US- and Asia- bound Checkmate Chess Team formed

Seeded 11-year old Malcolm Kwok will banner the Milo Checkmate team's campaign in the United States and Asia this coming May and June.

Joining Kwok are Roy Aldous Coronel, Lev Abug, Adrian Co, Vincent Joseph Fuerte, Marie Antoinette San Diego, Steven Teves, Tristan Dandan, Jose Marti Caniones, Mary Joyce Fuerte and Carlo Caranyagan.

Coronel of Immaculate Mother School downed Kenneth Co of Xavier School in 25 moves of a Ruy Lopez game in the fifth and last round to rule the 12-under section and gained the first of the eleven contested slots during the finals for the selection of the members of the US- and Asia-bound team that concluded Sunday at St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.

Abug of Cainta Catholic College and Adrian Co of Xavier School shared top honors in the junior division to secure the other two slots while Vincent Joseph Fuerte of Bagong Tanyag Elem. School and San Diego of Dasmariñas Academy topped the 10-under and 8-under groups respectively to earn another two slots.

Gaining five of the remaining six slots were Teves of Don Bosco Technical Institute and Dandan of Cavite who finished second and third respectively in the 12-under bracket; Caniones of Ateneo and younger Fuerte, Mary Joyce, who wound up second and third spot in the 10-under division and Caranyagan of San Mateo Elem. School who followed San Diego in the 8-under section.

The last slot will still be contested between Co and Claudio Olar Jr. of Quirino High School who ended up in a tie for fourth place in the 12-under with 1.5 points apiece.

The round-robin event is organized by Metropolitan Chess Club to give promising and deserving Milo Checkmate kids the chance to gain exposure abroad at an early age.

MCC Updates

Eight seed Vincent Joseph Fuerte of Tanyag Elem. School downed Aaron Sopungco in 45 moves of a Queen's Pawn game in the fifth and final round to rule via tiebreak the December edition of MCC Kiddies Standard chess tourney held at St. Francis Square (SFS) in Mandaluyong City.

The 10-year old Fuerte, who posted a final output of 4.0 points with four wins and one loss after five rounds of play, actually tied for 1st-3rd places along with Christine Laz and Claudio Olar Jr. However, due to better tie-break, Fuerte claimed his first MCC kiddie title.

12-year old Laz of San Francisco High School upset top seed Kristian Cristobal in the final round and took the runner-up honor. Claudio of Taytay, Rizal ended in third spot.

Adjudged best category performers were: Andrew Sopungco (6-Under); Eric Robert Yap (8-Under); Fuerte (10-Under) and Laz (12-Under). Rounding off the top ten finishers were: Cristobal (4th); Camila Buduan (5th); Mark Anthony Trinidad (6th); Aaron Sopungco (7th); Yap (8th); James Hernandez (9th) and Juan Carlos Presente (10th).

The next kiddie standard event is slated on Jan. 20-21, 2007 at the same venue and time. Meanwhile, the last MCC active tourney for this year will be held on Dec. 30 (2000 below), also at SFS.

Also, a second batch of enrollees for the Milo Checkmate holiday chess clinic will still be accepted until 10:30am today, Dec. 26, at the lower 2F of St. Francis Square behind SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The clinic is open to young kids who are five years old and above. It aims to develop their chess talents into masters strength level through formal and systematic method of teachings.

The clinic will also serve as preparation for the qualifying tournaments in the selection of 2007 US- and Asia- bound Milo Checkmate team. The 1st and 2nd elimination tourneys are set on Dec. 29-30 and Jan. 3-4.

For other details, call 8268560 and 0916-852-1069.

Meanwhile, the Pamaskong handog of MCC 2000 below active chess tourney reels off on Dec. 30 at the same venue.

