Davy crowned Jamaican Champ

L: Davy - R: Wilkinson

Davy crowned national chess champ
Published: Friday | August 5, 2011

National Master (NM) Damion Davy claimed the title of 44th Jamaica national chess champion, when he finished with an outstanding unbeaten score of nine points from a possible eleven.

The event, which took place July 15-31, was sponsored by the Sports Development Foundation, the Spanish Court Hotel, the Liguanea Club, the Magnificent Chess Foundation and the Norman Manley Law School, and featured 12 of the best local chess players.

NM Peter Myers, who had been leading the tournament for the first eight rounds, had to settle for third place with 7.5 points, after failing to convert a win against Davy in the eighth round. Subsequently, Myers lost to the eventual second-place NM Andrew Mellace and suffered a shocking upset to Markland Douglas, in the ninth and 10th rounds, respectively.

Davy, having comfortably defeated veteran NM Mark Holness in the penultimate 10th round, secured the title with a round to spare. NM Mellace placed second on eight points, and fourth and fifth places were claimed by Candidate Master Peter Thomas and Ian Wilkinson, who ended on seven and six points, respectively.

For several years, Davy, a second-year actuarial science student at the University of the West Indies, has been progressing towards claiming the highest accolade in Jamaican chess. He placed second in the 2009 National Championship and won the 2008 and 2009 Junior Chess Championships.

Women's FIDE Master (WFM) Deborah Richards-Porter claimed her record 10th hold on the title of Jamaica National women's chess champion. Richards-Porter, who is the top female player in the English-speaking Caribbean, outclassed her opposition to finish on a perfect score of eight points from eight games. Women's Candidate Master (WCM) Zhu Hui followed in second place with five points, while University of Technology student Krishna Gray trailed behind in third place with four points.

The President's Invitational, an annual tournament involving 12 special invitees of the president of the Jamaica Chess Federation, also took place alongside both events. Veteran Bertram Scott made a long-awaited return to competitive chess, dispatching a predominantly young field of chess players to win the event on an impressive, unbeaten eight points from a possible 11. Ardenne High student Jonathon Orgill, also finished unbeaten to secure his most impressive result to date, placing second on 7.5 points. Kareem Wright, also finishing on 7.5 points, was declared third based on the tiebreaks.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com

Davy crowned Jamaican Champ

L: Davy - R: Wilkinson

Davy crowned national chess champ
Published: Friday | August 5, 2011

National Master (NM) Damion Davy claimed the title of 44th Jamaica national chess champion, when he finished with an outstanding unbeaten score of nine points from a possible eleven.

The event, which took place July 15-31, was sponsored by the Sports Development Foundation, the Spanish Court Hotel, the Liguanea Club, the Magnificent Chess Foundation and the Norman Manley Law School, and featured 12 of the best local chess players.

NM Peter Myers, who had been leading the tournament for the first eight rounds, had to settle for third place with 7.5 points, after failing to convert a win against Davy in the eighth round. Subsequently, Myers lost to the eventual second-place NM Andrew Mellace and suffered a shocking upset to Markland Douglas, in the ninth and 10th rounds, respectively.

Davy, having comfortably defeated veteran NM Mark Holness in the penultimate 10th round, secured the title with a round to spare. NM Mellace placed second on eight points, and fourth and fifth places were claimed by Candidate Master Peter Thomas and Ian Wilkinson, who ended on seven and six points, respectively.

For several years, Davy, a second-year actuarial science student at the University of the West Indies, has been progressing towards claiming the highest accolade in Jamaican chess. He placed second in the 2009 National Championship and won the 2008 and 2009 Junior Chess Championships.

Women's FIDE Master (WFM) Deborah Richards-Porter claimed her record 10th hold on the title of Jamaica National women's chess champion. Richards-Porter, who is the top female player in the English-speaking Caribbean, outclassed her opposition to finish on a perfect score of eight points from eight games. Women's Candidate Master (WCM) Zhu Hui followed in second place with five points, while University of Technology student Krishna Gray trailed behind in third place with four points.

