NM ALLAN " AKI " MACALA - " A DAVAO PLAYER MAKING GOOD AS LUNETA CHESS TERROR "

( NM Allan Macala against GM Li Chao of China in the 2010 AIC )


NM Allan Macala honed his skills playing at Osmena Park chess club here in Davao City. He is a many time member of the Davao City chess team to the inter-cities until he was pirated by the multi-titled Tagaytay team.

For a time, he was one of those strong non-masters who don't want to be promoted to National Masters at it would preclude their participation in non-masters tournament which they are dominating and would downgrade their value to their team in the Inter-cities and Provincial team competitions of which they are the scoring machines dominating their lower board assignments. Last year NCFP President Cong. Prospero Petchay awarded the National Master title to Allan Macala by virtue of his tying for 1st in 2009 Asian Intercontinental Chess challenge held at Subic, Philippines. He is known here in Davao as " Aki" which is a common nickname for Muslims here in Davao City.

Among his chess accomplishments include tying Rainier Labay and Noel de la Cruz for 1st in the 2008 Philippine Open Chess Challenge.All three players finished with similar scores of 6.5 points at the end of the nine-round tournament which served as side event of the foreign-flavored Philippine Open. Labay, De la Cruz and Macala shared the total cash prizes of P75,000 for the top three finishers.

Allan Macala, also tied for 1st along with Raymond Salcedo, Alcon John Datu and Sheider Nebato in the 2009 Asian Continental Chess Challenge at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic with identical score of seven points in 9 rounds. Macala subdued Nelson Villanueva, Datu humbled John Ranel Morazo and Nebato crushed Ritchie Evangelista to catch Salcedo in a four-way tie for first. Salcedo emerged champion via tiebreak to clinch the title in the five-day tournament held as a side event of the Asian Continental individual chess championship.

NM Allan Macala was the early sensation in the 2010 Asian Intercontinental Chess Championships held at Subic, Philippines scoring a couple of upset wins against titled foreign opponents. Let us take a look in some of his wins.

[Event "9th Asian Continental/Individual (Open)"]
[Site "Subic Bay Free Port"]
[Date "2010.04.21"]
[Round "1.35"]
[White "MACALA, Allan"]
[Black "HARIKA, Dronavalli"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "A00"]
[WhiteElo "2283"]
[BlackElo "2473"]
[PlyCount "105"]
[EventDate "2010.04.21"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 O-O 5. O-O d6 6. c4 Nc6 7. Nc3 Bg4
8. h3 Bxf3 9. Bxf3 Nd7 10. e3 e5 11. dxe5 Ndxe5 12. Be2 Re8 13. Kg2 Nd7
14. Rb1 Nc5 15. Qc2 a5 16. Bd2 Nb4 17. Qd1 a4 18. Nb5 Nc6 19. Bc3 Ne5
20. Bd4 c6 21. Nc3 a3 22. b3 Ne6 23. Qc2 Nxd4 24. exd4 Nd7 25. Rbd1 Nf8
26. Bf3 Ne6 27. d5 Ng5 28.Rd3 Bxc3 29. Qxc3 c5 30. Re1 Qd7 31. h4 Rxe1
32. Qxe1 Re8 33. Qc1 Qh3+ 34. Kg1 Qf5 35. Qd1 Ne4 36. Kg2 Nf6 37. Rd2 Qe5
38. Qc1 Ra8 39. Re2 Qd4 40. h5 Nd7 41.Qg5 Ne5 42. Qe7 b5 43. h6 bxc4
44. bxc4 Rf8 45. Re4 Qb2 46. Qxd6 Nd3 47. Re3 Qd2 48. Be2 Ne1+ 49. Kg1 Qd4
50. Qe7 Nc2 51. Re5 Qa1+ 52. Kh2 Qc1 53. f4 1-0






Here is his win against GM Thong of Vietnam.


