GM SO TIES FOR 4TH AT CORUS B, NEXT STOP IS AEROFLOT OPEN

( WGM Anna Muzychuk in Corus B action. Photo by Mr. Reginald Tee. )


GM Wesley So settled for a draw in his thirteenth and final round game against WGM Anna Muzychuk of Slovenia in the Corus B Tournament in the Netherlands to finish with 7.5 pts and a tie for 4th place wih GM L'Ami of the Netherlands.

GM So who was playing white, nursed an advantage in the middle game in a Nimzoindian defense when his beautiful opponent sacrificed a a pawn in the opening. However, WGM Anna Muzychuk who is rank 7th in women's chess with a FIDE rating of 2532 as compared to GM So's 2656 proved equal to the task and counter-attacked tenaciously, forcing GM So to settle for a draw via perpetual check.

Next stop for GM Wesley So is the Aeroflot Open in Russia which will start on February 8, 2010. GM's Antonio and Laylo are also scheduled to participate in the said tourney.

Final Standing- Group B
1. A. Giri 9
2. A. Naiditsch 8½
3. Ni 8
4. W. So
E. l'Ami 7½
6. P. Negi
P. Harikrishna 6½
8. E. Sutovsky
D. Howell 6
10. A. Muzychuk
L. Nisipeanu 5½
12. T. Nyback
D. Reinderman 5
14. V. Akobian 4½

FINALLY, A SWEET WIN FOR GM SO IN CORUS B

( Gm So in 5th round action against GM Harikrishna of India. Gm Anand, the current World Champ is watching their game in the sideline. Photo by Mr. Reginald Tee )


Hear Yeah! Hear Yeah! At long last, the sleeping dragon has awaken. After five consecutive draws, GM So finally nailed his first win at the expense of former European champion GM Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu of Romania. The win was carved after 35 moves of the Reti opening when GM So's oppponent resigned or faced further loss of material.

GM Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu who is known for his attacking style and is considered as the Tal of Romania surprisingly opted for the modest Reti opening. GM So answered with the solid Slav set-up and emerged a pawn up in the middle game although his opponent had the benefit of two bishops. GM Nisipeanu, the second seed in Corus B with a rating of 2681, had difficulty organizing counter-play and eventually fell in time trouble that lead to his doom.

GM Nisipeanu resigned at around 12:25 A.M of January 23, 2010 Philippine time and I was one of those thousand of pinoy chess fans all over the world who watched the game live at CHESSBOMB to the very end. I went to sleep tired but with a smile in my face savoring the victory of GM So as if I won the game myself. It was a long way waiting but it was worth the wait.

Here's the PGN of the game:

Nisipeanu (2681) - So (2656) [A07]
Corus B (6), 22.01.2010

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0–0 Bg4 5.c4 e6 6.d3 Nbd7 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Nc3 Bd6 9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 0–0 11.e4 dxe4 12.dxe4 Be5 13.Bg2 Rc8 14.Qe2 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Qa5 16.Rd1 e5 17.a4 Qxc3 18.Ba3 Rfe8 19.h4 Nc5 20.Rdc1 Qa5 21.Qc4 b6 22.Bb4 Qa6 23.Qxa6 Nxa6 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Bd6 Nc5 26.Rc1 Nfd7 27.Bh3 Rc6 28.Rd1 h5 29.a5 Nxe4 30.Ba3 Ndf6 31.Bb2 Nxf2 32.Rd8+ Kh7 33.Bg2 Rc2 34.Bxe5 Rc1+ 35.Bf1 N6g4 Black wins 0–1

DAVAO CITY PRISAA CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS- HOLY CROSS OF DAVAO TOPS MEN'S TEAM, JOSE MARIA COLLEGE BAGS WOMEN'S CROWN

match play between Jose Maria College team and University of Mindanao chess team
( Photo originally posted at blue knight chessclub website )

As reported by Nofre Reyes


Holy Cross of Davao College ( HCDC ) emereged as Champion in the men's team competitions in the just concluded Davao City PRISAA Chess Championships held in the last week of December, 2009 in Davao City. 1st Runner-up Honors went to Jose Maria College team while the University of Mindanao team bagged third place. The winning team was coached by National Master Prospero Cruz who was given the right to select the alternate player (board 5) for the Regional PRISAA meet to be held this month.

Below are the respective board champions who will composed the Davao City team for the Regional meet.