The President's Invitational, an annual tournament involving 12 special invitees of the president of the Jamaica Chess Federation, also took place alongside both events. Veteran Bertram Scott made a long-awaited return to competitive chess, dispatching a predominantly young field of chess players to win the event on an impressive, unbeaten eight points from a possible 11. Ardenne High student Jonathon Orgill, also finished unbeaten to secure his most impressive result to date, placing second on 7.5 points. Kareem Wright, also finishing on 7.5 points, was declared third based on the tiebreaks.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com

Four straight for the young phenom

Battle of GMs: So clinches title for 4th straight year
Monday, July 25, 2011
Written by : Ed Andaya

Final standings:

9 points -- W. So
8 -- O. Barbosa, E. Torre
7.5 -- D. Laylo, J. Sanchez, R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, R. Nolte
6 -- M. Paragua
5.5 -- J. Gomez
5 -- R. Barcenilla, J, Garcia
4 -- R. Salvador
3 -- Y. Ranola

UNSTOPPABLE.

That was how players -- and even officials -- described the smashing performance of GM Wesley So shorltly after winning an unprecedented fourth straight title in the ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So capped his impressive one-man show with a pair of back-to-back draws against GM-candidate Richard Bitoon in the 12th and penultimate round and GM Darwin Laylo in the 13th and final round to finish with a runaway total of nine points on five wins and eight draws in the prestigious, 14-player competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

The 17-year-odl Filipino champion, who is scheduled to face GM Liren Ding of China in the first round of the World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Rusia next month, swept his first four assignments before slowing down a bit in the next nine rounds.

“This is easily the most difficult of the four (Battle of GMs) championships, especially because there are more rounds played. But I’m happy to win the title again,” said So,. whose last setback in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque.

The win was also worth P150,000 for So.

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion GM-candidate Oliver Barbosa and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre shared second to third places with eight points.

Barbosa, however, clinched runner-up honors by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule.

Barbosa, who earned his second GM norm as early as th eninth round, drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in 30 moves of the London System, while Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez after 30 moves of Queen’s Pawn opening.

Five players -- Laylo, Antonio, Sanchez, Bitoon and IM Rolando Nolte -- shared at fourth to eighth places with 7.5 points.

Bitoon, who also achieved his second GM norm in th eninth round, drew with World Cup-bound GM Mark Paragua in 31 moves of a Nimzo-Indian,w hile Nolte defeated IM Yves Ranola after 33 moves of the Sicilian defense.

Paragua finished inninth place with six points, followed by GM John Paul Gomez in 10 th place with 5.5 points.

Comebacking GM Rogelio Barcenilla and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia battle dto a draw in 30 moves of the English opening to share 11 th to 12 th places with five points.

More here.

Four straight for the young phenom

Battle of GMs: So clinches title for 4th straight year
Monday, July 25, 2011
Written by : Ed Andaya

Final standings:

9 points -- W. So
8 -- O. Barbosa, E. Torre
7.5 -- D. Laylo, J. Sanchez, R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, R. Nolte
6 -- M. Paragua
5.5 -- J. Gomez
5 -- R. Barcenilla, J, Garcia
4 -- R. Salvador
3 -- Y. Ranola

UNSTOPPABLE.

That was how players -- and even officials -- described the smashing performance of GM Wesley So shorltly after winning an unprecedented fourth straight title in the ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So capped his impressive one-man show with a pair of back-to-back draws against GM-candidate Richard Bitoon in the 12th and penultimate round and GM Darwin Laylo in the 13th and final round to finish with a runaway total of nine points on five wins and eight draws in the prestigious, 14-player competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

The 17-year-odl Filipino champion, who is scheduled to face GM Liren Ding of China in the first round of the World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Rusia next month, swept his first four assignments before slowing down a bit in the next nine rounds.

“This is easily the most difficult of the four (Battle of GMs) championships, especially because there are more rounds played. But I’m happy to win the title again,” said So,. whose last setback in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque.

The win was also worth P150,000 for So.

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion GM-candidate Oliver Barbosa and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre shared second to third places with eight points.

Barbosa, however, clinched runner-up honors by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule.

Barbosa, who earned his second GM norm as early as th eninth round, drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in 30 moves of the London System, while Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez after 30 moves of Queen’s Pawn opening.

Five players -- Laylo, Antonio, Sanchez, Bitoon and IM Rolando Nolte -- shared at fourth to eighth places with 7.5 points.