3rd SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CHESS CONVENTION 2006

Singapore Masters & Challengers International Open Tournaments

1. Organisers
Organized by Singapore Chess Federation under the auspices of Singapore Sports Council.

2. Schedule
25th December : Arrival of Players
25th December : Technical Meeting – 2000 hour (players not present shall not be paired for Round 1)
26th December : Round 1 – 0900 hour; Round 2 – 1600 hour
27th December : Round 3 – 0900 hour; Round 4 – 1600 hour
28th December : Round 5 – 0900 hour; Round 6 – 1600 hour
29th December : Round 7 – 0900 hour; Round 8 – 1600 hour
30th December : Round 9 – 0900 hour; Closing Ceremony – 1500 hour
31st December : Departure of Players

3. Time Control and Format
Swiss System; FIDE-rated and titled; Rate of play will be 90 minutes for the whole game with 30 seconds increment for every move starting from the first move.

4. Prize Fund : US$ 18,000
Singapore Masters International Open (US$16,000): For players rated 2001 and above as on 1st October 2006
1st 4000; 2nd 3000; 3rd 2000; 4th 1200; 5th 1000; 6th 800; 7th 600; 8th 400; 9th to 12th 350; 13th to 20th 200 each

Challengers Group (US$2,000): For players rated below 2001 as on 1st October 2006
1st 500; 2nd 400; 3rd 300; 4th 200; 5th 100; 6th to 15th 50 each

5. Entry Fees to be payable by 15th November 2006; thereafter penalty of US$ 30 is imposed.
GM, WGM, IM Rating 2500+, WIM Rating 2300+ : Free (but a deposit of US$ 50 is required)
Above 2401 US$ 60 2351 to 2400 US$ 80 2301 to 2350 US$ 100
2251 to 2300 US$ 120 2201 to 2250 US$ 140 2151 to 2200 US$ 160
2101 to 2150 US$ 180 2051 to 2100 US$ 200 2050 & below US$ 220
Note: Juniors U-20 as on 1 January 2006 and Veterans above 60 as on 1 January 2006 will have a 25% discount.
The Singapore Chess Federation reserve the right to accept and reject entries with rating below 2001

Entry Fee for Challengers Group: (FIDE Rating below 2001 as on 1st October 2006)
US$ 30 Juniors U-20 as on 1 January 2006 and Veterans above 60 as on 1 January 2006
US$ 50 others

6. The Official Hotel is Hotel Royal
10 GMs above 2600 - free board and lodging in single
10 GMs above 2550 - free board and lodging in twin-sharing only
10 GMs above 2500 - free lodging in twin-sharing room only
The above is based on first-come-first-serve basis having paid the deposit of US$ 50. The deposit is refundable upon completion of the tournament.
All others - single at US$ 90 inclusive of 3 meals
- twin at US$ 60 per person inclusive of 3 meals
- triple at US$ 55 per person inclusive of 3 meals

7. Playing Venue – Asean Chess Academy, 7500D Beach Road #03-10/14 The Plaza Block D

8. Entry Fees to be transferred, free of bank charges, to the Singapore Chess Federation:
Bank : DBS Bank Account Number : 001 – 043184 – 6
Bank Address : Shenton Way, Singapore
Account Name : Singapore Chess Federation
Address : 51 Bishan Street 13 #02-01A, SIGC, Singapore 579799

Results of 2nd Congressman Pichay Open

The awarding ceremonies started at about 4:30-5:00.

Congressman Pichay, Eugene Torre and even Joey Antonio were spotted there.

Here's the final standing

7.5 Wesley So
7.0 Ronald Dableo
6.5 Darwin Laylo
Mark Paragua
Oliver Dimakiling
Nelson Mariano
Julius Joseph De Ramos
Yves Ranola
Oliver Barbosa
6.0 John Paul Gomez
Jan Emmanuel Garcia
Fernie Donguines
Barlo Nadera
Jerome Balico
Jayson Gonzales
5.5 Rhobel Legazpi
Richard Bitoon
Arlan Cabe
Emmanuel Senador
Petronio Roca
Efren Bagamasbad
Adrian Pacis
Chito Garma
Rolando Nolte
Mirabeau Maga
5.0 Paulo James Florendo
Edsel Montoya
Rustum Tolentino
Ronald Bancod
Roberto Suelo
Christy Lamiel Bernales (Female, 1st Asian Zonal qualifier) Roderick Nava
Benjamin Garcia III
Beverly Mendoza (Female,2nd Asian Zonal Qualifier)
Kimberly Jane Cunanan (Female,3rd Asian Zonal Qualifier)

44 players

CHALLENGERS SECTION

Julius Sinangote, Jerry Nodado, Truman Hernaez tied for first place with 7.5/9

Merben Roque, Butch Villavieja, Marohom De leon Jr and Noel De la Cruz comprises the batch of players with 7 points after nine rounds.

