“Chess helps you to concentrate, improve your logic. It teaches you to play by the rules and take responsibility for your actions, how to problem solve in an uncertain environment.”
--Garry Kasparov
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The political combat in the Philippines can sometimes be compared to chess.
Both camps believe they will win and they will never entertain the possibility of losing.
They will lose only if they are “cheated”.
A defeat for most of them is a misnomer.
They run to win, not to lose.
In politics, however, there is no draw.
One must win and another must lose.
In chess, victory is achieved sometimes in a tie-break or after the full regular match like in the best-of-12-games format of the just-concluded FIDE World Championship in London.
-o0o-
I made a mistake when I posted on social media that “I have the gut feeling that the world will have a new world chess champion tomorrow (Wednesday, November 28, 2018)” several hours before the start of the FIDE World Chess Championship tie-breakers between defending champion Magnus Carlsen and Italian-American challenger Fabiano Caruana in London, which finally ended with the Norwegian world No. 1 retaining his title.
My “gut feeling” erred, this time.
Caruana, who would have been the first American world champion since Bobby Fischer won in 1972, lost to Carlsen in three time-limited games.
Carlsen, who has won the championship three times before and was the favorite to win the game, took a two-match lead and needed only a draw in the third tie-breaker to seal his victory.
-o0o-
My basis for picking Caruana in the tie-break was when Carlsen offered a draw in their last match prior to the tie-breakers which many experts, including former world champion Garry Kasparov, believed was a winning game.
They suspected that Carlsen was panicking and losing his nerves after the title match ended in deadlock at 6-all after 12 draws during the regular best-of-12 tussle.
It made Kasparov wondered in his Twit: “In light of this shocking draw offer from Magnus in a superior position with more time, I reconsider my evaluation of him being the favorite in rapids. Tiebreaks require tremendous nerves and he seems to be losing his.”
In the wild and oscillating Game 12, Carlsen, with the black pieces, and Caruana, with the white, began with the Sveshnikov Sicilian, just as they had in Game 8 and Game 10.
-o0o-
“Carlsen was the first to deviate from the earlier contests, perhaps a stratagem to take Caruana out of his seemingly excellent preparation for the championship, and to angle for a decisive result at last,” reported The Guardian. “By the 12th move, the two were in uncharted territory, looking at a board that that no two people had created before at this level of chess.1”
After Carlsen’s victory, Kasparov Twitted anew, this time in a different tune: “Carlsen’s consistent level of play in rapid chess is phenomenal. We all play worse as we play faster and faster, but his ratio may be the smallest ever, perhaps only a 15% drop off. Huge advantage in this format.”
Showing posts with label #chess. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #chess. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Sunday, April 8, 2018
How I pick ‘Dr. Hannibal Lecter’
“You will not persuade me with appeals to my intellectual vanity.”
— Hannibal Lecter
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY –– I must have picked the wrong guy when I pointed to a tattooed middle-aged hustler in Manhattan’s Union Square for my opponent recently in a “bullet chess” or blitz chess match.
The guy was a look-alike of Anthony Hopkins when he played Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a character in a series of suspense novels by Thomas Harris and introduced in a 1981 thriller novel Red Dragon as a forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.
“Dr. Hannibal Lecter” or DHL was only one of the four Union Square mainstays who challenged me for a chess match “for five bucks.”
I would be a hypocrite to deny I chose DHL over the three others after thinking he was a pushover or easy to beat.
ROUND-TRIP
Jiggz, who invited me earlier to invade Union Square with a promise to pay my round-trip ticket in the subway from Queens, made everyone’s head turn when she stoutly dangled a $20 bill and ribbed DHL: “Twinti bakzs!”
Without hesitation, “Dr. Hannibal Lecter” quickly retorted: “olrayt!”
I chided Jiggz reminding her the hustlers were only chanting “fayb bakzs”. She insisted for “twinti bakzs”, her voice was irritating and intimidating.
When DHL and I were about to begin the hypnotic three-minute Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation blitz, the crowd intensified, cajoled by Jiggz’s wager braggadocio.
Handling the white pieces, I marshaled 1. e4; DHL replied with e5; 2. Nf3-Nc6; 3. Bb5 a6; 4. Bxc6 and so on and so forth.
If the match didn’t get as far as the middle game, I wouldn’t notice I was heading for the catastrophe.
DHL, who didn’t nix pieces exchanges before five moves, parried my attacks with a masterful display of grit and proficiency as the partisan crowd egged and cheered him.
STRUCTURE
Several moves later, DHL’s deadly knight and bishop ripped apart my weakened pawn structure; security in the king side had been badly shattered.
As defeat became imminent, I raised the white flag and shook DHL’s hand.
Instead of planting his teeth hard on my neck as what Anthony Hopkins did to his victims in the “Silence of the Lambs”, Union Square’s DHL gave me a wink and collected Jiggz’s “twinti bakzs”.
DHL and his fellow chess hustlers had moved from the Washington Square Park–Bobby Fischer’s former territory–to the Union Square in 2013.
Jiggz coaxed DHL to play “wan mor game”. DHL said “yes”, I called it a day while the three other hustlers, DHL’s cheering squad, were waving and pleading for me to also play against them “but only for fayb bakzs.”
I said “no mas.”
Twinti bakzs were enough. Twinti fayb bakzs will be too much.
— Hannibal Lecter
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY –– I must have picked the wrong guy when I pointed to a tattooed middle-aged hustler in Manhattan’s Union Square for my opponent recently in a “bullet chess” or blitz chess match.
The guy was a look-alike of Anthony Hopkins when he played Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a character in a series of suspense novels by Thomas Harris and introduced in a 1981 thriller novel Red Dragon as a forensic psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.
“Dr. Hannibal Lecter” or DHL was only one of the four Union Square mainstays who challenged me for a chess match “for five bucks.”
I would be a hypocrite to deny I chose DHL over the three others after thinking he was a pushover or easy to beat.
ROUND-TRIP
Jiggz, who invited me earlier to invade Union Square with a promise to pay my round-trip ticket in the subway from Queens, made everyone’s head turn when she stoutly dangled a $20 bill and ribbed DHL: “Twinti bakzs!”
Without hesitation, “Dr. Hannibal Lecter” quickly retorted: “olrayt!”
I chided Jiggz reminding her the hustlers were only chanting “fayb bakzs”. She insisted for “twinti bakzs”, her voice was irritating and intimidating.
When DHL and I were about to begin the hypnotic three-minute Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation blitz, the crowd intensified, cajoled by Jiggz’s wager braggadocio.
Handling the white pieces, I marshaled 1. e4; DHL replied with e5; 2. Nf3-Nc6; 3. Bb5 a6; 4. Bxc6 and so on and so forth.
If the match didn’t get as far as the middle game, I wouldn’t notice I was heading for the catastrophe.
DHL, who didn’t nix pieces exchanges before five moves, parried my attacks with a masterful display of grit and proficiency as the partisan crowd egged and cheered him.
STRUCTURE
Several moves later, DHL’s deadly knight and bishop ripped apart my weakened pawn structure; security in the king side had been badly shattered.
As defeat became imminent, I raised the white flag and shook DHL’s hand.
Instead of planting his teeth hard on my neck as what Anthony Hopkins did to his victims in the “Silence of the Lambs”, Union Square’s DHL gave me a wink and collected Jiggz’s “twinti bakzs”.