Bitoon, who also achieved his second GM norm in th eninth round, drew with World Cup-bound GM Mark Paragua in 31 moves of a Nimzo-Indian,w hile Nolte defeated IM Yves Ranola after 33 moves of the Sicilian defense.

Paragua finished inninth place with six points, followed by GM John Paul Gomez in 10 th place with 5.5 points.

Comebacking GM Rogelio Barcenilla and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia battle dto a draw in 30 moves of the English opening to share 11 th to 12 th places with five points.

More here.

So retains battle, veteran Torre still roars

So retains Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/23/2011 7:08 PM | Updated as of 07/23/2011 7:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines – For the 4th straight time, Filipino chess prodigy Wesley So clinched the Battle of the Grandmasters title by winning the round robin tournament on Saturday.

The 17-year-old grandmaster from Bacoor, Cavite formalized his claim to the title by halving the point with GM Darwin Laylo in 32 moves of English Opening at the National Press Club (NPC).

So finished with a total of 9.0 points, a full point ahead of his closest rivals 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).

He earned P150,000 for his effort.

“This is a very tough tournament. It may look easy dahil ako ‘yong nasa taas from the start. Pero alam naman natin na until the final round hindi sure kung ako ang magiging champion,” said So.

With So already out of reach, GM Eugene Torre and International Master Oliver Barbosa quickly split the point against their respective opponents.

Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez while Barbosa drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr.

Both Torre and Barbosa finished with 8.0 points, but the latter nabbed the runner-up honor through the win-over-the-other rule.

Report by Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

So retains battle, veteran Torre still roars

So retains Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/23/2011 7:08 PM | Updated as of 07/23/2011 7:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines – For the 4th straight time, Filipino chess prodigy Wesley So clinched the Battle of the Grandmasters title by winning the round robin tournament on Saturday.

The 17-year-old grandmaster from Bacoor, Cavite formalized his claim to the title by halving the point with GM Darwin Laylo in 32 moves of English Opening at the National Press Club (NPC).

So finished with a total of 9.0 points, a full point ahead of his closest rivals 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).

He earned P150,000 for his effort.

“This is a very tough tournament. It may look easy dahil ako ‘yong nasa taas from the start. Pero alam naman natin na until the final round hindi sure kung ako ang magiging champion,” said So.

With So already out of reach, GM Eugene Torre and International Master Oliver Barbosa quickly split the point against their respective opponents.

Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez while Barbosa drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr.

Both Torre and Barbosa finished with 8.0 points, but the latter nabbed the runner-up honor through the win-over-the-other rule.

Report by Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

So closer to another title

GM So nears 4th Battle of GMs diadem
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News 6:50 am | Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

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

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua yesterday and agreed to a 31-move draw with the latter to erect a full-point lead after 11 rounds of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Manila.

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So, the tournament’s three-time defending champion who raised his tally to 8.0 points.

But the 17-year-old is not out of the woods yet especially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, beat Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon to gain a share of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points. Torre won after a marathon 69-move duel of a London System Opening but admits catching up with So is wishful thinking with only two more rounds remaining in the cash-rich event.

“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.

The loss dropped Bitoon to a share of fourth to seventh spots with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez with 6.5 points.

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez also drew 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.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

So closer to another title

GM So nears 4th Battle of GMs diadem
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News 6:50 am | Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

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

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua yesterday and agreed to a 31-move draw with the latter to erect a full-point lead after 11 rounds of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Manila.

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So, the tournament’s three-time defending champion who raised his tally to 8.0 points.

But the 17-year-old is not out of the woods yet especially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, beat Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon to gain a share of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points. Torre won after a marathon 69-move duel of a London System Opening but admits catching up with So is wishful thinking with only two more rounds remaining in the cash-rich event.

“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.

The loss dropped Bitoon to a share of fourth to seventh spots with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez with 6.5 points.

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez also drew 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.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

2 GM norms at Battle of the GMs

2 Pinoys secure GM norms in Battle of GMs
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/21/2011 5:30 PM | Updated as of 07/21/2011 5:30 PM

MANILA, Philippines – International Masters (IM) Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa earned their grandmaster (GM) norms in the 9th round of the National Chess Championship: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters.