[Event "9th Asian Continental/Individual (Open)"]
[Site "Subic Bay Free Port"]
[Date "2010.04.24"]
[Round "4.18"]
[White "MACALA, Allan"]
[Black "TU, Hoang Thong"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "A00"]
[WhiteElo "2283"]
[BlackElo "2483"]
[PlyCount "129"]
[EventDate "2010.04.21"]

1. d4 c5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Nf3 g6 4. c4 Bg7 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Be2 d5 7. O-O dxc4
8. Bxc4 Nbd7 9. b3 a6 10. a4 cxd4 11. Nxd4 e5 12. Nf3 e4 13. Nd4 Qa5
14. Qc2 Re8 15. Bd2 Qh5 16. Nce2 Ne5 17. f3 Nxc4 18. Qxc4 exf3 19. Rxf3 Bg4
20. Ng3 Qe5 21. Rf2 Rac8 22. Qd3 h5 23. Re1 h4 24. Nf1 h3 25. Ng3 hxg2
26. Bc3 Nd5 27. Bb2 Nb4 28.Qd2 Nc2 29. Rb1 Red8 30. Rf4 Nxe3 31. Re4 Nf1
32. Qxg2 Qc5 33. Kxf1 Bxd4 34. Rxg4 Bxb2 35. Qxb2 Qe3 36. Re4 Qf3+
37. Kg1 Rc3 38. Rbe1 f5 39. Re6 Kh7 40. b4 Rdd3 41. Qe2 Qf4 42. Nf1 Qxb4
43. Qg2 Qg4 44. Qxg4 fxg4 45. Re7+ Kh6 46. Rxb7 Rd4 47. Rb6 Rxa4 48. Ree6 a5
49. Rxg6+ Kh7 50. Rge6 Rc7 51. Kg2 Rf7 52. Ne3 Ra2+ 53. Kg3 a4 54. Nxg4 a3
55. Ra6 Ra1 56. Kh4 a2 57. Re2 Rg1 58. Rexa2 Rf4 59. Rh6+ Kg7 60. Ra7+ Kg8
61. h3 Rgf1 62. Rc6 Rf8 63. Rcc7 Rd8 64. Rh7 Rd6 65. Nh6+ 1-0

2010 National Age-Group Chess Championships May 15-19, 2010, NCCC Mall Davao, McArthur Highway, Davao City

The National Age-group and National Juniors will be held in Mindanao for the first time particularly in Davao City this coming May 15-19, 2010 at NCCC Mall Davao and on May 20-24, 2010, Gaisano Grand Citimall, Illustre St., Davao City,respectively. The objective of this hosting is to provide the Davaoenos and Mindanaoans a chance to qualify in ASEAN and Asian Competitions with minimal expense. The organizers are urging young chess enthusiasts to participate and take advantage of this event. There will be separate divisions for Boys and Girls..

A lot of chess enthusiasts and organizations are working together to stage this event. For the main core committee: FA James Infiesto, NA Engr. Allan Diez, Secretariat Chair Gogo Alba, Maning Eva of Multicar and Engr. Enrico Vanta of Chadric Builders. We also have support from Robert "Bob" Bula, MTCA President Atty. Jong Guevarra and Tony Dacudao.

Other coordinating agencies:

*Hon. Prospero Pichay Jr., National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President

*Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO)

*JCI Durian City, Inc. under its president, JCI Mem. Frederick Puyod III

*DEPED with Dr. Helen Paguican, Schiool Division Superintendent and Dr. Susana Estigoy, Regional Director

*Office of Councilor Mabel Acosta

*Office of Councilor Nilo Abellera

*City Tourism Office under CTO Head Bong Aportadera

This event is organized by National Chess Federation Region (NCFP) in coordination with City Government of Davao, Growee Vitamins, JCI Durian City, Inc. and Jewm Eggs.

Official resort: Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark

National Age-group Venue: NCCC Mall Davao

National Juniors Venue: Gaisano Grand Citimall

Secretariat Committe: Bonjee Entertainment Services, (0910) 2041199, (0932) 5771098, (082) 2976776.

Special Thanks to:*Councilor Mabel Acosta,*Congressman Isidro Ungab and *Atty. Mylene Garcia.

Registration: P 350.00 per participant with 1 bottle of 120 mL Growee Vitamins, 1 Tumbler, 1 Baller and Certificate of Participation

Age Group Categories:

20 Years old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 1990

16 Years old& Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 1994

14 Years old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 1996

12 Years old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 1998

10 Years old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 2000

8 Years old & Below (Boys & Girls) – born on or after January 1, 2002

CHAMPION P 5,000.00 plus Medal and Certificate 2^nd 2,500.00 plus Medal and Certificate 3^rd 1,500.00 plus Medal and Certificate 4^th 1,000.00 plus Certificate 5th 500.00 plus Certificate

Top three in each category will represent the Philippines in the 11^th ASEAN AGE-GROUP CHESS