CHAMPION:
BOARD 1 - MOHAMAD SACAR ( HCDC )
BOARD 2 - JESTER ANDOY ( JMC )
BOARD 3 - JAY BULICATIN ( JMC )
BOARD 4 - JOHN CARL AUNSO ( UM )
BOARD 5 - ERWIN TUBOG ( COACH'S CHOICE )



Championship match in the women's category between JMC team and UM team
( Photo originally posted at blue knights chessclub website )


Meanwhile, the Jose Maria College chess team crown itself as the Davao City PRISAA chess champion in the women's team competition in the same meet. Runner-up honors went to the University of Mindanao team while Holy Cross of Davao College team grab 3rd place. Winning coach was Mr. Rowel Modina.

Below are the respective board champions who will composed the Davao City Women's team for the Regional meet tentatively scheduled this month.

CHAMPION:
BOARD 1 - NOELYN ENRIQUEZ ( UM )
BOARD 2 - ALGIE MODINA ( JMC )
BOARD 3 - MAY MICAYABAS ( UM )
BOARD 4 - ARIANNE ALCORDO ( JMC )
BOARD 5 - MARY ROSE SEVILLA ( COACH'S CHOICE )

The tournament was ably officiated by Nofre A. Reyes ( Chief Arbiter ) and Mark Alemania ( Tournament Manager ).

NM ALEXANDER LUPIAN RULES 1ST CAISSA'S FATHER INVITATIONAL BLITZ TOURNEY

NM Alexander Lupian ( with hat ) pondering his move against a young opponent during the 2009 Kadayawan Open held recently.


Veteran National Master Alexander Lupian proved his mettle in blitz play by ruling the 1st CAISSA'S FATHER Invitational Blitz tourney held last December 30, 2009 at Atty. Jong Guevarra's rest house at Eden, Bayabas, Toril, Davao City. Lupian scored 8.5 pts out of 9 games in the 10 players round robin tourney with only the youthful John Ray Batucan salvaging a draw to avoid a sweep. Another veteran, Sammy " The Dragon " Yu emerged as 2nd placer with 8 pts. Erwin Tubog bagged 3rd place with 6 points. The winners received cash prizes courtesy of Guevarra Law Office and Chess Excellence Ltd. Co.

The blitz tourney was one of the highlights of the Christmas Party cum get together of the Metro Toril Chess Association graced by some invited players. After the dinner the players divided themselves into two groups and thereafter a match was held dubbed as: " UBUSAN - DAVAO SELECTION VS. TORIL YOUNGSTARS ". The Davao Selection was composed of Nofre Reyes, Lito Laput, Atty. Jong Guevarra Jr. and Engr. Jun Atmosfera reinforced by NM Alexander Lupian. The Toril Youngstars on the other hand, was composed of Erwin Tubog, Anthony Mosqueda, John Ray Batucan and Neptali Batucan Jr. and was reinforced by Sammy Yu. This time around the veterans had their sweet revenge by winning 3 matches with only a single loss thereby avenging the heartbreaking loss inflicted by the same youngsters against them recently. Everybody had a good time but it was just unfortunate that my digital camera malfunctioned thus the pictures got blurred. Aside from the players, also present were Glen Paclar and Dante dela Cruz.

FINAL STANDING- BLITZ TOURNEY

8.5 pts - NM Alexander Lupian
8.0 " - Sammy Yu
6.0 " - Erwin Tubog
5.5 " - Neptali Batucan Jr.
4.0 " - Nofre Reyes, John Ray Batucan
3.0 " - Anthony Mosqueda, Zaldy Tabanao, Lito Laput
0.0 " - Atty. Jong Guevarra Jr. ( withdraw)

A SUMMARY OF LOCAL CHESS EVENTS HELD DURING THE YULETIDE SEASON

Huli man daw at magaling naihahabol din.. So guys allow me to wish you all a prosperous New Year in the year of the Tiger.

A lot of local chess events happened during the Christmas season. However, I was too busy attending to numerous parties, reunion and homecomings that I got somewhat lazy to post even a single feature in this blog. Just the other day, I was texted by Rommy Larayos who is one of the avid readers of this blog, inquiring me why there were no more updates for the past month in this blog. I was somewhat jolted back to my senses and realized my responsibility to constantly update this blog as my own little way of providing support not only to the local chess comunity but also to Philippine chess as a whole.

So guys here's a brief summary of the local events held during the Yuletide season.