Bitoon defeated GM John Paul Gomez after 38 moves of Sicilian while Barbosa halved the point with GM Mark Paragua after 31 moves of Slav to collect their respective norms.

Bitoon and Barbosa now each have two GM norms under their belt.

Bitoon got his first during the 2008 Singapore International Open while Barbosa earned his during the 10th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships last May.

“Nakahinga na ako ng maluwag, at least nakuha na natin ang 2nd GM Norm,” said Barbosa.

“Masayang-masaya ako sa pagkopo ng 2nd GM norm,” said Bitoon.

Bitoon and Barbosa tallied a total of 6 points each after 9 rounds of play.

So draws with Torre

So halved the point with Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre after 35 moves of London System Opening.

He now has a total of 6.5 points.

It was So’s fifth straight draw after clustering 4 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). – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

2 GM norms at Battle of the GMs

2 Pinoys secure GM norms in Battle of GMs
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/21/2011 5:30 PM | Updated as of 07/21/2011 5:30 PM

MANILA, Philippines – International Masters (IM) Richard Bitoon and Oliver Barbosa earned their grandmaster (GM) norms in the 9th round of the National Chess Championship: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters.

Bitoon defeated GM John Paul Gomez after 38 moves of Sicilian while Barbosa halved the point with GM Mark Paragua after 31 moves of Slav to collect their respective norms.

Bitoon and Barbosa now each have two GM norms under their belt.

Bitoon got his first during the 2008 Singapore International Open while Barbosa earned his during the 10th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships last May.

“Nakahinga na ako ng maluwag, at least nakuha na natin ang 2nd GM Norm,” said Barbosa.

“Masayang-masaya ako sa pagkopo ng 2nd GM norm,” said Bitoon.

Bitoon and Barbosa tallied a total of 6 points each after 9 rounds of play.

So draws with Torre

So halved the point with Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre after 35 moves of London System Opening.

He now has a total of 6.5 points.

It was So’s fifth straight draw after clustering 4 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). – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Perfection so far for So!

Unstoppable
Published : Tuesday, July 19, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after four rounds:

4 points -- W. So
3 -- D. Laylo
2.5 -- R. Nolte, O. Barbosa, R. Bitoon
2 -- J. Garcia, R. Antonio, E. Torre, J. Gomez
1.5 -- R. Barcenilla, M. Paragua
1 -- J. Sanchez, R. Salvador

Pairings for fifth round:
(White player first)

J. Sanchez vs. Y. Ranola; R. Antonio vs. D. Laylo; R. Salvador vs. R. Bitoon; R. Barcenilla vs. M. Paragua; R. Nolte vs. W. So; J. Garcia vs. E. Torre; J. Gomez vs. O. Barbosa.

TOP seed GM Wesley So is making chess look as easy as reciting the alphabet.

In fact, it was so easy that even well-known chess analysts NM Glen Bordonada could not help but compare his recent games to legendary chess champion Jose Raoul Capablanca of Cuba.

So, at 17 the brightest chess player to come out in this side of the chess universe, racked up two more wins against GM Roland Salvador in the third round and GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. in the fourth round to assume the solo lead with a perfect score of four points in the 2011 ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

The multi-titled campaigner from Bacoor, Cavite, who is seeking his fourth straight Battle of GMs title, defeated Salvador in 68 moves of the Queen’s Pawn opening and Barcenilla in 35 moves of the King’s Indian defense to take a one-point lead over GM Darwin Laylo in this prestigious 14-player, 13-round tournament.

So, whose last defeat in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 PGMA Cup in Parañaque on Sept. 12, also won over GM Joseph Sanchez in the first round and GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in the second round.

“Wesley’s games in this tournament remind me of Capablanca’s seemingly effortless wins,” said Bordonada, referring to the former world chess champion ( 1921-27) from Cuba ,who was nicknamed “Human Chess Machine” during his playing days.

Laylo, who topped the recent Pichay Cup in Subic, defeated IM Yves Ranola in 35 moves of the Bogo-Indian in the third round late Sunday and Sanchez in 45 moves of the Slav the following round to stay in the hunt for the P150,000 top prize with three points out of a possible four.

Three players -- IM Rolando Nolte, IM Oliver Barbosa and IM Richard Bitoon -- share third to fifth places with 2.5 points.