CHAMPIONSHIP to be held in Subic Bay, Olongapo City on June 4-13, 2010.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2010 National Juniors Chess Championships

May 20-24, 2010, Gaisano Grand Citimall, Illustre St., Davao City

Registration: P 350.00 per participant with Certificate of Participation

Age Group Categories:

- 20 Years & Below (Boys) – born on or after January 1, 1990

- 20 Years & Below (Girls) – born on or after January 1, 1990

Prizes: (Boys Category)

Champion P 12, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

2^nd 8, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

3^rd 5, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

4^th 4, 000.00 + Certificate

5^th 3, 000.00 + Certificate

6^th 2, 000.00 + Certificate

7^th 1, 500.00 + Certificate

8^th,9^th & 10^th 1, 000.00 each + Certificate

Prizes: (Girls Category)

Champion P 8, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

2^nd 6, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

3^rd 5, 000.00 + Medal and Certificate

4^th 3, 500.00 + Certificate

5^th 2, 000.00 + Certificate

6^th 1, 500.00 + Certificate

7^th, 8^th,9^th & 10^th 1, 000.00 each + Certificate

The Champion will advance in the ASIAN JUNIOR U20 CHAMPIONSHIP on June 4-13, 2010 in Chennai, India or at the Asian Youth Championship on July 1-10, 2010 in Beijing, China.

Note: There will be separate divisions for Boys and Girls.

Also, please emphasize that this is the first time that the National Age-group and National Juniors will be held in Mindanao, particularly in Davao City. Again the objective of this hosting is to provide the Davaoeños and Mindanaoans a chance to qualify in ASEAN and Asian Competitions with minimal expense. We are urging them to take advantage of this event.

A lot of chess enthusiasts and organizations are working together to stage this event. For the main core committee: FA James Infiesto, NA Engr. Allan Diez, Secretariat Chair Gogo Alba, Maning Eva of Multicar and Engr. Enrico Vanta of Chadric Builders. We also have support from Robert "Bob" Bula, MTCA President Atty. Jong Guevarra and Tony Dacudao.

Other coordinating agencies:

*Hon. Prospero Pichay Jr., National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President

*Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO)

*JCI Durian City, Inc. under its president, JCI Mem. Frederick Puyod III

*DEPED with Dr. Helen Paguican, Schiool Division Superintendent and Dr. Susana Estigoy, Regional Director

*Office of Councilor Mabel Acosta

*Office of Councilor Nilo Abellera

*City Tourism Office under CTO Head Bong Aportadera

This event is organized by National Chess Federation Region (NCFP) in coordination with City Government of Davao, Growee Vitamins, JCI Durian City, Inc. and Jewm Eggs.

Official resort: Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark

National Age-group Venue: NCCC Mall Davao

National Juniors Venue: Gaisano Grand Citimall

Secretariat Committe: Bonjee Entertainment Services, (0910) 2041199, (0932) 5771098, (082) 2976776.

Special Thanks to:*Councilor Mabel Acosta,*Congressman Isidro Ungab and *Atty. Mylene Garcia.

GM ANAND WINS 12TH GAME, RETAINS WORLD CHESS TITLE

GM Viswanathan Anand of India won the 12th and final game of the World Chess Championships against GM Veselin Topalov of the host country Bulgaria when GM Topalov uncharacteristically blundered on his 31st move in an otherwise equal position allowing GM Anand to activate his bishop and concoct mating threats against Topalov's king. GM Topalov opened with 1. d4 as white and the game soon evolved into a Queen's Gambit declined for the first time in the match. Prior to GM Topalov's blunder, chess experts were one in predicting that the match was headed to a play-off with lesser time control and conceded a slight advantage to GM Anand in case so as GM Anand is known as a fast player.


Below is the annotation of the 12th game by GM Susan Polgar as
originally posted at http://www.chessdailynews.com/


Veselin Topalov - Vishy Anand
World Championship game 12

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 O-O 7. e3 Ne4 This is not the most popular line for Black but as a surprised weapon for one game, it can be effective as Anand needs to hold this game.

8. Bxe7 Qxe7 9. Rc1 We have the Queen's Gambit declined for the first time in this match. It looks like Anand is choosing something safe for most chances to hold.

9...c6 10. Be2 Nxc3 11. Rxc3 dxc4 12. Bxc4 We are still in opening book. This is a relatively safe opening for Black.

12....Nd7 13. 0-0 b6 14. Bd3 c5 The idea for Black is simple. He wants to have a symmetrical pawn structure. White still has a small advantage due to space advantage.