DHL and his fellow chess hustlers had moved from the Washington Square Park–Bobby Fischer’s former territory–to the Union Square in 2013.
Jiggz coaxed DHL to play “wan mor game”. DHL said “yes”, I called it a day while the three other hustlers, DHL’s cheering squad, were waving and pleading for me to also play against them “but only for fayb bakzs.”
I said “no mas.”
Twinti bakzs were enough. Twinti fayb bakzs will be too much.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
In bocca al lupo, Fabiano
“Chess is ruthless: you've got to be prepared to kill people.” --Nigel Short
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If Bobby Fischer were alive today, he would spearhead the applause on 25-year-old compatriot Fabiano Caruana.
The reclusive genius died at 64 in Reykjavik, Iceland in 2008 without seeing his dream to see another American-born chess grand master competing for the world chess championship.
When another American, Gata Kamsky (2677), battled and lost to Russia’s Anatoli Karpov (2623) for world championship in 1996, Fischer wasn’t impressed that another American after him was able to take a stab at the world chess crown.
Unlike Caruana (2784), who was born in Miami, Kamsky, 43, was born in Novokuznetsk, Russian and moved only to the United States in 1989.
Fischer, born in Chicago in 1943, was very particular about US-born chess world title candidates and challengers.
He also didn’t believe that that the world chess crown should remain in the hands of the Russians.
Although Caruana is Italian-American, he was born and raised in the US territory.
THIRD
By winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2018 in Berlin March 27, Caruana became officially the third American to battle for the world championship after Fischer in 1972 and Kamsky in 1996.
If Caruana will dethrone 27-year-old defending champion Magnus Carlsen (2843) of Norway in their 12-game match in London in November, he will only be the second American to win the global chess tiara since 1975, the year Fischer relinquished the title, three years after his epic win over Soviet star Boris Spassky in Reykjavik.
In Berlin during the Candidates Tournament 2018 that started on March 10, Caruana sent a strong message when he blasted fellow US player, Filipino Wesley So (2799), in a Catalan match in the opening day.
So finished solo seventh with six points.
In the 14th and last round on March 27, Caruana booked a ticket to London to face Carlsen when he trounced Alexander Grischuk (2767) in Petroff’s Defence, the only victory of the day in the eight-man tournament.
He wound up with nine points, a point ahead of second placer, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2809) who had eight points.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” Caruana, the world No. 3, said afterward.
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If Bobby Fischer were alive today, he would spearhead the applause on 25-year-old compatriot Fabiano Caruana.
The reclusive genius died at 64 in Reykjavik, Iceland in 2008 without seeing his dream to see another American-born chess grand master competing for the world chess championship.
When another American, Gata Kamsky (2677), battled and lost to Russia’s Anatoli Karpov (2623) for world championship in 1996, Fischer wasn’t impressed that another American after him was able to take a stab at the world chess crown.
Unlike Caruana (2784), who was born in Miami, Kamsky, 43, was born in Novokuznetsk, Russian and moved only to the United States in 1989.
Fischer, born in Chicago in 1943, was very particular about US-born chess world title candidates and challengers.
He also didn’t believe that that the world chess crown should remain in the hands of the Russians.
Although Caruana is Italian-American, he was born and raised in the US territory.
THIRD
By winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2018 in Berlin March 27, Caruana became officially the third American to battle for the world championship after Fischer in 1972 and Kamsky in 1996.
If Caruana will dethrone 27-year-old defending champion Magnus Carlsen (2843) of Norway in their 12-game match in London in November, he will only be the second American to win the global chess tiara since 1975, the year Fischer relinquished the title, three years after his epic win over Soviet star Boris Spassky in Reykjavik.
In Berlin during the Candidates Tournament 2018 that started on March 10, Caruana sent a strong message when he blasted fellow US player, Filipino Wesley So (2799), in a Catalan match in the opening day.
So finished solo seventh with six points.
In the 14th and last round on March 27, Caruana booked a ticket to London to face Carlsen when he trounced Alexander Grischuk (2767) in Petroff’s Defence, the only victory of the day in the eight-man tournament.
He wound up with nine points, a point ahead of second placer, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2809) who had eight points.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” Caruana, the world No. 3, said afterward.
“Coming into today, I wasn’t sure what would happen and things couldn’t have gone better. A few days ago, I thought the tournament was already out of my hands, but somehow things just came together perfectly at the end. I really couldn’t be happier.”
In bocca al lupo, Fabiano or good luck, Fabiano.
Final Standings: 1st Caruana 9 pts, 2nd Mamedyarov 8 pts, 3rd Karjakin 8 pts, 4th Ding Liren 7.5 pts, 5th Kramnik 6.5 pts, 6th Grischuk 6.5 pts, 7th Wesley So 6 pts, 8th Aronian 4.5 pts
In bocca al lupo, Fabiano or good luck, Fabiano.
Final Standings: 1st Caruana 9 pts, 2nd Mamedyarov 8 pts, 3rd Karjakin 8 pts, 4th Ding Liren 7.5 pts, 5th Kramnik 6.5 pts, 6th Grischuk 6.5 pts, 7th Wesley So 6 pts, 8th Aronian 4.5 pts
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
How Torre, So raise Filipinos’ pride in World Chess
“The place of chess in the society is closely related to the attitude of young people towards our game.”
--Boris Spassky
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr. was the toast of Philippine sports in 1975 when he earned praises from Don King, among other top honcos of world boxing, for his impressive handling of the Ali vs Frazier “Thrilla in Manila” in October.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos rejected the three American referees brought by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) and insisted on “inexperienced” 42-year-old Padilla to be the third man in the ring.
In summer the following year, however, the loud cheer did not only shift from boxing to chess, it transferred from Padilla to 24-year-old chess sensation Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster (GM).
In the 1976 Marlboro-Loyola Kings Challenge chess tournament held in Manila, Torre (2505) made history by becoming the first chess player in the world to finish clear first ahead since Anatoly Karpov (2695) had become FIDE World Chess champion.
Torre, who notched his full GM norm at 22 in the 1974 Nice Chess Olympiad, did not only top the tournament, he also whipped the Russian world champion and two other GMs--Yugoslavia’s Ljubomir Ljubojevic (2620) and United States’ Walter Browne (2585).
MOMENT
Torre’s shining moment came seven years later in Alicante, Spain when he became the first Filipino to qualify for the Candidates Matches, a tournament that would decide the next FIDE World Championship challenger.
From April 4 to 26, 1983, the Filipinos followed Torre’s struggle against GM Zoltan Ribli of Hungary.
With no Internet then, I followed the results in the Manila Bulletin and its sister publication, Tempo, which had access to the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
There were six qualifiers from three Interzonal tournaments plus two seeds for a total of eight with the winner facing Karpov in 1984.
Robert Ang, accounting professor in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, recalled that “there were very unhappy circumstances before Torre’s departure for Alicante when he faced the prospect of being unable to leave for Spain due to lack of support. Financial difficulties hounded him every day and played havoc on his physical and mental preparation for the match. Finally, on literally the last minute the President of the Philippine Chess Federation Federico Moreno managed to come up with the tickets for Spain.”
After nine rounds, Ribli, older by only one month to Torre, crushed the Filipino, 6-4. The Hungarian, a two-time European Junior Champion and is now an international arbiter, was ousted in the next round by GM Vasily Smyslov, 6.5-4.5.