NM RIC PORTOGALERA TOPS VICE MAYOR INDAY SARA DUTERTE PAHALIPAY SA PASKO
CHESS TOURNEY - OPEN DIVISION, LITERATUS TOPS 18 AND UNDER CATEGORY

As reported by Alfred Moulic


National Master Ric Portogalera of General Santos City emerged as Champion of the 2009 Inday Sara Pahalipay sa Pasko X'mas Tournament held last Dec. 26-27, 2009 at Gaisano South Mall, ILustre St., Davao City with a perfect score of 7 points in 7 rounds. Runner-up honors went to Jayson Salubre with a score of 6.5 pts. NM Elwin Retanal of Malita, Davao del Sur and Bienvenido Tipay both scored 6.0 pts with the former bagging 3rd place honors due to better tie-breaks. Six players scored 5 pts. but Ferdinand Leysa emerged as 5th placer due to better tie-breaks.

Final standing

1 NM PORTOGALERA Ric 2070 GSC 7 31 67 MONTEFALCON Jhon 0 Dvo 3 26
2 SALUBRE Jayson 2099 Dvo 6½ 33 68 LOVITOS Julius 0 Dvo 3 25½
3 NM RETANAL Elwin 2198 Mal 6 28½ 69 TALABOC Kervin 0 Dvo 3 25½
4 TIPAY Bienvenido 1993 Dvo 6 26½ 70 BACSAL Jesamari 0 Dvo 3 25
5 LEYSA Ferdinand 2167 Kor 5½ 35 71 PAIRAT Lino 0 Dvo 3 23½
6 DANO Jimmy 2131 Dig 5½ 34½ 72 DIOLOLA Alberto Jr. 0 Dvo 3 23
7 YU Samuel 2040 Dvo 5½ 33 73 GOMEZ Joseph 0 Dvo 3 23
8 ANDOY Jerwell 1992 Dvo 5½ 27½ 74 RESMA Lloyd 0 Dvo 3 22
9 ATON Ariel 1963 Dvo 5½ 27½ 75 MEJORADA Francis 0 Dvo 3 21½
10 ARCE Rhynan 1853 Dvo 5½ 27½ 76 MIRANTES Bobong 0 Dvo 3 21
11
ORDIZ Leo 2052 Dvo 5 32½ 77 CUAKI Antonio 0 Dvo 3 20½
12
DIMAKILING Adrian 1739 Dvo 5 31 78 CHIN Famela 0 Dvo 3 20
13
PECSON Christian John 0 Dvo 5 29½ 79 INFIESTO Marianne 0 Dvo 3 18
14
BENABENTE Camilo 0 Dvo 5 29 80 CANADA Emily 0 Dvo 3 17
15
MILAGROSA Jake 1850 Dvo 5 28 81 AYON Charles 0 Dvo 3 15½
16
QUINONEZ Arace 1954 Dvo 5 28 82 ACAS Cecilio 1801 Dvo 2½ 28
17
BATUCAN John Ray 1925 Dvo 5 27½ 83 BULICATIN Jay 1951 Dvo 2½ 26½
18
FAJARDO Henry 1951 Dvo 5 27½ 84 JARLOC Santi 0 Dvo 2½ 24
19
NUTTAL Ruel 1967 Dvo 5 27½ 85 VARQUEZ Norman 0 Dvo 2½ 21
20
LOPEZ Henry 2144 Pan 5 26½ 86 LADAN Evan 0 Dvo 2½ 21
21
UMAYAN Vincent 2024 Dvo 5 26 87 CONSIGNA Arnie 0 Dvo 2 28½
22
ATON Warren 0 Dvo 5 23½ 88 ROJO Gary 0 Dvo 2 28
23
YNGAYO Nikki Erica 0 Dvo 5 20½ 89 ANDOY Jester 1874 Dvo 2 24½
24
REYES Nofre 2013 Dvo 4½ 32 90 APAO James 0 Dvo 2 24½
25
DOCTOLERO Carlo 1995 Dvo 4½ 30 91 LADAN Rudy 0 Dvo 2 24½
26
ACAS Adrian 1771 Dvo 4½ 29 92 YNGAYO Irish 0 Dvo 2 23½
27
ALERIA Glen 1838 Kap 4½ 27½ 93 LAWRENTE Hector 0 Dvo 2 23½
28
GEMPERO Reynaldo Jr. 1991 Dvo 4½ 27½ 94 CAGRO Ronel 0 Dvo 2 23½
29
CORONEL Julito 0 Dvo 4½ 27 95 CATAYAS Rodrigo 1970 Dvo 2 22½
30
SEVILLA Jose Adones 0 Dvo 4½ 26½ 96 VARQUEZ Mary Frances 0 Dvo 2 22
31
VELARDE Carlos Jr. 1791 Dvo 4½ 26½ 97 LITERATUS Jan Jay 0 Dvo 2 21
32
ANABIEZA Clark Kent 1750 Dvo 4½ 26½ 98 MARTINEZ Bert 0 Dvo 2 20½
33
MAAMO Harrison 2029 Dvo 4½ 25½ 99 RECANA Vicente 0 Dvo 2 20½
34
ACAS Alvin 0 Dvo 4 32 100 TALABOC Rizland 0 Dvo 2 19½
35