Nolte, one of five IMs in the field, drew with Barbosa in the third round and GM Eugene Torre in the fourth round.

Barbosa halved the point with Nolte and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, while Bitoon split the point with Sanchez and Antonio.

Garcia, who earned his IM title during the Asian Zone 3.3 championships in Tagaytay City last month, drew his matches against GM John Paul Gomez in the third round and Barbosa in the fourth round to lead three other players with two points.

The group included Torre, Antonio and Gonez.

In post-game analysis, Salvador admitted making a dubious move against So on the 42nd, which could have put more pressure on black in an endgame where both players went under time pressure.

The Europe-based Sanchez said 42. h3 is a lot better than 42. Rg3.

“I think it was a big mistake ( Rg3),” claimed Sanchez.

So, however, had an easier time against Barcenilla the following round.

Barcenilla, who earned the elusive GM title only this year, recalled having played a similar game against So in the internet Chess Club.

But the Texas-based Filipino, who rose to prominence by winning the Asian junior chess championships twice, claimed he got confused in the continuation and lost badly wityh the black pieces.

Bordonada, who is analyzing So’s games for the Barangay Wesley, said Barcenilla’s knight sacrifice was actually the third best move for black after Qa6 and Nxd5.

“Black’s position at that point was lost. Baka nainis na si Banjo (Barcenilla) sa position kaya nag-sacrifice na lang,” noted Bordonada.

More here.

So scores again

So books 2nd win in Battle of GMs
Cebu Daily News 7:15 am | Monday, July 18th, 2011

Grandmaster Wesley So continued his winning run, beating GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. in the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters yesterday at the National Press Club.

The three-time defending champion seized early control of the game to log his second straight win.

With So threatening to promote his pawn on the c-file and on the verge of losing his knight, Antonio resigned after 32 moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening.

The victory gave So 2.0 points after the second round of the event supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw.

“It’s too early to celebrate, but it always feels good when you’re winning against one of the top players in the country,” said So, winner over GM Joseph Sanchez in the first round.

Antonio earlier admitted that playing against So is anything but enjoyable.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre kept the leader in sight with 1.5 points following his rousing victory over GM Roland Salvador in their London encounter.

He was joined in second place by International Masters Rolando Nolte, Oliver Barbosa and Richard Bitoon.

Nolte bolstered his chances to nail a GM norm by defeating GM John Paul Gomez in a slam-bang affair.

Nolte, who missed a winning line in a first round draw against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, took the win after 35 moves of Sicilian Defense.

Barbosa also made his case by manhandling GM Rolando “Banjo” Barcenilla in 40 moves of King’s Indian.

Bitoon, winner over IM Yves Ranola in the opener, settled for a draw against GM Darwin Laylo after 30 moves of Caro Kann.

Also halving a point were Ranola and Garcia after 79 moves of Pirc and GMs Mark Paragua and Sanchez in 31 moves of Slav.

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose notched her second win in as many rounds at the expense of Jenny Rose Palomo.

Joining her on top were Woman International Master Catherine Perena, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia and Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna. /correspondent Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Two share lead at Battle of the GMs

So, Bitoon in big starts in Battle of GMs
Published : Sunday, July 17, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after first round:

1 points -- W. So, R. Bitoon
.5 -- R. Antonio, E. Torre, M. Paragua, D. Laylo, J. Gomez, R. Barcenilla, O. Barbosa, R. Salvador, R. Nolte, J. Garcia
0 -- J. Sanchez, Y. Ranola

Pairings for second round:

W. So vs. R. Antonio, Y. Ranola vs. J. Garcia, J. Gomez vs. R. Nolte, O. Barbosa vs. R. Barcenilla, E. Torre vs. R. Salvador, M. Paragua vs. J. Sanchez, R. Bitoon vs. D. Laylo.

DEFENDING champion GM Wesley So served notice of his title-retention bid with a masterful win over GM Joseph Sanchez at the start of the fourth ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championship at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So, who finished a fighting fourth in the recent AAI chess tournament in New Delhi, India early this month, played almost flawlessly to subdue the Europe-based Sanchez in only 35 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf.