Cong. Pichay gave a nice speech, encouraged the players to study and play harder, to be dedicated on their craft and pursue their dreams. "there's no weak chess players, only lazy one's". Borrowing a line from Erap, "in a chess game, walang kai-kaibigan, walang kapakapatid, always play for the win", as he drew comparisons from Chinese and Russian players who recently played in the 1st GMA Cup.

Overall, the tournament is organized well, and games are also played well with lots of fighting chess, like the Roca-Paragua, So-Dimakiling, Cabe-Barbosa, So-Mariano, etc etc etc.

It also gave students from nearby universities a chance to participate and have NCFP rating via the Challengers Cup.

Viva Cong Pichay

As posted by darkthought of NCFP forum.

Vietnam Interzonal 3.3

As posted by Prince of Troy of NCFP Forum.

The President/Secretary
National Chess Federation of Zone 3.3

ZONE 3.3 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007 (MEN & WOMEN)

The Vietnam Chess Federation has the honor to invite all Chess Federation in Zone 3.3 affiliated to FIDE to participate in the Zone 3.3 Championships 2007 for men & women from 10 to 19 January 2007, in Phu Quoc, Kien Giang province, Vietnam.

1. Schedule:
10 Jan. 12.00 Arrival
20.00 Technical meeting
11 Jan. 15.00 Round 1
12 Jan. 09.00 Round 2
16.30 Round 3
13 Jan 15.00 Round 4
14 Jan. 09.00 Round 5
16.30 Round 6
15 Jan. Rest day
16 Jan 15.00 Round 7
17 Jan. 15.00 Round 8
18 Jan. 09.00 Round 9
15.00-19.00 Tie break Matches
19 Jan. 12.00 Departure

2. Time control: The time control shall be 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an addition of 30 seconds per move from move one.

3. Pairings: The Swiss Manager or Swiss 4.6 program shall be used for the Championship conducted in the 9 rounds. In the last two rounds, players from the same federation and who have more than 50 % shall not be paired together.

4. Qualification for World Championship: The Top two men placers shall qualify for the World Championship 2007 and the women winner shall qualify for the Women’s World Championship 2007.

5. Tie-break: In case of a tie for the qualifying place (s) for the World Championship, the following methods shall be used. Where is a tie between 2 players: the players shall toss colors for the playoff match of 2 games. Each player shall be given 25 minutes with 10 seconds added after each move. The second game shall commence 10 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.
In case of a further tie, the players shall toss for colors and play 2 speed chess games with each player having 5 minutes and 10 seconds added after each move. If this result in a tie again, the players shall toss for colors for the first Sudden death game. The first player to win shall be the qualifier.
Each player shall be given 25 minutes with 10 seconds added after each move. Each subsequent round shall commence 10 minutes after the conclusion of a round. The player (s) with the most points shall be the qualifier (s).
In case of a further tie between 2 players, the procedure as in 6.12 shall be used.
If after 6.2.1, more than 2 players were ties, this would be a double-round robin tournament speed chess tournament and the player (s) with the most points shall be the qualifier (s). In the case of a subsequent tie (s), rule 6.2.3 and 6.2 shall be repeated.

6. Appeals committee: Appeals committee comprises 5 members and 2 reserves elected from among the players and 5 different federations are represented.

7. Prizes: The top 3 players shall be awarded gold, silver, bronze medals. The prize fund would be informed in the technical meeting.

8. Expenses: The organizer shall provide free full board and lodging during the tournament for GMs (>2500) and WGMs (>2300) on the 01/1/2007 FIDE Rating list. 2 males and 2 females of 4 CACDEC countries (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Mongolia) will also be given free hospitality. An entry and registration fee of US$ 150 for each player. Other players from the national federation can participate in this tournament but must pay for their own meals and accommodation. All participants shall be stay in the same hotel (4 stars).
The cost is:
Double room: US$ 50 per person per day.
Single room: US$ 99 per person per day.

