose Palomo topped Mira Mirano; Shania Mae Mendoza scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo; and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia split the point with WIM Catherine Perena.

So, Jose pad lead in Battle of GMs (para sa maaga magasara)

Men’s individual standings after round 10:

 

7.5 – GM Wesley So
6.5 – IM Oliver Barbosa, IM Richard Bitoon
6.0 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, GM Eugene Torre
5.0 – GM Mark Paragua
4.5 – IM Rolando Nolte, GM Rogelio Barcenilla
4.0 – GM John Paul Gomez
3.5 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia
3.0 – GM Roland Salvador
1.0 – IM Yves Ranola

Women’s individual standings after round 9:

8.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose
6.5 – WNM Janelle Mae Frayna
6.0 – WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Jedara Docena, WIM Beverly Mendoza
5.0 – WIM Catherine Perena
4.0 – WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda
3.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego
2.5 – Jenny Rose Palomo, Shania Mae Mendoza, Mira Mirano
1.5 – Rowelyn Acedo

THREE-TIME defending champion Grandmaster Wesley So regained his winning touch to pad his lead entering the homestretch of the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters Thursday night at the National Press Club.

 

After five successive draws and yielding the spotlight to his pals, So put more cushion between him and the rest of the field with a victory over International Master Yves Ranola in the 10^th round.

 

He raised his total to 7.5 points, a least a full point ahead of everyone else in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

It was his first win since the fourth round and after relinquishing the headline to bosom buddy IM Oliver Barbosa and mentor IM Richard Bitoon.

 

The two made waves in the middle rounds and ended up with a GM norm each after nine games. They split the point in the 10^th to maintain their positions with similar 6.5 points.

GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Joseph Sanchez gained grounds with victories over lower rated opponents. Antonio beat IM Rolando Nolte while Sanchez downed IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Antonio and Sanchez shared fourth to seventh spots with GMs Eugene Torre and Darwin Laylo at 6.0 points. Torre and Laylo halved the point with GMs Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez, respectively.

 

GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. rounded up the men’s round with a win over GM Roland Salvador.

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose toppled WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego to pull away from the rest of the field with 8.0 points. She is 1.5 points ahead from her closest pursuer with three rounds to go.

 

Reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna defeated WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to climb at solo second place with 6.5 points.
In other matches, WNM Jedara Docena stunned Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza; WNM Jenny Rose Palomo topped Mira Mirano; Shania Mae Mendoza scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo; and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia split the point with WIM Catherine Perena.

Nolte needs to score four points in as many games to get GM norm

INTERNATIONAL Masters Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa became the first pair of players to get a grandmaster norm in the same round of a national championship yesterday at the National Press Club.

Bitoon stunned GM John Paul Gomez after 38 moves of Sicilian while Barbosa halved the point with GM Mark Paragua after 31 moves of Slav to pull off the unprecedented feat in the ninth round of the National Chess Championship: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters.

 

Both players now have two GM norms under their belt. Bitoon got his first during the 2008 Singapore International Open while Barbosa got his during the 10^th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Mashhad, Iran last May.

 

They also kept solo leader GM Wesley So within reach with 6.0 points.

 

So drew with GM Eugene Torre after 35 moves of London System Opening to push his total to 6.5 points.

It was So’s fifth straight after a cluster of four wins in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate at Hataw (JSY Publication).

 

GMs Darwin Laylo and Rogelio Antonio, Jr. remained in the hunt for the P150,000 top prize after splitting the point with their respective rivals.

 

Laylo agreed to a truce against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 35 moves of Neo Gruenfeld to join Torre at fourth spot with 5.5 points while Antonio drew with GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. to notch his fifth point.

 

GM Roland Salvador topped IM Yves Ranola after 53 moves of Queen’s Indian Defense.

 

GM Joseph Sanchez spoiled what could have been a triple celebration by beating IM Rolando Nolte in 42 moves of Center Counter. Sanchez joined Antonio at sixth place.

 

Nolte could have secured a GM norm with a victory. Instead, he’s now facing a tall order of scoring four points in as many games to get it done.

 

Nonetheless, National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay is thrilled with the latest development in local chess.

 

“This is what I envisioned when we start staging Battle of the Grandmasters a few years ago,” he said. “A tournament like this gives our players better chances of getting GM norms.”

 

Pichay is hoping to have at least 20 Filipino GMs by 2013 for the Philippines to have its own Zonal competition.

 

He also wants to produce the country’s first Woman Grandmaster.