15. Be4 Rb8 I know many players who play this line as Black. It is very difficult to win this type of position as White. White's temporary space and piece development advantage will evaporate soon. Here is a possible line: 17. dxc5 Nxe4 18. Qxe4 bxc5 19. Qc2 Bb7 20. Nd2 Rfd8 21. Nb3 c4 22. Rxc4 Ba6 23. Rc7 Rbc8 24. Rxe7 Rxc2 =. This is also equal: 17. dxc5 Nxe4 18. Qxe4 bxc5 19. b3 Bb7 20. Qf4 Rfd8 =

16. Qc2 Nf6 The reason why Anand cannot simply play cxd4 is because of the following: 16... cxd4 17. Nxd4 Bb7 18. Rc7 +/-

17. dxc5 Nxe4 18. Qxe4 bxc5 Now that Topalov is able to avoid the symmetrical pawn structure, his main target will be the c5 pawn.

19. Qc2 Bb7 White retreats his Queen behind the Rook to put more pressure on the c pawn. Now is not the time for Black to play passively. Anand indirectly defends the c5 pawn with Bb7. If 20. Rxc5 then Bxf3 21. gxf3 Rxb2 22. Qxb2 Qxc5 =+

It is very clear that Anand and his team have prepared this very practical and safe line. It is a wise choice not to take any chances to send this match to the rapid playoff.

20. Nd2 Topalov is following the idea I previously mention back in move 15. He is doing the best he can to keep the remaining pieces on the board, stabilize the Kingside, then continue to put more pressure on the c5 pawn. This is his only chance, as slim as it may be, to win.

20...Rfd8 If this game ends with a draw, I think Anand will have a small edge in the rapid playoff.

21. f3 The idea is to block the effectiveness of Black's b7 Bishop. Then he can re-focus on the c5 pawn. Anand will try not give Topalov time to do that. 21...Qg5 is possible right now.

21...Ba6 This is OK too. Anand spent a considerable amount of time for this move. He understands that is he fails to keep White busy, he will have a problem holding on to the c pawn and that can mean the game. White should put his f1 Rook on c1.

22. Rf2 This is an odd choice for Topalov. The problem is Anand can mount his pieces on the d file to go after the Knight as White may face back rank problem. I like 22. Rc1 a lot better.

22...Rd7 Following the plan of doubling up the Rooks on the d file. In my opinion, the position is equal.

23. g3 Topalov is creating a bubble for his King. Once he can neutralize Anand's threats, he can then turn his focus back on the c5 pawn which is going nowhere. Both players understand the huge importance of this game. Therefore, they are very patient so far.

Here is an interesting question from one of the bloggers following the LIVE commentary:

"During such kind of matches, how much sleep would you and other players usually are able to get? And how do you guys relax?"

The amount of sleeping hours differ from game to game. I know some players like to read to relax. Some like to watch TV. Many do like to take leisure walks. Some play tennis or swim. It is the seconds who have to work the hardest between games.

23...Rbd8 Following the plan.

24. Kg2

Here is another interesting question: "Do you agree that in case of a draw the champion is still a champion? Is it what Kasparov thinks? How do they fix the total number of matches?"

I do not think the old system which a champion sat and waited every 3-4 years for a challenger then retain the title if he / she can tie the match is fair. I also do not like 12 games. I think it is too short. I would prefer to see 14-16 games. I have many ideas about this and other important chess issues such as chess in education, women's chess, college chess, professional chess, and chess expansion, etc. I will present them directly to FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov in the near future. In fact, there will be a press release about it probably today.

24...Bd3 25. Qc1 Nothing has changed so far. White is still focusing on the c5 pawn.

Sorry but I do not have any explanation as to why it did not work on Internet Explorer before. Thanks for letting me know the problem. I hope it is OK for everyone now.

I personally find this game exciting. There is very little going on other than the c5 pawn. One will do everything possible to go after it which could mean a victory while the other one will do everything to either defend it or deflect it with counter threats elsewhere. The self imposed Sofia rule by Topalov gives the fans a chance to see more endgames rather than 20-25 move draw in equal positions.

Even though the position is equal, it is a little easier to play with Topalov's position. He knows exactly what he needs to do. There is a concrete target to aim for.

