Fil-Am engineer makes noise in U.S. chess

GAMARO (left) plans his moves while his coach, NM Mario Rebano ,watches.

By Marlon Bernardino

MANILA---A FILIPINO-AMERICAN stamped class in the 14th annual Foxwoods Open International Chess Championship concluded on April 17, 2022 at Foxwoods Resort Casino & Hotel in Connecticut, USA.

Donato Gamaro is making waves in the United States with his biggest feat so far.

Fondly called Gerry in the chess world, an engineer and a golfer from Queens, New York, reigned supreme in the Under 1600 division with a 6.5 points after beating Karim Naba in the final round of the 7-round Swiss System Tournament. With his feat in the regular game 60 minutes plus 10 seconds delay time control format received US$2,325 for his efforts.

“No words can express. It is everybody's dream to win a championship title in any major tournament,” said Gamaro who hails from Calauan, Laguna.

Gamaro also won the Blitz side event for US$100 richer.

"Our hard work finally paid off. Happy for Gerry who won in regular time control format as well the blitz side event," said another US based National Master and Engineer Mario Lawsin Rebano, personal coach and trainer of Gamaro.

Gamaro's next International Chess Tournament is the tough 50th annual World Open Chess Championship Under 2000 category set this July in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.