TUBOG Erwin Jr. 1592 Dvo 4 31½ 101 MIRANTES Raymondwil 0 Dvo 2 19
36
LITERATUS Austin Jacob 1535 Dvo 4 31 102 DIOLOLA Windelbert 0 Dvo 2 18½
37
GEVEROLA Danilo 1909 Dvo 4 30½ 103 GONZALES Jhon Christian 0 Dvo 1½ 26
38
AUNSO John Carl 1801 Dvo 4 29½ 104 MIRANTES Giddel 0 Dvo 1 24½
39
ANABIEZA Cerlin 1788 Dvo 4 28½ 105 MICAYABAS France 0 Dvo 1 23
40
SUMAYAN Mark Bryan 0 Dvo 4 28 106 YNGAYO Yna Krisha 0 Dvo 1 23
41
AMAR Denzel 0 Dvo 4 27½ 107 MICAYABAS May 0 Dvo 1 23
42
RECOSOSA Napoleon 1897 Dvo 4 26 108 NUDAS Servando 0 Dvo 1 20½
43
BATUCAN Neptali Iii 1711 Dvo 4 24½ 109 CAJEPO Michael 0 Dvo 1 20½
44
BARRIGA Engr.Oscar 0 Dvo 4 24½ 110 PROVIDO Kristine Joy 0 Dvo 1 20
45
BANGAHON Gilbert 0 Dvo 4 24½ 111 BOHOL Ernesto 0 Dvo 1 20
46
APAO Exiquila 0 Dvo 4 24 112 MICAYABAS Marben 0 Dvo 1 19½
47
LLANOS Adrian Alain 0 Dvo 4 23½ 113 ESCANDIA Alfonso 0 Dvo 1 19½
48
APOLONYO James 0 Dvo 4 23½ 114 VILLAMERA Jupeth 0 Dvo 1 18½
49
ATON Lucky Leo 0 Dvo 4 22½ 115 YNGAYO Eric Jr. 0 Dvo 1 16½
50
DAVID Redentor 0 Dvo 4 22 116 YNGAYO Lorraine 0 Dvo 1 15½
51
LEONES Melson 0 Dvo 4 16 117 BAYRON Perkins 2015 Dvo 0 24½
52
QUINONEZ Reynaldo 2086 Dvo 3½ 32 118 SURPOSA Jeazzir Kline 1730 GSC 0 24½
53
SINAGULA Jumong 1800 Dvo 3½ 31½ 119 ORBETA Sherwin 0 Dvo 0 24½
54
PALERO Mary Israel 0 Dvo 3½ 27 120 CATIGAN Martin 0 Dvo 0 24
55
RACHO Earl Vincent 1711 Dvo 3½ 25½ 121 MANIMOG Kyle Jeremiah 0 Dvo 0 23½
56
SOLAIMAN Palawan 0 Dvo 3½ 25 122 COLIANO Rogelio 0 Dvo 0 23
57
FERNANDEZ Jade 0 Dvo 3½ 24½ 123 NORIEGA Eduardo 0 Dvo 0 23
58
CANDIA Starjean 0 Dvo 3½ 24½ 124 MOSQUEDA Anthony 0 Dvo 0 22½
59
LIMON Lloyd 0 Dvo 3½ 24 125 PELIAS Fred 0 Dvo 0 21½
60
ZAMORA Earl John 0 Dvo 3½ 24 126 BOLASA Rolindo 0 Dvo 0 21
61
YNGAYO Dhona 0 Dvo 3½ 22½ 127 RAMOS Leonel 0 Dvo 0 21
62
ACLO Wenno Miguel 0 Dvo 3½ 21½ 128 MATUCO Emmanuel 0 Dvo 0 21
63
AMONCIO Hannah Joyce 0 Dvo 3½ 21 129 MANIMOG Claire Ann 0 Dvo 0 20½
64
VARQUEZ Michael 0 Dvo 3½ 17½ 130 CAJEPO Michael 0 Dvo 0 20
65
ACOJEDO Robertzon 0 Dvo 3 29 131 DAYANAN Derly 0 Dvo 0 19½
66
ALBARACIN Boy 0 Dvo 3 26½ 132 ENRIQUEZ Raden 0 Dvo 0 14




On the other hand, Vietnam 10th ASEAN age-group tourney double gold medallist Austin Jacob Literatus topped the premier boys 18 and under age group category. Literatus who is only 12 years old has already beaten some of the noted players of Davao in the past including some National Masters and is considered as the next big thing in Davao chess along with John Ray Batucan. Other category winners include John Gerald Acedo in the boys 16 and under and Denzel Amar in the boys 14 and under. The rest of the category winners and players are listed below. My two daughters played with both of them bagging 3rd place in their respective category. Florence Faith was 3rd in the girls 8 and under category while Caissa Jane ( to whom the title of this blog was taken ) took 3rd place in the girls 10 and under category.