Smyslov, who died eight years ago at 89 in Moscow, was clobbered by future World Champion Garry Kasparov, 8.5-4.5
Smyslov, who lost to GM Mikhail Botvinnik in the 1953 World Chess Championship in Moscow, advanced to the semifinal round over GM Robert Huebner of West Germany.
STAGE
Torre’s highest accomplishment was the same stage reached by 24-year-old Filipino Wesley So (2799), formerly the world No. 2 player who is now representing the United States.
So could eclipse Torre if he wins the Candidates Tournament 2018 that would determine 27-year-old World Champion Magnus Carlsen’s next challenger.
The tournament romped off on March 10 and winds up on March 28 in Berlin, Germany.
So, the highest-rated Filipino GM, was at the bottom with two defeats and a draw after three rounds of an eight-player double round robin chess tournament.
So is in the league with GM Sergey Karjakin (2763), GM Levon Aronian (2794), GM Ding Liren (2769), GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2809), GM Alexander Grischuk (2767), GM Fabiano Caruana (2784), GM Vladimir Kramnik (2800).
Like Torre in Alicante, Spain, So needs the moral support of his countrymen as he struggles in Berlin. Although So now plays for the US, his battle is also our battle; his pride is also our pride; whether he wins or loses, So has already lifted the spirit of Filipinos by this scintillating performance of reaching the Candidates Tournament, a feat no other Filipino chesser in international chess competitions has achieved, except Torre, now 66.
--Boris Spassky
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr. was the toast of Philippine sports in 1975 when he earned praises from Don King, among other top honcos of world boxing, for his impressive handling of the Ali vs Frazier “Thrilla in Manila” in October.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos rejected the three American referees brought by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) and insisted on “inexperienced” 42-year-old Padilla to be the third man in the ring.
In summer the following year, however, the loud cheer did not only shift from boxing to chess, it transferred from Padilla to 24-year-old chess sensation Eugene Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster (GM).
In the 1976 Marlboro-Loyola Kings Challenge chess tournament held in Manila, Torre (2505) made history by becoming the first chess player in the world to finish clear first ahead since Anatoly Karpov (2695) had become FIDE World Chess champion.
Torre, who notched his full GM norm at 22 in the 1974 Nice Chess Olympiad, did not only top the tournament, he also whipped the Russian world champion and two other GMs--Yugoslavia’s Ljubomir Ljubojevic (2620) and United States’ Walter Browne (2585).
MOMENT
Torre’s shining moment came seven years later in Alicante, Spain when he became the first Filipino to qualify for the Candidates Matches, a tournament that would decide the next FIDE World Championship challenger.
From April 4 to 26, 1983, the Filipinos followed Torre’s struggle against GM Zoltan Ribli of Hungary.
With no Internet then, I followed the results in the Manila Bulletin and its sister publication, Tempo, which had access to the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
There were six qualifiers from three Interzonal tournaments plus two seeds for a total of eight with the winner facing Karpov in 1984.
Robert Ang, accounting professor in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, recalled that “there were very unhappy circumstances before Torre’s departure for Alicante when he faced the prospect of being unable to leave for Spain due to lack of support. Financial difficulties hounded him every day and played havoc on his physical and mental preparation for the match. Finally, on literally the last minute the President of the Philippine Chess Federation Federico Moreno managed to come up with the tickets for Spain.”
After nine rounds, Ribli, older by only one month to Torre, crushed the Filipino, 6-4. The Hungarian, a two-time European Junior Champion and is now an international arbiter, was ousted in the next round by GM Vasily Smyslov, 6.5-4.5.
Smyslov, who died eight years ago at 89 in Moscow, was clobbered by future World Champion Garry Kasparov, 8.5-4.5
Smyslov, who lost to GM Mikhail Botvinnik in the 1953 World Chess Championship in Moscow, advanced to the semifinal round over GM Robert Huebner of West Germany.
STAGE
Torre’s highest accomplishment was the same stage reached by 24-year-old Filipino Wesley So (2799), formerly the world No. 2 player who is now representing the United States.
So could eclipse Torre if he wins the Candidates Tournament 2018 that would determine 27-year-old World Champion Magnus Carlsen’s next challenger.
The tournament romped off on March 10 and winds up on March 28 in Berlin, Germany.
So, the highest-rated Filipino GM, was at the bottom with two defeats and a draw after three rounds of an eight-player double round robin chess tournament.
So is in the league with GM Sergey Karjakin (2763), GM Levon Aronian (2794), GM Ding Liren (2769), GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2809), GM Alexander Grischuk (2767), GM Fabiano Caruana (2784), GM Vladimir Kramnik (2800).
Like Torre in Alicante, Spain, So needs the moral support of his countrymen as he struggles in Berlin. Although So now plays for the US, his battle is also our battle; his pride is also our pride; whether he wins or loses, So has already lifted the spirit of Filipinos by this scintillating performance of reaching the Candidates Tournament, a feat no other Filipino chesser in international chess competitions has achieved, except Torre, now 66.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Pangasinan chess wizard tops Las Vegas blitz tournament
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- A 22-year-old chess wizard from Calasiao, Pangasinan in the Philippines stole the limelight from the major section by topping the 27th Annual North American Open Under 1900 blitz held at Bally's Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada from December 26-30, 2017.
Benchly "Benz" Buccat (1851), now based in Queens, New York, shared the title with Arizona's Langston Tillman (1854) with 8.5 points each in a double-match five-round tournament organized by the Continental Chess Association (CCA).
A former crew of Dunkin Donuts, Buccat emerged unbeaten like Tillman. They collected $300 each.
It was Buccat's second major title after clinching the 11th Fairfield County Open (Under 1400) in Connecticut on November 18, 2017.
Buccat, who represented New York in the 3rd Annual Choir and Teatro Music Festival in the locale of Chicago in 2015, finished 55th in the 129-player regular Under 1900 tournament with 3.5 points, while Tillamn wound up 13th with 5 points.
BLITZ
In the blitz section, Buccat toppled Utah's George Charlier (1592), 2-0, in the first round, followed by a similar 2-0 thrashing of Matthew Mille Coy (1727) and Zak Cancio (1807), both of Arizona, respectively, in the second and third round.
Nevada's Ishan Saran (1807) slowed Buccat down in the fourth round with two draws in two matches.
Matinee idol-looking Buccat, a mainstay of the dreaded Queens chess hub, Mansion, edged Aditya Raninca (1780) in the final round, one win and one draw in two matches to secure the top spot with Tillman.
Grand Master Robert L. Hess (2568) won the major section in the regular tournament with seven points in a share with four others -- GM Samuel Sevian (2614), GM Ruifeng Li (2569), IM Dionisio Aldama (2403), and GM Arun Prasad Subramanian (2490).
Caifornia's Ehsa Ghaemmaghami (2686) and Connecticut's Hans Niemann (2404) also shared first place with 8.5 points apiece in the blitz open section for $400 each.
NEW YORK CITY -- A 22-year-old chess wizard from Calasiao, Pangasinan in the Philippines stole the limelight from the major section by topping the 27th Annual North American Open Under 1900 blitz held at Bally's Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada from December 26-30, 2017.
 |
| BENZ BUCCAT |
A former crew of Dunkin Donuts, Buccat emerged unbeaten like Tillman. They collected $300 each.