 

Defending champion Rulp Ylem Jose beat Jan Jodilyn Fronda after 58 moves of Reti Opening to maintain solo leadership after eight rounds in the women’s division.

 

In other matches, reigning national junior GU-20 champion Janelle Mae Frayna defeated Woman International Master Catherine Perena after 68 moves of English Opening; Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia downed Mira Mirano after 36 moves of Sicilian; WIM Beverly Mendoza toppled Shania Mae Mendoza after 40 moves of Sicilian; Jedara Docena drew with WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego; and Woman National Master Jenny Rose Palomo scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo after 58 moves of London System.

Barbosa, Bitoon secure GM norm

INTERNATIONAL Masters Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa became the first pair of players to get a grandmaster norm in the same round of a national championship yesterday at the National Press Club.

Bitoon stunned GM John Paul Gomez after 38 moves of Sicilian while Barbosa halved the point with GM Mark Paragua after 31 moves of Slav to pull off the unprecedented feat in the ninth round of the National Chess Championship: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters.

 

Both players now have two GM norms under their belt. Bitoon got his first during the 2008 Singapore International Open while Barbosa got his during the 10^th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Mashhad, Iran last May.

 

They also kept solo leader GM Wesley So within reach with 6.0 points.

 

So drew with GM Eugene Torre after 35 moves of London System Opening to push his total to 6.5 points.

It was So’s fifth straight after a cluster of four wins in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate at Hataw (JSY Publication).

 

GMs Darwin Laylo and Rogelio Antonio, Jr. remained in the hunt for the P150,000 top prize after splitting the point with their respective rivals.

 

Laylo agreed to a truce against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 35 moves of Neo Gruenfeld to join Torre at fourth spot with 5.5 points while Antonio drew with GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. to notch his fifth point.

GM Roland Salvador topped IM Yves Ranola after 53 moves of Queen’s Indian Defense.

 

GM Joseph Sanchez spoiled what could have been a triple celebration by beating IM Rolando Nolte in 42 moves of Center Counter. Sanchez joined Antonio at sixth place.

 

Nolte could have secured a GM norm with a victory. Instead, he’s now facing a tall order of scoring four more points in the last five rounds to get it done.

 

Nonetheless, National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay is thrilled with the latest development in local chess.

 

“This is what I envisioned when we start staging Battle of the Grandmasters a few years ago,” he said. “A tournament like this gives our players better chances of getting GM norms.”

 

Pichay is hoping to have at least 20 Filipino GMs by 2013 for the Philippines to have its own Zonal competition.

 

He also wants to produce the country’s first Woman Grandmaster.

 

Defending champion Rulp Ylem Jose beat Jan Jodilyn Fronda after 58 moves of Reti Opening to maintain solo leadership after eight rounds in the women’s division.

 

In other matches, reigning national junior GU-20 champion Janelle Mae Frayna defeated Woman International Master Catherine Perena after 68 moves of English Opening; Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia downed Mira Mirano after 36 moves of Sicilian; WIM Beverly Mendoza toppled Shania Mae Mendoza after 40 moves of Sicilian; Jedara Docena drew with WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego; and Woman National Master Jenny Rose Palomo scalped Rowelyn Joy Acedo after 58 moves of London System.

 

3 IMs inch closer to GM norm

INTERNATIONAL Masters Oliver Barbosa, Richard Bitoon and Rolando Nolte put themselves in position to corral a GM norm each in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.

Barbosa was in the best shape among the three, needing only a draw against GM Mark Paragua in the ninth round to collect his second GM norm in a span of two months. He got his first norm last May in the 10^th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Mashhad, Iran

He drew with solo leader GM Wesley So in the eighth round Wednesday night.

Bitoon and Nolte need a victory in the ninth to get similar result. Bitoon, winner over IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia in the eighth, is set to face GM John Paul Gomez while Nolte, who split the point with GM Darwin Laylo in the previous round, will go up against GM Joseph Sanchez.

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, Barbosa and Bitoon could get a GM norm with 6/9 performance while Nolte could get the same result with a 5.5/9 effort given the strength of their respective opponents in the first nine rounds.

It will be the first time in the history of national championship that three different players get a chance to nail a GM norm in the same round.

“This is what I envisioned when we start staging Battle of the Grandmasters a few years ago,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr.

So remained on top with 6.0 points despite failing to score a win in the last four rounds of the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate at Hataw (JSY Publication).

GMs Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Joseph Sanchez also scored needed victories to stay in contention.