UNDER 18 BOYS DIVISION ( Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Inday Sara Age-Group Chess Tournament

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 4 LITERATUS Austin Jacob 1800 Dvo 4½ 14½ 9 12.75
2 14 LLANOS Adrian 0 Dvo 4 10½ 6½ 8.00
3 7 TABADA Kenneth 1770 Dvo 3½ 16½ 9½ 10.75
4 1 BATUCAN John Ray 1891 Dvo 3½ 14½ 8½ 8.75
5 9 CANDIA Moncler 1600 Dvo 3 15 9 6.50
6 16 MICAYABAS Marben 0 Dvo 3 11½ 7 5.00
7 2 AUNSO John Carl 1801 Dvo 3 10 5½ 4.50
8 15 MASINADING Ricsen 0 Dvo 3 9½ 6 4.50
9 3 ALSADO Ronnel 1800 Dvo 2½ 16½ 10 6.25
10 5 ACAS Adrian 1780 Dvo 2½ 16 9½ 8.25
11 6 BATUCAN Neptali 1770 Dvo 2½ 12½ 8 5.25
12 13 ENRIQUEZ Raden 0 Dvo 2 15 9 4.50
13 12 CUBERO Dexter 0 Dvo 2 11 7 2.50
14 10 BOLASA Rolindo 1500 Dvo 1 13 8 1.00
15 17 PEROCHO Leo 0 Dvo 1 11 7 1.00
16 18 TALABOC Rizland 0 Dvo 1 9½ 5½ 1.00
17 11 ABELLA Paolo 0 Dvo 0 9½ 5½ 0.00
18 8 MOSQUEDA Anthony 1700 Dvo 0 9 4 0.00

UNDER 16 BOYS DIVISION (Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Inday Sara Age-Group Chess Tournament

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 2 ACEDO John Gerald 1700 Dvo 4½ 14½ 9 12.75
2 3 ADEMAR JR. Toleran 1695 Dvo 4 12½ 7½ 8.00
3 6 MEJORADA Francis 0 Dvo 4 8½ 3½ 4.00
4 1 ANABIEZA Clark Kent 1770 Dvo 3½ 12 7 5.75
5 4 ACAS Alvin 1650 Dvo 3 12 7½ 4.50
6 7 SULPOT Ernun John 0 Dvo 2 14½ 9½ 3.00
7 9 TALABOC Kervin 0 Dvo 2 13 8 3.00
8 5 AGUIRRE Phil John 0 Dvo 1 13½ 9 2.50
9 8 SULPOT Ralf John 0 Dvo 1 12 7½ 2.50

UNDER 14 BOYS DIVISION (Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Inday Sara Age-Group Chess Tournament

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 1 AMAR Denzel 1700 Dvo 4½ 14½ 9 12.50
2 4 LITERATUS Janjay 1500 Dvo 4 15½ 9½ 11.00
3 9 SUMAYAN Mark Bryan 0 Dvo 4 14½ 8½ 10.50
4 13 YAP Adrian John 0 Dvo 3½ 12½ 8 6.50
5 5 MIRANTES Raymondwil 1500 Dvo 3 14½ 9 6.50
6 11 VILLANUEVA Jason 0 Dvo 3 13½ 8½ 5.00
7 12 VISTAL John Raymund 0 Dvo 3 9½ 6 3.50
8 3 BORINAGA Daniel 1500 Dvo 2 14 8½ 3.50
9 7 MICAYABAS France 0 Dvo 2 13½ 7½ 4.00
10 14 ZAMORA Alfred 0 Dvo 2 11 5½ 4.00
11 6 RICARSE Kyle Henry 1350 Dvo 1 12 8 2.50
12 2 YNGAYO Nathaniel 1600 Dvo 1 12 6½ 2.00
13 8 OLIVER John Alex 0 Dvo 1 12 6 2.50
14 15 REAL Aby 0 Dvo 1 10½ 6 2.50
15 10 VILLACORTA Jhon Ii 0 Dvo 1 8 5½ 0.50