It was Buccat's second major title after clinching the 11th Fairfield County Open (Under 1400) in Connecticut on November 18, 2017.
Buccat, who represented New York in the 3rd Annual Choir and Teatro Music Festival in the locale of Chicago in 2015, finished 55th in the 129-player regular Under 1900 tournament with 3.5 points, while Tillamn wound up 13th with 5 points.
BLITZ
In the blitz section, Buccat toppled Utah's George Charlier (1592), 2-0, in the first round, followed by a similar 2-0 thrashing of Matthew Mille Coy (1727) and Zak Cancio (1807), both of Arizona, respectively, in the second and third round.
Nevada's Ishan Saran (1807) slowed Buccat down in the fourth round with two draws in two matches.
Matinee idol-looking Buccat, a mainstay of the dreaded Queens chess hub, Mansion, edged Aditya Raninca (1780) in the final round, one win and one draw in two matches to secure the top spot with Tillman.
Grand Master Robert L. Hess (2568) won the major section in the regular tournament with seven points in a share with four others -- GM Samuel Sevian (2614), GM Ruifeng Li (2569), IM Dionisio Aldama (2403), and GM Arun Prasad Subramanian (2490).
Caifornia's Ehsa Ghaemmaghami (2686) and Connecticut's Hans Niemann (2404) also shared first place with 8.5 points apiece in the blitz open section for $400 each.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Fil-Am soldier Adarlo shines in Mansion chess blitz
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Not even a five-month hiatus from the chess board could prevent Michael "Mykey Adarlov" Adarlo from demolishing his seasoned rivals during a two-week Christmas break chess blitz clashes at the Queen's Mansion on Britton Street.
Adarlo, 32, a Specialist in the United States Army 2nd Infantry Division Striker Unit, emerged almost unscathed in his epic matches against Filipino National Master Mario Rebano, 11th Fairfield County Open (Under 1400) champion Benchly Buccat, United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Vincent Umayan, candidate masters Gilbert Gonzalez, Manuel Jurado, and Gerson Caballero, among other cracked woodpushers in the Filipino community in a series of blitz matches from December 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, and 29, 2017.
Adarlo's familiarity with Scandinavian Defense, Rossolimo Attack, Giuoco Piano, Falkbeer Counter Gambit, Catalan Defense, and Chigorin Defense, among other complicated chess openings, defenses, and attacks, rendered his rivals almost dazed and immobile.
Adarlo manhandled his former protege and 27th North American Open Las Vegas-bound Buccat, and edged 2017 Chess-in-the-Park Under 2100 king Rebano in contrasting fashions during their one-on-one friendly duels.
SHARP
"He is still sharp, quick, and his talent remains intact," commented chess coach Rainier Labay, Mansion caretaker and host, who expressed willingness to take the tab for the diminutive but sturdy chesser in any down-the-wire matchup.
Labay said Adarlo is an asset for the Team United States in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Chess Championship organized by the International Military Chess Committe.
"Against players from Denmark, Germany, Poland, Greece, Hungary, Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Adarlo, with his talent, can lift the United States to a major victory," observed Labay.
NATO Chess Tournaments had been held unofficially in Denmark every year since 1978.
They were upgraded to an official NATO Championship, for countries and individuals, when the tournament was held in Hammelburg, Germany in 1989.
Adarlo, originally a Mansion mainstay, temporarily left the chess world to focus on his training as a soldier where he pushed grills and iron bars instead of wooden bishops, pawns, knights, and rooks.
He returned to New York for the holiday break before flying to Alaska to join his fellow soldiers for deployment.
He tots a FIDE rating of 2230 (rapid) and 2097 (blitz).
NEW YORK CITY -- Not even a five-month hiatus from the chess board could prevent Michael "Mykey Adarlov" Adarlo from demolishing his seasoned rivals during a two-week Christmas break chess blitz clashes at the Queen's Mansion on Britton Street.
 |
| ADARLO (right) ponders his move before pulling the trigger of the chess cylinder versus USCF NM Umayan. Looking are chess analysts Leo Buencocillo and Demetrio Lopez |
Adarlo's familiarity with Scandinavian Defense, Rossolimo Attack, Giuoco Piano, Falkbeer Counter Gambit, Catalan Defense, and Chigorin Defense, among other complicated chess openings, defenses, and attacks, rendered his rivals almost dazed and immobile.
Adarlo manhandled his former protege and 27th North American Open Las Vegas-bound Buccat, and edged 2017 Chess-in-the-Park Under 2100 king Rebano in contrasting fashions during their one-on-one friendly duels.
SHARP
"He is still sharp, quick, and his talent remains intact," commented chess coach Rainier Labay, Mansion caretaker and host, who expressed willingness to take the tab for the diminutive but sturdy chesser in any down-the-wire matchup.
Labay said Adarlo is an asset for the Team United States in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Chess Championship organized by the International Military Chess Committe.
"Against players from Denmark, Germany, Poland, Greece, Hungary, Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Adarlo, with his talent, can lift the United States to a major victory," observed Labay.
NATO Chess Tournaments had been held unofficially in Denmark every year since 1978.
They were upgraded to an official NATO Championship, for countries and individuals, when the tournament was held in Hammelburg, Germany in 1989.
Adarlo, originally a Mansion mainstay, temporarily left the chess world to focus on his training as a soldier where he pushed grills and iron bars instead of wooden bishops, pawns, knights, and rooks.
He returned to New York for the holiday break before flying to Alaska to join his fellow soldiers for deployment.
He tots a FIDE rating of 2230 (rapid) and 2097 (blitz).
Apelo gifts self with Empire City chess crown
NEW YORK CITY-- When David Asuncion Apelo copped the 31st Empire City Open (Under 2200) in 2012, the Filipino chesser shared the title with two others.
In the 36th edition held on December 28-30, 2017 at the Hotel Pennsylvania, Asuncion, 59, made sure he was the lone captain in the Empire City Open (Under 2100) ship as he romped off with the championship with 5.5 points in the six-round Swiss System event arranged by the Continental Chess Association.
Apelo (2059), who finished third in the 35th edition in 2016, won $1,000.
He logged five straight wins and drew with second placer Yassamin Leili Ehsani (1986) in the last round.
Apelo, Ehsani, and another Filipino, National Master Mario Rebano, were the only unbeaten players in the tournament.
Top-seeded Rebano (2094), 54, who drew his last match against Anthony Levin (2077), shared third place with Levin and five others with 4.5 points (three wins, three draws).
"I missed the title because of successive draws in the early rounds," quipped Rebano, an engineer, who won two major titles in New York and Connecticut in 2017.
The category attracted 74 players.
Apelo, a former army in the Philippines and champion of the 48th Annual Atlantic Open (Under 2100) title held from August 26-28, 2016 in Arlington, Virginia, thus became the winningest Filipino chess campaigner in the United States in 2017.
Grand Masters (GM) Sergei Azarov (2646) and Alexander Fishbein (2548) shared the title in the major section with 5 points apiece.
The major section had 56 entries that included six GMs, five international masters (IM), and two FIDE masters.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Umayan kids pocket golds in ASEAN Age Group chess tilt
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The talented Umayan kids of Davao City, Philippines--Gabriel John and Samantha--won gold medals and certificates in the boys and girls divisions, respectively, in the 18th Asean Age Group Team Standard Under-12 Chess Championships held at the Hotel Grand Darulmakmur in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia on November 24-December 5, 2017.