Torre beat IM Yves Ranola to join Laylo and Bitoon in third to fifth places with 5.0 points; Antonio defeated GM Roland Salvador to join Nolte in sixth to seventh places with 4.5 points; and Sanchez downed Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla, Jr. to join in eighth to ninth places with 4.0 points.

Paragua halved the point with Gomez in the eighth.

In the women’s division, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose solidified her hold of the top spot with a victory over Woman International Master Catherine Perena.

Jose had five wins and two draws in seven rounds for 6.0 points.

Here comes Barbosa

Men’s individual standings after round 7:

5.5 – GM Wesley So


5.0 – IM Oliver Barbosa


4.5 – GM Darwin Laylo


4.0 – GM Eugene Torre, IM Rolando Nolte, IM Richard Bitoon


3.5 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Mark Paragua


3.0 – GM John Paul Gomez, GM Rogelio Barcenilla, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia


2.0 – GM Roland Salvador


1.0 – IM Yves Ranola


Women’s individual standings after round 6:


5.0 – WFM Rulp Ylem Jose


4.5 – WIM Catherine Perena


4.0 – WIM Beverly Mendoza, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, WNM Janelle Mae Frayna, WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda


3.5 – WNM Jedara Docena


2.5 – WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego


1.5 – Mira Mirano, Rowelyn Joy Acedo


1.0 – Shania Mae Mendoza


0.5 – WNM Jenny Rose Palomo

IN-FORM International Master Oliver Barbosa had more than just a GM norm in sight in the National Chess Championships: 4^th Battle of the Grandmasters.

Barbosa outplayed Grandmaster Eugene Torre in 32 moves of Bogo Indian Defense in the seventh round to raise his total to 5.0 points Tuesday night at the National Press Club.

Torre, who won his previous two, was stuck at 4.0 points in the company of IMs Richard Bitoon and Rolando Nolte.

Bitoon and Nolte agreed to a truce after 32 moves of Philidor’s Defense. Both players are seeking their second GM norm.

It’s something Barbosa could realize with a pair of draws in the next two rounds.

According to International Arbiter Gene Poliarco, Barbosa could get a GM norm with 6/9 performance given the strength of his first nine opponents in the 13-round tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw (JSY Publication).

But it’s not on top of Barbosa’s priorities now.

“The goal is to win the championship every time na sumali ako sa competition,” said Barbosa. “The rewards like the norms will come along the way as long as you’re winning.”

He’s been wining lately. The pride of Taytay, Rizal recently topped the AFPI Rapid Championship and the 2011 Campomanes Yangon International Open Chess Championship in Myanmar.

Barbosa collected his first GM norm during the 10^th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Mashhad, Iran last May.

Standing in his way is eighth round opponent Grandmaster Wesley So, who kept the solo lead despite a third straight draw. The country’s top player split the point with GM John Paul Gomez in 37 moves of Sicilian Defense to improve his total to 5.5 points.

“It will be a tight finish. Oliver (Barbosa) is in peak form right now,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr. “Even Wesley will have a hard time holding him off.”

GM Darwin Laylo remained in striking distance with 4.5 points after a 32-move draw against Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla, Jr. in their Caro Kann Defense duel.

Another full point back at 3.5 were GMs Mark Paragua and Rogelio Antonio, Jr. Paragua halved the point with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 40 moves of Neo Gruenfeld Defense while Antonio settled for a draw against IM Yves Ranola after 30 moves of Alekhine Defense.

GM Joseph Sanchez joined Gomez, Barcenilla and Garcia in ninth to 12 places after halving the point with

GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of Slav Defense.

In the women’s division, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose edged reigning national junior GU-20 champion Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna after 36 moves of Alekhine defense to grab the solo lead after six rounds with 5.0 points.

Erstwhile solo leader Woman International Master Catherine Perena fell to second spot at 4.5 points after bowing to WNM Jedara Docena after 54 moves of Center Counter Defense.

WIM Beverly Mendoza, WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia joined Frayna in a share of third to sixth places with 4.0 points.

Mendoza defeated Mira Mirano after 33 moves of King's Indian Attack; Fronda toppled Shania Mae Mendoza after 52 moves of Sicilian Defense; and Mejia drew with Rowelyn Acedo after 45 moves of Sicilian Defense.

WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego’s win over WNM Jenny Rose Palomo after 45 moves of Slav defense capped the day’s round.

  

Photo credit: http://www.filamnation.com/2011/07/im-barbosa-rules-campomanes-memorial/