UNDER 12 BOYS DIVISION ( Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Inday Sara Age-Group Chess Tournament

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts. Res. BH. BH.
1 2 RICARSE John Leonard 1500 Dvo 4 0 10 10
2 1 DIOLOLA Alberto Jr. 1550 Dvo 4 0 9 9
3 ACLO Wenno Miguel 1200 Dvo 4 0 9 9
4 11 OLIVER Jay Cristian 0 Dvo 4 0 7 7
5 4 BERNARDINO Adrian 0 Dvo 3 0 10 10
6 5 DIOLOLA Windelbert 0 Dvo 3 0 7½ 7½
7 9 MALLORCA John Lloyd 0 Dvo 3 0 5½ 5½
8 14 SULPOT John Patrick 0 Dvo 2 0 9 9
9 6 FLORIDA Francis Xavier 0 Dvo 2 0 8 8
8 MADANLO Justine Klent 0 Dvo 2 0 8 8
11 7 GABRIEL Marc Joel 0 Dvo 2 0 7½ 7½
12 10 MONTON Frederick 0 Dvo 2 0 5½ 5½
13 12 SAUR Karl Aaron 0 Dvo 1 0 6 6
15 SUSANA Jerwin 0 Dvo 1 0 6 6
15 13 SOLIDEO Joshua 0 Dvo 1 0 5½ 5½

UNDER 10 BOYS DIVISION (Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Inday Sara Age-Group Chess Tournament

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts. Res. BH. BHs
1 3 LOPEZ Fritz 1250 Dvo 4 1 8 70
2 7 GIMONY Bhing Joel 0 Dvo 4 0 9½ 68
3 13 SILAO Raymart 0 Dvo 3½ ½ 10½ 56½
4 2 VARQUEZ Norman 1275 Dvo 3½ ½ 6½ 67½
5 1 VARQUEZ Michael 1275 Dvo 3 1 7½ 62
6 10 MICIANO John Marvin 0 Dvo 3 0 5½ 64½
7 4 RESMA Lloyd 1200 Dvo 2½ ½ 8½ 59
8 12 SULPOT John Vincent 0 Dvo 2½ ½ 7 63½
9 9 LIWANAN Erbel 0 Dvo 2 0 9 63
10 8 GUEVARRA Darren John 0 Dvo 1 0 9 58
11 6 GAWAT Randolf 0 Dvo 1 0 6½ 59
12 5 BATONG Joseph 0 Dvo 1 0 6½ 50½
13 11 PORQUE Jec Jec 0 Dvo 0 0 6 11

UNDER-8 BOYS DIVISION ( Dec.19-20, 2009 )
INDAY SARA AGE-GROUP CHESS TOURNAMENT

Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts. Res. BH. BHs
1 1 YNGAYO Eric 1250 Dvo 4 1 8 62
2 3 SARCHEZ Joshua 1200 Dvo 4 0 8 68
3 6 ASIS Alen 0 Dvo 3 0 10 63
4 7 AYON Charles Faith 0 Dvo 3 0 9 62
5 9 PORQUE Andres 0 Dvo 3 0 7 66
6 5 ABELLANA Aldus Robert 0 Dvo 3 0 6 66
7 2 SARCHEZ Joseph 1200 Dvo 2 0 9 60
8 8 LIM Kristian 0 Dvo 2 0 8 61
9 10 SESTOSO Prince 0 Dvo 1 0 7 60
10 4 ABELLANA Athelstan 0 Dvo 0 0 8 57


UNDER 18 GIRLS DIVISION
Inday Sara Age-Group ( Dec. 19-20, 2009 )
Final Ranking

Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 1 PALERO Mary Israel 1801 Dvo 5 14 8½ 12.50
2 3 MOULIC Ella Grace 1555 Dvo 4 14 7½ 9.50
3 9 TERENCIO Florfides 0 Dvo 3 14½ 8 7.50
4 6 LASTIMADO Mara 0 Dvo 3 14 8½ 5.50
5 8 ORDOYO Gemma 0 Dvo 2 12 7 2.00
6 7 LORIA Aisa 0 Dvo 2 10½ 5½ 2.00
7 2 SEVILLA Mary Rose 1700 Dvo 0 12½ 7½ 0.00
8 5 GUMBAN Kristine 0 Dvo 0 11½ 6 0.00
9 4 CAINA Gracy 0 Dvo 0 9½ 5½ 0.00