Gabriel "Gab" John Umayan, 12, teamed up with Gabriel Concio Jr. and Mark Jay Bacojo to propel Team Philippines on top (champion) with 112.5 total tie-break points edging Malaysia (second) with 106.5 total tie-break points, and Singapore (third) with 96 total tie-break points.
Younger sister Samantha "Sam" Babol Umayan, 11, and teammates Jerlyn Mae San Diego and Krisen Yochabel Marie Sanchez submitted 121 total tie-break points to give Team Philippines another championsip in the distaff side over Malaysia 1 (second) with 107 points, and Malaysia 2 (third) with 104 points.
BRONZE
Samantha also scored 5.5 points to grab the bronze medal in the girls Under-12 individual.
Gabriel John and Samantha are children of United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Vincent Umayan and Merlinda.
"All our sacrifices have paid off," beamed the father Umayan, 42, who won a grandmaster-laden blitz tournament in Long Island City in New York on November 12, 2017.
Father and mother supervised the kids' Spartan-like training and preparations with daily prayers and giving of words of encouragement and motivation.
"Strictly no computer games, no playing around, no quarrel. We asked them to focus, focus, and focus because they were representing the Philippines and they were trying to give glory to the country," Vincent said.
GUIDE
New York-based Vincent honed the kids' skills and guided them by reviewing the games of world champions and playing blitz matches with them on-line every night, while Merlinda accompanied the kids in their first international stint.
"I always goaded them to finish what we have started. I wanted to instill in them the values of sacrifice, hard work, and humility," Vincent stressed.
When they return to the Philippines, Vincent exhorted the kids to start training again. They next target the world junior championship.
A hero's welcome waited the kids in Davao City.
NEW YORK CITY -- The talented Umayan kids of Davao City, Philippines--Gabriel John and Samantha--won gold medals and certificates in the boys and girls divisions, respectively, in the 18th Asean Age Group Team Standard Under-12 Chess Championships held at the Hotel Grand Darulmakmur in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia on November 24-December 5, 2017.
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| VICTORIOUS FAMILY (Samantha, mother Merlinda, Gabriel John) |
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| Gabriel John |
Younger sister Samantha "Sam" Babol Umayan, 11, and teammates Jerlyn Mae San Diego and Krisen Yochabel Marie Sanchez submitted 121 total tie-break points to give Team Philippines another championsip in the distaff side over Malaysia 1 (second) with 107 points, and Malaysia 2 (third) with 104 points.
BRONZE
Samantha also scored 5.5 points to grab the bronze medal in the girls Under-12 individual.
Gabriel John and Samantha are children of United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Vincent Umayan and Merlinda.
"All our sacrifices have paid off," beamed the father Umayan, 42, who won a grandmaster-laden blitz tournament in Long Island City in New York on November 12, 2017.
Father and mother supervised the kids' Spartan-like training and preparations with daily prayers and giving of words of encouragement and motivation.
"Strictly no computer games, no playing around, no quarrel. We asked them to focus, focus, and focus because they were representing the Philippines and they were trying to give glory to the country," Vincent said.
GUIDE
New York-based Vincent honed the kids' skills and guided them by reviewing the games of world champions and playing blitz matches with them on-line every night, while Merlinda accompanied the kids in their first international stint.
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| Samantha |
When they return to the Philippines, Vincent exhorted the kids to start training again. They next target the world junior championship.
A hero's welcome waited the kids in Davao City.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Leyte typhoon victim conquers Connecticut Chess Open
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Two months after winning the 17th Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park on September 16, Filipino National Master (NM) Mario Lawsin Rebano brought home another chess title by topping the 11th Annual Fairfield County Open (U2200 division) in Norwalk, Connecticut November 18.
The 52-year-old Rebano (2094), a victim of super typhoon "Yolanda" in the Philippines in 2013, bounced back with four successive victories in the nine-round Swiss System tournament.
He absorbed two successive opening game defeats to three-time US Open champion, Grand Master Joel Benjamin and FIDE-rated Uri Moon-Rosha.
After yielding another match to GM Alex Fishbein (2555) in Round 7, Rebano, a civil engineer, won his last two matches to finish with six points.
"NM Rebano was really determined to win," reported chess coach Rainier M. Labay, who acted as non-playing team captain of the Filipino contingent. "He worked hard for the victory."
"Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord. He really gave this tournament to me. Pangalawa, kay Dr. Gil Asoy, my adviser and chief supporter sa walang sawa na moral support even when I was still pursuing my national master norm in the Philippines," said the New Jersey-based Rebano, who worked in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 10 years.
Rebano said he wanted to share the honor to Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez and husband, former Mayor Alfred Romualdez, his family and all the victims of typhoon "Yolanda" in Leyte.
Rebano recalled that he nearly died in the typhoon that destroyed his property and nearly ripped apart his life.
"If not for chess, I couldn't have made it to the United States," he added. "I have been a player in the Open section. I only learned about categories in the US."
Rebano, who has been campaigning in the US since 2014, targets next the Millionaire Chess Open in New Jersey and World Open in Philadelphia next year.
Rebano's compatriot Benchly Buccat (986) topped the Under1400 division with 4.5 points. Robert Chen won the Under1600 division with 4.5 points
The Open section was won by GM Aleksander Lenderman (2667) with 8 points. GM Maxim Dlugy (2618) and FIDE Master Hans Niemann (2395) tied for second with 7.5 points. Third was Benjamin with six points.
Filipino GM Mark Paragua (2622) notched 5.5 and wound up tied in fourth with GM Alex Fishbein (2555).
Other Filipinos in the five-hour speed chess (10 minutes per game) tournament organized by the Chess Club of Fairfield County were: FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat (2327) and United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Vincent Umayan (2303) who both scored five points.
NEW YORK CITY -- Two months after winning the 17th Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park on September 16, Filipino National Master (NM) Mario Lawsin Rebano brought home another chess title by topping the 11th Annual Fairfield County Open (U2200 division) in Norwalk, Connecticut November 18.
The 52-year-old Rebano (2094), a victim of super typhoon "Yolanda" in the Philippines in 2013, bounced back with four successive victories in the nine-round Swiss System tournament.
He absorbed two successive opening game defeats to three-time US Open champion, Grand Master Joel Benjamin and FIDE-rated Uri Moon-Rosha.
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| REBANO versus GM Benjamin in Round 1 (Photo by Rainer M. Labay) |
"NM Rebano was really determined to win," reported chess coach Rainier M. Labay, who acted as non-playing team captain of the Filipino contingent. "He worked hard for the victory."
"Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord. He really gave this tournament to me. Pangalawa, kay Dr. Gil Asoy, my adviser and chief supporter sa walang sawa na moral support even when I was still pursuing my national master norm in the Philippines," said the New Jersey-based Rebano, who worked in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 10 years.
Rebano said he wanted to share the honor to Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez and husband, former Mayor Alfred Romualdez, his family and all the victims of typhoon "Yolanda" in Leyte.
Rebano recalled that he nearly died in the typhoon that destroyed his property and nearly ripped apart his life.
"If not for chess, I couldn't have made it to the United States," he added. "I have been a player in the Open section. I only learned about categories in the US."