25...Ba6 Here is an interesting line: 26. Ne4 Rd1 27. Qc2 f5 28. Nd2 Re1 29. Rxc5 Rxe3 30. Rc7 Rd7 =

26. Ra3 = If 26. Rxc5 Rxd2 27. Rxd2 Rxd2+ 28. Qxd2 Qxc5 and Black wins.



26...Bb7 White obviously cannot play 27. Rxa7 because of the discovery with Bxf3+. However, Topalov can play 27. Nb3 now. The battle for the c pawn continues.

27. Nb3 Rc7 Perhaps 28. Rc2 next. 28. e4 is also interesting because 29. Rxa7 is a real threat since there is no longer any discovery check.

28. Na5 Topalov wants to trade for Black's Bishop. Anand should not allow this trade as it would be more difficult for Black without the Bishop.

28...Ba8 A curious move by Anand. Yes, he wants to keep his Bishop. Yes, he wants to keep his Bishop on the h1 - a8 diagonal. Even though it is not a blunder, this is still an unexpected move. Topalov can bring his Rook back to c3 now.

29. Nc4 e5 Anand cannot just sit back and allow Topalov to make a big play for his c5 pawn. He must continue to put pressure on the Kingside.

More questions from the fans:

- Do you think Anand would be a strong favorite in the rapid event if this game is drawn and a tie break happens?

I think Anand would be a slight favorite but not strong favorite. Anything can happen in rapid or blitz games.

- What do the player's seconds do exactly just before SUCH a big game, I mean the players (Anand, Topalov) are bigger than the seconds and have much more experience. Isn't just a expert computer analyst sufficient ?

Seconds will have very little sleep during a world championship, especially the last few games. They have to work on new idea based on the match score and earlier game results. Computers can help make this process faster and more accurate but computer analysis alone would be disastrous as computers cannot understand the scope of the match, the psychology / style / strengths / weaknesses of the opponent.

30. e4 Black must play f5 now or else White will play Ne3 with a good advantage.

30...f5 Topalov must be careful here. Anand wants to open up the Kingside, especially the h1 - a8 diagonal. Perhaps 31. Nd2 is needed.

31. exf5? This is very dangerous. Anand can play 31...e4 now with serious threats.

31...e4 32. fxe4? This is looking very bad for White now. We may not go to the playoff after all. 32...Qxe4 and Black has a strong attack. This is almost over. 32...Qxe4+ 33. Kh3 Rd4 34. Ne3 Qe8 35. g4 h5 -+

32...Qxe4 33. Kh3 It is all in Anand's hands now. He will win this match and retain his title if he continues correctly.

33...Rd4 So far so good.

34. Ne3 I don't think Topalov saw 34....Qe8 here which gives Black a win. I think he missed it.

If Anand wins this game, I will post my final comments about the match as well as bring you the information about the closing ceremony. Please be sure to check back to the final wrap up.

34...Qe8 This is the key move and Anand found it. If 35. g4 then h5 -+ It is just about over.

35. g4 h5 Anand is like a Tiger smelling blood. He feels it. He knows that the World Championship is in his hands now. This is a shocking ending! 31. exf5 and 32. fxe4 are 2 horrendously bad moves.

36. Kh4 The King cannot possibly survive this. 36...Qd8+ is the quickest way to close out this game.



36...g5+ This is not the most accurate continuation for Anand. 36...Qd8 would have been much more decisive.

37. fxg6 Black should still win this but it is more difficult than the previous suggestion. This is the winning path for Anand: 38. Qf1 Rxg4+ 39. Kh3 Re7 -+

37...Qxg6 38. Qf1 This is perhaps one of the biggest blunders in the final game of a world championship match. I am still stunned that Topalov did not sense any danger whatsoever by opening up the h1 - a8 diagonal.

38...Rxg4+ This is the final hurdle for Anand and he found it.

39. Kh3 Now 30...Re7 and it is basically hopeless for White.

39...Re7 Here are a few possible lines: 40. Qd1 Rd4 41. Nf5 Qxf5+ 42. Rxf5 Rxd1 43. Rxh5 Rg7 44. Rg3 Bd5 -+ or 40. Rf8+ Kh7 41. Rh8+ Kxh8 42. Qf8+ Qg8 43. Qh6+ Rh7 44. Qf6+ Rhg7 45. Qh6+ Qh7 46. Qxh7+ Kxh7 47. Nxg4 hxg4+ -+ Everything looks bad for Topalov.