UNDER 16 GIRLS DIVISION
Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 1 ACEDO Rowelyn Joy 1771 Dvo 5 12½ 7½ 10.50
2 2 YNGAYO Nikki Erica 1700 Dvo 4 12½ 7½ 7.00
3 3 LIWANAN Erna 0 Dvo 3 12½ 7½ 4.50
4 4 LU Sybel Anne 0 Dvo 2 12½ 7½ 3.00
5 5 PORQUE Cristine Joy 0 Dvo 1 12½ 7½ 2.50

UNDER 14 GIRLS DIVISION
FINAL RANKING
Rank SNo. Name FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 1 PALERO Geneses May Dvo 3½ 4½ 2 3.00
2 2BUNA Christy Dvo 2½ 4½ 2 3.00
3 3 GIMONY Erlz Joe Dvo 1 4½ 2 1.50

UNDER 12 GIRLS DIVISION
Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 3 YNGAYO Dhona 1690 Dvo 5 11½ 7½ 11.50
2 4 GIMONY Joerlz 0 Dvo 3½ 11½ 7½ 7.25
3 1 AMONCIO Hannah Joyce 1700 Dvo 3 13 8 4.50
4 8 YNGAYO Yna Krisha 0 Dvo 3 12 7 4.50
5 5 INFIESTO Marianne 0 Dvo 2½ 14½ 9½ 4.75
6 6 PINERO Cynthia 0 Dvo 2 12½ 7½ 1.00
7 7 VILLACORTA Dovina Rose 0 Dvo 1 13½ 8½ 0.00
8 2 CANDIA Starjean 1695 Dvo 0 11½ 7½ 0.00

UNDER 10 GIRLS DIVISION
Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name Rtg FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 2 CANDIA Wyeth 0 Dvo 5 11 7 11.00
2 8 SASAM Amavelle Jane 0 Dvo 4 13 7 8.00
3 6 GUEVARRA Caissa Jane 0 Dvo 3 14 8 5.00
4 1 MIRANTES Giddel 1400 Dvo 3 13 8 4.00
5 7 MAGLINIS Marian Faith 0 Dvo 3 8 5 2.00
6 4 DELA CRUZ Daryl 0 Dvo 1 15 10 0.00
7 3 CARUMBA Caryn 0 Dvo 1 13 9 0.00
8 5 GUEVARRA Alyssa Danielle 0 Dvo 0 13 7 0.00

UNDER 8 GIRLS DIVISION
Final Ranking
Rank SNo. Name FED Pts BH. BH. SB.
1 8 YNGAYO Lorraine Dvo 5 12½ 7½ 12.50
2 6 VARQUEZ Mary Frances Dvo 4 13½ 7½ 8.50
3 2 GUEVARRA Florence Faith Dvo 3 13 7 4.00
4 7 YNGAYO Irish Dvo 3 12½ 6½ 3.50
5 5 SULTAN Margarette Dvo 1½ 14½ 8½ 1.75
6 4 SULPOT Princess Dvo 1 16 10 1.00
7 1 DELA CRUZ Jenipa Gil Dvo ½ 10½ 6 0.75
8 3 REYES Sheila Mae Dvo 0 7½ 3½ 0.00

RETRACING GM WESLEY SO'S PATH TOWARDS CHESS GREATNESS

( GM Wesley So vs. GM Kata Kamsky in 3rd round action of the World Cup )


The venue was the Subic International Convention Center. The place was jampacked with pinoy chess fans and kibitzers alike with a sprinkling of a few foreign spectators and members of the foreign media. The event was the last round of the Intercontinental Asian Championships. Playing White is RP's top rated player and youngest grandmaster, 15 years old Wesley So. Playing Black on the other hand, is another child prodigy and Vietnam's top rated player GM Le Quang Liem. The game is live in the internet and at stake is a slot in the World Cup. GM So played 1.e4 and GM Le countered with 1..c5. GM So diverted from the main line and used the Rossolimo variation sidestepping GM Le's pet Sicilian Dragon. He sacked a pawn and pressed his attack from the opening. GM Le defended tenaciously and GM So eventually lost the game. The loss was so heartbreaking that Wesley allegedly cried after the game according to a chess friend who witnessed the action.


The road does not end there. The ASEAN Zonal is still to come offering two slots to the winners. GM So was disconsulate and informed his fans that he will be taking a rest from chess and will not play in the Zonals. I was one of the many fans who was quite disturb with the pronouncement. He was almost there. Surely he had a big chance to grab one of the slots as many top guns in Asia will not be playing. At the last hour, GM So decided to join the tournament. Maybe it was due to the clamor and request of numerous chessfans including NCFP boss Prospero Pichay and also to redeem himself.