Rebano, who has been campaigning in the US since 2014, targets next the Millionaire Chess Open in New Jersey and World Open in Philadelphia next year.
Rebano's compatriot Benchly Buccat (986) topped the Under1400 division with 4.5 points. Robert Chen won the Under1600 division with 4.5 points
The Open section was won by GM Aleksander Lenderman (2667) with 8 points. GM Maxim Dlugy (2618) and FIDE Master Hans Niemann (2395) tied for second with 7.5 points. Third was Benjamin with six points.
Filipino GM Mark Paragua (2622) notched 5.5 and wound up tied in fourth with GM Alex Fishbein (2555).
Other Filipinos in the five-hour speed chess (10 minutes per game) tournament organized by the Chess Club of Fairfield County were: FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat (2327) and United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Vincent Umayan (2303) who both scored five points.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
I believe Vitaliano
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
--MAYA ANGELOU
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If not for an invitation for me to participate in a blitz chess tournament in the Long Island on November 12, I would have forgotten that tournament host and organizer Vitaliano "Nonoy" V. Rafael, an industrial engineer and realtor, was outgoing board member of the fractious Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI).
PIDCI, umbrella organization of Filipino-American associations based on the East Coast, was the subject of my scathing articles after its tumultuous election on October 7 won by Antero "Ner" Martinez.
When they could not agree on who should be allowed and not allowed to vote in that election, tension erupted especially when membership chair Ronie Mataquel had been removed from the polling venue on orders of Comelec chair Raul Estrellado.
CANDIDATE
At this juncture, a losing candidate for the board (not Vitaliano) called 911. The police, naturally, arrived. And the rest is history.
In the organization's 27 years of existence, it was the first time that its election was interrupted by a 911 emergency call. Pathetic.
In my first article on October 11, 2017, I quoted an observer who lambasted the feuding officials for "acting like kids."
In a follow up article on October 12, 2017, I scored the act of calling the 911 for a simple case of mismanagement by poll organizers as it transformed the election "like a carnival of thugs."
I wanted to emphasize that if they weren't sure about the final list of voters, they shouldn't have proceeded with the election to avoid that embarrassing and scandalous incident.
Some PIDCI bigwigs reportedly felt slighted as they weren't used to being castigated in the press. If they behaved properly, the press would have nothing to report but their good behavior--and the election results.
The truth is, some of them really behaved like kids and their actuations were uncalled for and unprofessional.
ENTER
Back to Engr. Rafael. As soon as he saw me enter the tournament premesis, he acknowledged my presence and was very cordial and professional.
He did mention that they (meaning the PIDCI officials) monitored my write-ups and analyzed their contents.
He could not speak on behalf of his peers, but told me he never felt alluded to in my articles saying he understood why I wrote about that ugly episode; he stressed that the gist of my stories "was about only the 911 call although you weren't there."
I retorted that I am mandated to write only the truth and nothing but the truth; and that I believe him when he said he held no grudge against me for criticizing the PIDCI.
NOTE: I thank Engr. Nonoy Rafael and Atty. Gerry Albano for allowing me to participate in the 9-round double elimination blitz chess tournament even if I was the only player who did not have any title or rating in the Philippines and in the United States. As a result, I was able to play officially in a formal tournament against Grand Masters Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua, as well as FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat, United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Albano, and 2010 World Open Chess Championships Under1200 champion Mary Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua. Nonoy Rafael himself was the 1989 World Open Chess Championship (expert division) and 1988 New York Chess Open champion.
--MAYA ANGELOU
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If not for an invitation for me to participate in a blitz chess tournament in the Long Island on November 12, I would have forgotten that tournament host and organizer Vitaliano "Nonoy" V. Rafael, an industrial engineer and realtor, was outgoing board member of the fractious Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI).
PIDCI, umbrella organization of Filipino-American associations based on the East Coast, was the subject of my scathing articles after its tumultuous election on October 7 won by Antero "Ner" Martinez.
When they could not agree on who should be allowed and not allowed to vote in that election, tension erupted especially when membership chair Ronie Mataquel had been removed from the polling venue on orders of Comelec chair Raul Estrellado.
CANDIDATE
At this juncture, a losing candidate for the board (not Vitaliano) called 911. The police, naturally, arrived. And the rest is history.
In the organization's 27 years of existence, it was the first time that its election was interrupted by a 911 emergency call. Pathetic.
In my first article on October 11, 2017, I quoted an observer who lambasted the feuding officials for "acting like kids."
In a follow up article on October 12, 2017, I scored the act of calling the 911 for a simple case of mismanagement by poll organizers as it transformed the election "like a carnival of thugs."
I wanted to emphasize that if they weren't sure about the final list of voters, they shouldn't have proceeded with the election to avoid that embarrassing and scandalous incident.
Some PIDCI bigwigs reportedly felt slighted as they weren't used to being castigated in the press. If they behaved properly, the press would have nothing to report but their good behavior--and the election results.
The truth is, some of them really behaved like kids and their actuations were uncalled for and unprofessional.
ENTER
Back to Engr. Rafael. As soon as he saw me enter the tournament premesis, he acknowledged my presence and was very cordial and professional.
He did mention that they (meaning the PIDCI officials) monitored my write-ups and analyzed their contents.
He could not speak on behalf of his peers, but told me he never felt alluded to in my articles saying he understood why I wrote about that ugly episode; he stressed that the gist of my stories "was about only the 911 call although you weren't there."
I retorted that I am mandated to write only the truth and nothing but the truth; and that I believe him when he said he held no grudge against me for criticizing the PIDCI.
NOTE: I thank Engr. Nonoy Rafael and Atty. Gerry Albano for allowing me to participate in the 9-round double elimination blitz chess tournament even if I was the only player who did not have any title or rating in the Philippines and in the United States. As a result, I was able to play officially in a formal tournament against Grand Masters Oliver Barbosa and Mark Paragua, as well as FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat, United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Albano, and 2010 World Open Chess Championships Under1200 champion Mary Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua. Nonoy Rafael himself was the 1989 World Open Chess Championship (expert division) and 1988 New York Chess Open champion.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
US chess instructor eyes Mansion World Cup title
"Among a great many other things that chess teaches you is to control the initial excitement you feel when you see something that looks good. It trains you to think before grabbing and to think just as objectively when you're in trouble."
--Stanley Kubrick
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Elmhurst Chess Club mainstay Gilbert Buenaflor Gonzales has warned that the entry of United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Tyrell Harriott, among other foreign chess masters in the final edition of the 2017 Mansion World Chess Cup Rapid Championship, might derail the chances of Pinoy players aiming for a grand slam.
"Tyrell will wipe out all our previous edition winners because he is fast and an active blitz player anywhere in New York," feared Gonzales, winner of the Cup's 13th edition.
Gonzales' concern came after tournament arbiter Rainier Labay hinted that they might invite Harriott, a Chess-in-the-Schools full-time classroom instructor, in the Cup's final leg.
"We have the best line-up among the Filipino players and I am confident that we can give the foreign players a run for their money as what they did in the past," quipped Labay, the fastest blitz player in the community.
Meanwhile, Ejhay Labuac, second placer in the 10th edition and former University of Manila champion, disagreed with Gonzales.
"I will retire (from playing chess) if Tyrell will beat us," enthused Labuac, who has played with Harriott in Steinway on several occasions.