40. Rf8+ The last hope for Topalov is for Anand to play 40... Kg7 41. Nf5+ Kh7 42. Rg3. However, after the game, I went through this line deeper and it was lost for Topalov anyway.

40...Kg7 Although 40...Kh7 is a cleaner and more precise, 40...Kg7 also wins after I looked at it again 41. Nf5+ Kh7 42. Rg3 Rxg3+ 43. hxg3 Qg4+ 44. Kh2 Re2+ 45. Kg1 Rg2+ 46. Qxg2 Bxg2 47. Rf7+ -+

41. Nf5+ Kh7 42. Rg3 Rxg3+ 43. hxg3 Qg4+ 44. Kh2 Re2+ 45. Kg1 Rg2+ 46. Qxg2 Bxg2 47. Kxg2 Another option is 47. Rf7+ but Anand can still win with this: 47... Kg6 is a must move 48. Rg7+ Kxf5 49. Rxg4 hxg4 50. Kxg2 Ke4 51. Kf2 Kd3 -+

47...Qe2+ 48. Kh3 This is now completely hopeless for Topalov. Rook and Knight cannot hold this position. Now a simple 48...c4 wins.

48...c4 The final game usually comes down to nerve as we can see today. In this game, Anand was more composed. Even though both sides made mistakes, Topalov was making more and bigger ones and this costs him the game.

49. a4 a5 50. Rf6 Anand's advantage is overwhelming.

50...Kg8 Topalov's chances to hold are very slim. Anand has plenty of time and I think the dangerous tactics are now behind him. Now it is simply a matter of technique.

51. Nh6+ Kg7 52. Rb6 Qe4 53. Kh2 Now Anand can simply get his Queen behind the b2 pawn then push c3. For example: 53...Qc2+ 54. Kh3 Qb1 -+

53...Kh7 Topalov has no practical chances to hold this position. He is fighting on because it is the final game of the world championship.

54. Rd6 Qe5 If 55. Rb6 then Qd4. I expect Topalov to resign soon as the b pawn will fall.

55. Nf7 Black has no problem with 55...Qxb2+

55..Qxb2+ 56. Kh3 Just about anything other than hanging the Queen is fine.

56...Qg7 Now Topalov will have problems with his Knight and Rook in addition to the c passed pawn. Time to resign.

Topalov resigns. Congratulations to Anand for successfully defending his title. It has been an interesting match.

" THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING "

Florencio Campomanes, FIDE President from 1982 to 1995, passed away 1:30 pm today, 3rd May in Baguio City, Philippines after a bout with cancer. He was 83. Below is a tribute to Florencio Campomanes.

Campomanes Legacy to World Chess

By Casto Abundo

Dedicated to Florencio Campomanes, who passed away May 3rd

(Ed’s note: Casto Abundo was FIDE General Secretary and Executive Director under Campomanes from 1987.)

Graduating cum laude from the University of the Philippines in 1948, Florencio Campomanes was among the first Fulbright Scholars from the Philippines and was taking his Masters Degree in Political Science from Brown University and Doctoral Studies in Georgetown University, both in America, when he heard of the World Chess Federation. It was auspicious that his thesis was on the nascent United Nations.

Campo was a habitué at the Manhattan and Marshall Chess Clubs. He was exposed to organized chess and on his return to Manila co-founded the Philippine Chess Federation and affiliated with FIDE in 1956.

It was also in New York that he first met a rising young Congressman named Ferdinand Marcos. They were elbowing each other at a Times Square Filipino restaurant to meet a young lady doctor from Manila. She became Campo’s first wife and years later when Marcos became President, Campo would wonder if he recalled the incident.

Campo was a Political Science lecturer at the University of the Philippines when he decided to lead a team to the 1956 Chess Olympiad in Moscow, USSR. The Philippines had no diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union at the height of the cold war and he was discouraged to go and advised not to forsake his State University position. He chose to go.

But Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Raul Manglapus refused to initial the diplomatic passports for the Philippine team to travel to the USSR. Not one to take no for an answer, Campo sought the help of Vice President Carlos Garcia, concurrently Secretary of Foreign Affairs and an avid chess player. In Campo’s trademark style of brinksmanship, on the eve of their scheduled flight, they went to see President Ramon Magsaysay at the Palace. Already in his robe and prepared to go to bed, the President signaled his approval for their passports. The Philippine chess team joined its first Olympiad, and emerged Group C champion.

To view the complete story just click http://reports.chessdom.com/news-2010/florencio-campomanes-casto-abundo