“Medyo mahirap pero napagtiyagaan sa huli,” said the 17-year-old Filipino champion, who is hoping to assert his supremacy in local chess for thefourth straight year.

The pride of Bacoor, Cavite is also hoping to redeem himself after watching his FIDE rating drop to No. 89 in the latest list from a high of No. 75.

Up next for So in the tough, 14-player, 13-round competition which offers the top prize of P150,000 is GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. who split the point with Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre in 31 moves of the King’s Pawn game.

Sharing the limelight with So is GM-candidate Richard Bitoon, who made short work of IM Yves Ranola in only 24 moves of the English opening.

Bitoon, the multi-awarded campaigner from Medelin, Cebu, pounced on a fatal blunder by Ranola -- 22. f5 -- to eke out the win.

With the prospect of losing his queen, Ranola resigned two moves later.

“Maganda yung chances ko, especially after nung blunder niya. Meron pang mating attack ako ,” said Bitoon when asked about the victory..

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion IM Oliver Barbosa also settled for with GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of another Sicilian to lead a big group of players with half point.

“Mahirap pilitin kaya ayos na din itong tabla sa first round,” said Barbosa, who is also fresh from topping the AFPI “Chess for a Cause” tournament at the Philippine Army gym in Fort Bonifacio.

Also drawing their matches were World Cup qualifier GM Mark Paragaua and Pichay Cup champion GM Darwin Laylo in 35 moves of the Sicilian; comebacking two-time Asian junior champion GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.. and GM John Paul Gomez in 31 moves of another Sicilian; and IM Rolando Nolte against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Barcenilla, who topped the Asian junior championship in Dubai, UAE in 1989 and Calicut, India in 1991, is making his first appearance in the country since achieving his long-overdue GM title during the recent FIDE Congress.

The annual tournament is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), , National Press Club and Pilipinas Shell.

Source: http://www.journal.com.ph

So beats Sanchez in opener

So beats Sanchez in Battle of GMs
Cebu Daily News 7:53 am | Sunday, July 17th, 2011

GM Wesley So opened his quest for a fourth straight crown with a 35-move demolition of Cebuano GM Joseph Sanchez at yesterday’s start of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.

So, the 17-year-old Bacoor, Cavite whiz kid prevailed after 35 moves of Sicilian defense to lead the opening day winners of the event that awards P150,000 to the winner.

“Napilit ko sa bandang huli,” said So, the country’s topranked wood pusher.

Meantime, former two-time Asian Junior champion Rogelio Barcenilla settled for a truce with fellow GM John Paul Gomez after 31 moves of another Sicilian defense.

“Mahirap pilitin eh, may repetition na tabla sa laro namin ni John Paul,” said the Arizona-based Barcenilla, who topped the 1989 and 1991 Asian Junior Chess Championships.

During the opening rites, Barcenilla and Sanchez received a P50,000 incentive each from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines for completing their GM requirements.

“Malaking inspirasyon sa mga kabataan ang karangalan na hatid nina Banjo at Joseph, kahit malayo sila sa bansa natin patuloy silang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa bayan natin,” said NCFP president/chairman Prospero Pichay, who is eyeing to produce 20 chess grandmasters under his term.

GM Darwin Laylo on the other hand split the point with World Cup qualifier GM Mark Paragua after 35 moves of Sicilian while the Milan, Italy-based GM Roland Salvador also halved the point with 2011 Campomanes Yangon International Open champion IM Oliver Barbosa after 31 moves of another Sicilian skirmish.

Longtime Philippine chess vanguard and Asias first GM Eugene Torre drew with GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. after 31 moves of Kings Pawn Game.

The tournament is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee, National Press Club, Remate and Hataw of JSY Publication. /Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Battle of the GMs

4th Battle of the Grandmasters
Philippines National Chess Championship on 16-23rd July in Intramuros, Manila

The Philippines National Chess Championship - 4th Battle of the Grandmasters is starting today at the historic National Press Club (NPC) in Intramuros, Manila, and continues until 23rd July. 14 players compete in the Men's Division and 12 in the Women's Division. Both tournament will be conducted as round-robins.

GM Wesley So is top seeded player and winner of the previous three editions of the Battle of the Grandmasters. GM John Paul Gomez, who finished second to So last year, considers the youngster to be the main favourite once again - "My chance of winning is good against anybody not named Wesley," he said for Cebu Daily News.