CLUB
According to the Manhattan-based Marshall Chess Club, Harriott is an active tournament player who has traveled to many countries to play chess.
"His competitive milestones include: 2nd place U2000 at The World Open in 2012, 1st place U2000 at The Continental Open in 2012, and 1st place U2100 at The Manhattan Open in 2012. Tyrell is passionate about technology and incorporates chess learning software, SMARTBoards, and online assessments into his pedagogy," the chess club reports in its website.
"I want to play in the next one," Harriott, who tots a World Chess Federation rating of 2175 (rapid) and 2197 (blitz), told Labay in a social media message.
"We will invite you next," replied Labay, who, along with FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat, is one of the highest rated Pinoy chessers now campaigning in the US.
The previous winners were: Benchly Buccat (2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th editions); Alex P. Vidal (3rd, 5th, 11th, 12th editions); Normando "Lolo Andy" Punzalan (1st and 4th editions); Gonzales (8th, 13th editions); Albert "Etik Etik" Riviera (10th edition); Thomas Hagakore (14th edition).
The Mansion World Chess Club Rapid tournament was organized in honor of Wesley So, a Cavite-born 24-year-old super-grand master now ranked No. 2 in the world, after he reached the 2017 World Chess Cup semi-finals in Tbilisi, Georgia recently.
He lost to China's GM Ding Liren, who lost to Armenia's GM Levon Aronian in the championship.
--Stanley Kubrick
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Elmhurst Chess Club mainstay Gilbert Buenaflor Gonzales has warned that the entry of United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master Tyrell Harriott, among other foreign chess masters in the final edition of the 2017 Mansion World Chess Cup Rapid Championship, might derail the chances of Pinoy players aiming for a grand slam.
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| USCF Master Tyrell Harriott |
Gonzales' concern came after tournament arbiter Rainier Labay hinted that they might invite Harriott, a Chess-in-the-Schools full-time classroom instructor, in the Cup's final leg.
"We have the best line-up among the Filipino players and I am confident that we can give the foreign players a run for their money as what they did in the past," quipped Labay, the fastest blitz player in the community.
Meanwhile, Ejhay Labuac, second placer in the 10th edition and former University of Manila champion, disagreed with Gonzales.
"I will retire (from playing chess) if Tyrell will beat us," enthused Labuac, who has played with Harriott in Steinway on several occasions.
CLUB
According to the Manhattan-based Marshall Chess Club, Harriott is an active tournament player who has traveled to many countries to play chess.
"His competitive milestones include: 2nd place U2000 at The World Open in 2012, 1st place U2000 at The Continental Open in 2012, and 1st place U2100 at The Manhattan Open in 2012. Tyrell is passionate about technology and incorporates chess learning software, SMARTBoards, and online assessments into his pedagogy," the chess club reports in its website.
"I want to play in the next one," Harriott, who tots a World Chess Federation rating of 2175 (rapid) and 2197 (blitz), told Labay in a social media message.
"We will invite you next," replied Labay, who, along with FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat, is one of the highest rated Pinoy chessers now campaigning in the US.
The previous winners were: Benchly Buccat (2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th editions); Alex P. Vidal (3rd, 5th, 11th, 12th editions); Normando "Lolo Andy" Punzalan (1st and 4th editions); Gonzales (8th, 13th editions); Albert "Etik Etik" Riviera (10th edition); Thomas Hagakore (14th edition).
The Mansion World Chess Club Rapid tournament was organized in honor of Wesley So, a Cavite-born 24-year-old super-grand master now ranked No. 2 in the world, after he reached the 2017 World Chess Cup semi-finals in Tbilisi, Georgia recently.
He lost to China's GM Ding Liren, who lost to Armenia's GM Levon Aronian in the championship.
Monday, September 25, 2017
'Despite GM So's fall, Britton World Chess Cup will go on'
"In chess, knowledge is a very transient thing. It changes so fast that even a single mouse-slip sometimes changes the evaluation."
-- Viswanathan Anand
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Mansion World Chess Cup Blitz Championship organizer and chief arbiter Rainier M. Labay vowed to continue holding the five-round tournament despite the elimination of Filipino Grand Master Wesley So in the ongoing FIDE World Chess Cup 2017 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The Mansion World Chess Cup was conceptualized after So, 24, a Cavite-born Filipino who now plays for the United States, vaulted into the sem-final of the 128-player single elimination chess tournament.
So lost to upset-conscious Chinese Ding Liren, who is now playing Armenian Grand Master Levon Aronian for the championship in the Biltmore Hotel.
RATED
"Our own version of the World Chess Cup is for the players rated 2200 and below, including those unrated," said Labay, a blitz champion and one of the highest rated Filipino players now based in the United States.
The Mansion edition will be on its sixth edition this week.
"We will also have a tournament for the rated players," added Labay, former coach of the dreaded De La Salle University Chess Team.
A trophy is awarded to the edition champion plus cash.
"We are inspired by Grand Master So's conquest because even if he is playing for the United States, he is still a Filipino by heart," stressed Labay of Valenzuela City in the Philippines.
KNOCK-OUT
The Georgia World Chess Cup tournament is a knock-out, with the exception that there was a provision for the two semi-final losers to play off for third place if necessary.
Matches consist of two regular time limit games (except for the final, and playoff for third if required, which consist of four regular time limit games).
For these two games, players have 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move from the start of the game.
The champion gets $120,000 while the runner-up will bring home $80,000.
Aside from So, among those highest rated super grand masters who have been ousted were reigning FIDE world champion and top-seeded Magnus Carlsen of Norway, third-seeded Fabiano Caruana (USA), fourth-seed Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), and eight-seeded Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) who lost to Aronian in another semi-final tussle.
-- Viswanathan Anand
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Mansion World Chess Cup Blitz Championship organizer and chief arbiter Rainier M. Labay vowed to continue holding the five-round tournament despite the elimination of Filipino Grand Master Wesley So in the ongoing FIDE World Chess Cup 2017 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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| BLITZ BOSS AND ARBITER RAINIER M. LABAY |
The Mansion World Chess Cup was conceptualized after So, 24, a Cavite-born Filipino who now plays for the United States, vaulted into the sem-final of the 128-player single elimination chess tournament.
So lost to upset-conscious Chinese Ding Liren, who is now playing Armenian Grand Master Levon Aronian for the championship in the Biltmore Hotel.
RATED
"Our own version of the World Chess Cup is for the players rated 2200 and below, including those unrated," said Labay, a blitz champion and one of the highest rated Filipino players now based in the United States.
The Mansion edition will be on its sixth edition this week.
"We will also have a tournament for the rated players," added Labay, former coach of the dreaded De La Salle University Chess Team.
A trophy is awarded to the edition champion plus cash.
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| THIRD AND FIFTH EDITION CHAMPION ALEX P. VIDAL RECEIVES A TROPHY FROM NEW YORK MASTER EJHAY LABUAC |
KNOCK-OUT
The Georgia World Chess Cup tournament is a knock-out, with the exception that there was a provision for the two semi-final losers to play off for third place if necessary.
Matches consist of two regular time limit games (except for the final, and playoff for third if required, which consist of four regular time limit games).
For these two games, players have 90 minutes for the first 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move from the start of the game.
The champion gets $120,000 while the runner-up will bring home $80,000.