Prior to the Asian Intercontinental and immediately after the Aeroflot tournament, GM So informed his BW fans at Chessgames.com that he bought some books concerning the d4 opening so as to expand his repertoire but it would take time before he can used it in a tournament. Now is the time to unleashed it.


GM So played solid chess and used 1.d4 exclusively in the Asean Zonals. He was undefeated and claimed one of the slots for the World Cup by virtue of a second place finish next to GM Darwin Laylo who played the tournament of his life by demolishing his opponnets one after the other.


Next was the SPICE CUP in Texas, USA whereby GM So was ranged against 2600+ GM opponents. The result was not spectacular, to say the least and GM So even suffered a single loss in the hands of another prodigy GM Hammer of Norway. GM So achieved winning positions in some of his games but failed to convert it into a win. The result convinced his fans that Wesley should be given a coach/trainer to further develop his immence chess talent.


Nex was the World Juniors in Argentina. I was one of those chess fans who believed that Wesley was ripe for the World Juniors. Now is his time to be the World Junior Champion as he was one of the top favorites. Now came his mother Maam Leny kibitzing at Chessgames.com informing his fans that Wesley will not play at the World Junior as he need to concentrate on his study to finished high school. I was somewhat devastated by this pronouncement but I fully understand that it was for GM So's own good.. This incident revived the raging debate in the chess forums whether Wesley should go to college or just dropped out and become a chess professional. In hindsight, his non participation was a blessing in disguise as it enable him to recharge his batteries and deprived his opponents of a glimpse of his chess arsenal. It also enable him to avoid the chess radar thus he arrived at the World Cup in Russia as a relatively " unknown player " to quote the foreign media.


Now focus shifted in the forthcoming World Cup. GM So's tournament preparation as well as that of GM's Antonio and Laylo were not coming smoothly if media report is to be believed. The promised training match that will include GM's Torre, Paragua, and Gomez did not push through. There were also reports about lack of governemnt financial support in going to Russia which was the venue of the World Cup.

Prior to the World Cup, GM So was given a tag heuer watch as a gift by his ever loyal fans of the BW ( Barangay Wesley ) fame. Some members of the group also contributed to augment his financial needs for the World Cup. NCFP boss Propero Pichay and some well meaning people also made their contributions so that the problem for the trip was finally solved . Now the stage is set for Wesley's historic rise at the World Cup.


To be continued.........

IM OLIVER BARBOSA SCORES 15 WINS 2 DRAWS IN TORIL SIMUL

IM Oliver Barbosa scored 15 wins 2 draws in a 17 boards simul chess exhibition against the top players of the Metro Toril Chess Association held last Saturday November 14, 2009 at the Toril Chess Plaza, Toril, Davao City. Only Adrian Llanos who is a varsity player of the University of Mindanao and Roy Alfafara, board 6 gold medallist 2008 Ungab Cup, managed to eked-out a draw against the youthful International Master who had a brief but fruitful campaign in the US chess circuit highlighted by his topping of the 2009 New York International Open, among others.





The Toril challenge was headed by MTCA president and two time University of Mindanao champ Atty. Jong Guevarra Jr. Also in attendance was 1981 Toril Open and 2002 Davao Executive champ Engr. Jun Atmosfera as well as former Toril champions Atty. Leo Carrillo and Dante dela Cruz. 2005 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA) OFW champ Engr. Oscar Barriga also participated as well as 2009 Shell National active Kiddie 3rd placer Austin Jacob Literatus and former Southwestern University ( SWU) of Cebu varsity player Zaldy Tabanao, among others.





The simul was a huge success according to the event organizer Atty. Jong Guevarra Jr. Players and kibitzers alike gathered around the simul venue to watch IM Barbosa in action. All of them were all praises and in awe as IM Barbosa defeated the stars of Toril chess one after the other.





According to Atty. Guevarra, the Toril team could have provided more stiff opposition if only all of its top players played. What happened was that 5 of our top players were not able to play due to various reasons that's why we were able to field only 17 players instead of 20. Nevertheless the result would still be the same given the chess strenght and capability of IM Barbosa. We are really very thankful to IM OLiver Barbosa for being kind enough to accomodate our request for him to do battle against the Toril team. Hopefully he could come to Toril in the near future to do it a 2nd time, Guevarra said.





The event was sponsored by the Chess Excellence Limited Co. and the Guevarra Law Office in coordination with the Metro Toril Chess Association ( MTCA).


Watch out for the annotated game of CAISSA'S FATHER against IM Barbosa in the said simul in my next post.