Former two-time Asian Junior champion GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. makes his much-anticipated comeback in the local chess scene. Barcenilla is resident in the USA, where he also completed requirements for the Grandmaster title in 2009.

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., 12-time national champion and second seed in the tournament, also insisted that "So is definitely the favorite to rule this tournament."

4th Battle of the Grandmasters:

GM So Wesley 2658
GM Antonio Rogelio Jr 2565
GM Paragua Mark 2545
GM Sanchez Joseph 2534
GM Gomez John Paul 2529
GM Laylo Darwin 2528
GM Salvador Roland 2527
GM Barcenilla Rogelio 2518
IM Barbosa Oliver 2514
IM Bitoon Richard 2491
GM Torre Eugenio 2491
IM Nolte Rolando 2433
IM Garcia Jan Emmanuel 2404
IM Ranola Yves 2377

4th Battle of the Grandmasters (Women's division):

WIM Perena Catherine 2104
Fronda Jan Jodilyn 2076
WIM Mendoza Beverly 2054
Docena Jedara 2049
WFM Jose Rulp Ylem 2024
WFM Mejia Cherry Ann 1949
Frayna Janelle Mae 1875
Palomo Jenny Rose 1875
Acedo Rowelyn Joy 0
Mendoza Shania Mae 0
Revita Samantha Glo 0
San Diego Marie Antoinette 0

Christian Bauer wins Swiss Championship

Round 7 results

Br	SNr		Name	Pkte	Erg.	Pkte		Name	SNr
1	6	GM	Gallagher Joseph	5	½ - ½	5½	GM	Bauer Christian	1
2	15	IM	Züger Beat	5	½ - ½	5	GM	Sokolov Andrei	3
3	2	GM	Ovseyevych Sergey	4½	½ - ½	4½	IM	Domont Alexandre	19
4	4	GM	Kortschnoj Viktor	4½	0 - 1	4½	GM	Raetsky Alexander	11
5	14	IM	Filipovic Branko	4½	1 - 0	4½	GM	Kosteniuk Alexandra	5

Round 8 results

Br	SNr		Name	Pkte	Erg.	Pkte		Name	SNr
1	1	GM	Bauer Christian	6	1 - 0	5½	IM	Filipovic Branko	14
2	3	GM	Sokolov Andrei	5½	1 - 0	5½	FM	Nüesch Gérard	22
3	25	IM	Carron Julien	5½	½ - ½	5½	GM	Gallagher Joseph	6
4	11	GM	Raetsky Alexander	5½	½ - ½	5½	IM	Züger Beat	15
5	12	IM	Sermier Guillaume	5	½ - ½	5	GM	Ovseyevych Sergey	2
6	17	IM	Gerber Richard	5	½ - ½	5	GM	Siebrecht Sebastian	8
7	19	IM	Domont Alexandre	5	½ - ½	5	IM	Kurmann Oliver	10
8	57		Stoeri Simon	5	0 - 1	4½	GM	Kortschnoj Viktor	4
9	5	GM	Kosteniuk Alexandra	4½	0 - 1	4½	FM	Grandadam Nicolas	30
10	9	GM	Cherniaev Alexander	4½	1 - 0	4½		Kappeler Kaspar	38

Final top 10 standings

Rg.	SNr		Name	Elo	FED	Verein	Pkt.	BH	BHs
1	1	GM	Bauer Christian	2650	FRA	Zürich Sg	7½	49	446
2	3	GM	Sokolov Andrei	2579	FRA	Reichenstein Sf	7	49½	446½
3	4	GM	*Kortschnoj Viktor	2553	SUI	Wohlen (ag)	6½	50½	424½
4	6	GM	Gallagher Joseph	2513	SUI	Zürich Réti Ask	6½	50	441
5	15	IM	Züger Beat	2410	SUI	Luzern Sg	6½	49	433
6	11	GM	Raetsky Alexander	2425	RUS		6½	47½	404½
7	25	IM	Carron Julien	2355	SUI	Sion	6½	46	428
8	2	GM	Ovseyevych Sergey	2589	UKR	Solothurn Sk	6½	45½	417½
9	8	GM	Siebrecht Sebastian	2470	GER	Trubschachen	6½	44½	420
10	9	GM	Cherniaev Alexander	2445	RUS	Genève Bois-Gentil	6½	43½	402

Full standings here.