9. Visa: Participants who need visas shall apply for visas at the Vietnam Embassy in your respective countries. If you have any problem, please do not heritage contact with us as following address:
Vietnam Chess Federation
36 Tran Phu St, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 7330040 Fax: (84-4) 7331198 Email: ldc@hn.vnn.vn

10. Travel:
Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province) is far away Hochiminh City over 350 km. Every day has 4 flights from Hochiminh International airport to Phu Quoc which cost is over US$ 70.

Dang Tat Thang
Zone 3.3, President
Vice President & Secretary General
Vietnam Chess Federation

Comment from an Anonymous Philippine Chess Chronicles Reader!

Hi! I am posting one of the comments I got from the 4th part of the article Philippines is Chess Country. I believe there is truth behind it, historical!

"We cannot help but wonder why there is no mention of the famous Filipino player GM Rosendo Balinas, Jr.: - Silver Medalist scoring 15.5/20 1966 Havana Olympiad. - Only Filipino chess player to play Fischer to a standstill in 1967; - Topped 1st 1968 Marlboro International with Svetozar Gligoric; - Scored 5/5 during the 1975 Marlboro Classic beating candidates Larsen, Polugayevski, and Kavalek. Torre tied for last place with 3.5 score. - - 1st !! Odessa, USSR tournament in 1976; Atty. Balinas fought Campomanes' and Abundo's abuse of powers and Filipino players until he died. Grandmaster Balinas' achievements cannot be ignored by the Filipinos. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosendo_Balinas,_Jr."

I really love it whenever I receive comments from our readers! Please continue doing so. Performing artists can go on hungry and perform as long as they are well received by their audience, a visual artist gets their adrenaline going when on-lookers marvel at their work, what more of a trying-hard writer in me?

Thank you for reading Philippine Chess Chronicles!

ICAinc Photo Session 12-10-2006

Hi guys and gals!

I'm posting most of the photos I've taken and some of Gerry Bustamante's wife before, during and after the ICAinc Induction of Officers followed by GM Eugene Torre's SIMUL. Of course dinner time with the GM, Vice-Mayor Manny Maliksi (The Godfather of Imus Chess and other Sports!), two town councilors and our forever young adviser, IA Gene Poliarco.

Imus Chess Association Inc.


The Chairman of ICAinc. also known as the Godfather of Imus Chess, Vice Mayor Manny Maliksi.




The Man in Red Jacket... The Chair, can pass as a Hollywood Actor!


The Arrival. GM E. Torre and The Chairman (in light polo).


(from left to right) ICAinc: Mr. Asi Bagaipo, President, Vice-Mayor Manny Maliksi Chairman, GM Eugene Torre Guest of Honor and International Arbiter Gene Poliarco Adviser.


"One more time, from another angle please!"


IA Gene Poliarco Adviser of ICAinc.




The address...






Doing the National Hymn. Mr. Bobby Baranda, ICAinc Treasurer.


The Promise... (to do my best with all the powers vested upon me that I will uphold the ICAinc Constitution. Ooopppppss!)



For POSTerity... and reminder for everyone!


Waiting time...




and waiting...






The calm before the storm...




Yep! The games finally began!!!






















Walking away with 21 Wins, 8 draws and 1 loss




Mr. Jimmy Umali of Bacoor Cavite scalped the visiting GM.


After the storm comes more of the pictures, this time, better angles and smiles from my subjects...

Maria Jocelyn V. Canta with GM E. Torre. Joyce, qualified to play in the simul when she placed solo 5th place in the Cavite Chess Challenge last October 2006. She is one of my chess students who shows discipline in studying chess seriously alongside her academics.




Signatures...


Signatures...


More photos!






Dinner time, Ciao time...


















Dinner time huh? photo sessions maybe.... hahahhahahhaha! Great food! Great food! GM Torre was so accomodating to everyone, even with the Max's crew!

Till then! Merry Christmas! May the Lord's loving presence be with us all!