The Inaugural National Chess Championships of Maldives 2011

The Inaugural National Chess Championships of Maldives 2011

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 06:52

The Maldivian Chess Federation under the presidency of Mr. Noohu Ali, has made all the arrangements to hold their 1st National Chess Championships from 14th to 18th July 2011, at the National Sports Building in Male. According to the remaining news, Maldives has played Chess even seven hundred years before. But modern Chess history goes more than two decades and Chess was like a hobby. But, few events were held including couple of rated players. During last few years, under current leadership, they had the privileged of playing Chess in India as well as in Sri Lanka. They were highly supported by their National Olympic Committee and were allowed to participate in Asian Games in Doha and China with some more Asian and World Indoor Games. The new Zone President, Luxman Wijesuriya had the vision of having the neighbors more active and get the Maldivian players to participate in almost all the rating and official events in Sri Lanka. The Maldives was well participated in the Asian Zonal 2011 of the Zone 3.2 and a Maldivian Player has won the Bronze medal at the Asian Senior Championships both held in Sri Lanka. So, this friendship building among the Zone and Mr. Ali came with the idea of 1st National Chess Championships of Maldives, which was a dream of MCF for more than 20 years. On the recommendation of Mr. Hisham Al Tahar, the Secretary General of ACF, His Highness, Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nehyan, the president of the Asian Chess Federation has kindly decided to support the Maldivian Chess Federation in this remarkable moment. We pay our heartiest gratitude for His highness and all the officials of ACF. A total of 30 players have registered for the event which will be held as nine round Swiss System event. The best player among women will be declared as the 1st Women's National Champion of Maldives. This will be a 1st step of making the Maldives a strong Chess playing Nation in Asia. Luxman Wijesuriya President - Zone 3.2

IM Hovhanisian wins Belgium Championship

Final standings (9 rounds):

1. IM Hovhanisian (ARM, 2479) 7 points
2. IM Michiels (BEL, 2489) 6
3. GM Dgebuadze (BEL, 2522) 5½
4. GM Popovic (SRB, 2489) 5
5-6. IM Hautot (BEL, 2405), Vandenbussche (BEL, 2348) 4½
7. GM Malakhatko (BEL, 2548) 4
8. Beukema (NED, 2209) 3½
9. IM Van der Stricht (BEL, 2374) 3
10. FM Meessen (BEL, 2291) 2

Official website: http://www.chesszone.be

Christian Bauer leads Swiss Championship after 6

After defeating Korchnoi in round 6, GM Bauer now has the sole lead at the 2011 Swiss Championship.

Top 5 leaders after 6 rounds

Rg.	SNr		Name	Elo	FED	Verein	Pkt.	BH	BHs
1	1	GM	Bauer Christian	2650	FRA	Zürich Sg	5½	22	129½
2	6	GM	Gallagher Joseph	2513	SUI	Zürich Réti Ask	5	22	132½
3	15	IM	Züger Beat	2410	SUI	Luzern Sg	5	21½	127½
4	3	GM	Sokolov Andrei	2579	FRA	Reichenstein Sf	5	21	132½
5	4	GM	Kortschnoj Viktor	2553	SUI	Wohlen (ag)	4½	23	129

Round 7 pairings

Br	SNr		Name	Pkte	Erg.	Pkte		Name	SNr
1	6	GM	Gallagher Joseph	5		5½	GM	Bauer Christian	1
2	15	IM	Züger Beat	5		5	GM	Sokolov Andrei	3
3	2	GM	Ovseyevych Sergey	4½		4½	IM	Domont Alexandre	19
4	4	GM	Kortschnoj Viktor	4½		4½	GM	Raetsky Alexander	11
5	14	IM	Filipovic Branko	4½		4½	GM	Kosteniuk Alexandra	5
6	22	FM	Nüesch Gérard	4½		4½	GM	Cherniaev Alexander	9
7	10	IM	Kurmann Oliver	4½		4½	IM	Gerber Richard	17
8	7	GM	Cebalo Miso	4		4½	IM	Carron Julien	25

Full pairings here.