Aside from So, among those highest rated super grand masters who have been ousted were reigning FIDE world champion and top-seeded Magnus Carlsen of Norway, third-seeded Fabiano Caruana (USA), fourth-seed Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), and eight-seeded Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) who lost to Aronian in another semi-final tussle.
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Pinoy NM captures New York Rapid Open title
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The long drought is finally over for Mario Lawsin Rebano, a Philippine national master (NM), who captured the 17th Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park September 16.
Rebano, 52, who has been playing in US tournaments since 2014, finally nailed his first major win by trouncing FIDE Master Igor Shneider in a French Defense in the sixth and final round of the Swiss System tournament.
Rebano (USCF 2094), a victim of super tyhoon in Leyte four years ago, logged five wins and one draw.
He handled the white pieces against the top-seeded Shneider (USCF 2357), who started to get ralled in the middle game after the Filipino NM made a crucial knight sacrifice on the enemy's king side.
"Finally I nailed it," quipped Rebano, an engineer and former warehouse manager in the Philippines. "I dedicate this victory to my adviser, Dr. Gil Asoy, who supported me morally and otherwise even when I was campaigning in the Philippines."
On his way to the championship, Rebano, who is based in New Jersey, walloped Adrian Joaquin, Jarrett Gaymon, Janell Warner, Ernest Colding. He drew with Diante Davis in the fifth round.
His next target is the Philadelphia Open next year where he will play in the 2200-Under category.
"Sana tuloy tuloy na ito (I hope this victory will continue)," Rebano said.
NEW YORK CITY -- The long drought is finally over for Mario Lawsin Rebano, a Philippine national master (NM), who captured the 17th Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park September 16.
Rebano, 52, who has been playing in US tournaments since 2014, finally nailed his first major win by trouncing FIDE Master Igor Shneider in a French Defense in the sixth and final round of the Swiss System tournament.
He handled the white pieces against the top-seeded Shneider (USCF 2357), who started to get ralled in the middle game after the Filipino NM made a crucial knight sacrifice on the enemy's king side.
"Finally I nailed it," quipped Rebano, an engineer and former warehouse manager in the Philippines. "I dedicate this victory to my adviser, Dr. Gil Asoy, who supported me morally and otherwise even when I was campaigning in the Philippines."
On his way to the championship, Rebano, who is based in New Jersey, walloped Adrian Joaquin, Jarrett Gaymon, Janell Warner, Ernest Colding. He drew with Diante Davis in the fifth round.
His next target is the Philadelphia Open next year where he will play in the 2200-Under category.
"Sana tuloy tuloy na ito (I hope this victory will continue)," Rebano said.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
'Mansion'
"The place of chess in the society is closely related to the attitude of young people towards our game."
--Boris Spassky
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- An avid reader of my blogs and other news websites from Manila in the Philippines once asked this writer, "Where is that mansion? What kind of mansion?"
She was referring to the "mansion" mentioned in a series of chess articles I wrote early this year about a place on Britton Street in the Queens' Elmhurst neighborhood here.
In the mind of any reader, the word mansion conjures a large dwelling house derived from the Latin word manio "dwelling" through Old French, an abstract noun derived from the verb manere "to dwell".
The English word "manse" originally defined a property large enough for the parish priest to maintain himself, but a mansion is no longer self-sustaining in this way.
The mansion in our subject matter here is neither a large dwelling nor a Roman medieval villa, or a haunted house frequented by ghosts and dead spirits like in Hollywood movies.
APARTMENT
It is a modest three-storey apartment, its basement the mecca where dreams are--and still--being made; where talent is abundantly brimming; where brilliancy is executed with head-turning incredulity; and where comradeship is forged and strengthened over bowls and plates of native pulutan (appetizers like shark and tuna meats, spaghetti, adobo, Chinese pancit taken with beer or fruit juice) amid card games and friendly chess matches.
Mansion's main conclave is the 30-square meter wide wi fi-powered basement frequented by a coterie of Filipino chess kibitzers and serious players, considered as the strongest in New York and the East Coast, if not the best in the entire United States.
Its amenities include a kitchen, dining table and chairs, study/playing area with a large TV set, freezer, toilet room, and four collapsible beds.
"We are open (only to invited guests and chess players) every Thursday and Saturday evening," enthuses Rainier Labay, Mansion's de facto chief and official chef.
The place has been a regular venue of "underground" clashes by Filipino non-masters, national masters, FIDE masters, grand masters, "has been-masters" and "also-masters."
Non-Filipino hustlers are welcome to participate, Labay confirms.
When matches romp off, the main door isn't locked so that those who come late can sneak in without interrupting the players' concentration.
Games can be accessed "live" from Labay's Facebook account so that players still in workplaces and unable to participate can monitor and join the heckling in the running commentary.
SHOWDOWN
Meanwhile, the July 22 blitz showdown, or a chess match with a fixed time (usually three minutes per game), was ruled by Grandmaster Mark Paragua (Fide 2520) with seven points.
He was followed jointly by Labay, a former coach of the De La Salle University in Manila and the only player to convincingly whip Paragua in the first match, and Fide Master William Aramil with four points each.
Other top finishers were Fide Master Rico Salimbagat, Philippine National Master Mario Rebano, Albert Riviera, Cesar Apalla, and Gerson Caballero.
Aramil, 2004 American Collegiate Championship winner and a regular New York visitor, came all the way from Chicago to join the Mansion chessfest.
"Gusto ni Rico (Salimbagat) mag invite ng ibang masters galing sa ibang states para magkaroon ng challenge ang tournament at mag improve and upgrade ang skills namin lahat (Rico Salimbagat wants to invite masters from other states to join us in the tournament from time to time so we can upgrade and improve our kills)," sighs Rebano, who is based in New Jersey.
STRONG
Some of the strong players who missed the recent tournament but are regular habitues of the mansion were: Anthony Gallon, Gilbert Gonzales, Leo Buencocillo, Vincent Umayan, Bert Labuac, Jan Vincent Paragua, Mike Adarlo, Gerry Salazar, and Manuel Jurado.
GM Oliver Barbosa and 2017 World Open Under-2200 champion Ramon Manon-og were absent.
Before mansion became their official chess hub, Pinoy players gathered every Monday evening for the "Ilonggo Night" at the residence of Elmhurst Chess Club founder and godfather Camelo "Jun" Galinea on Elmhurst Street.
Salimbagat, a highest rated player like Labay, also occasionally hosts the gathering of Pinoy woodpushers in his residence across the park.
When they don't play via individual knockout system, they tangle as team against team: "Britton boys versus Hampton boys" or "Tagalogs versus Ilonggos."
The former is composed of players who live in the mansion: Salimbagat, Labay, Labuac, Caballero, Riviera, Adarlo; the latter is composed of players who live on neighboring Hampton Street composed of Rebano, Gallon, Apalla, Umayan, Gonzales, Buencocillo.
The spirit of professionalism, brotherhood, and sportsmanship is always best exhibited and further enhanced by their active participation, cooperation and discipline like phalanx which became Alexander's anvil when he conquered Darius III in the Battles of Issus and Gaugamela.
If the World Chess Olympiad is held in the United States and the Philippines is hard-pressed to send a team, the talented Elmhurst boys can always fill in the blanks; and possibly give some of the world chess superpowers like USA, Russia, China, Germany, and Ukraine a run for their money.
--Boris Spassky
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- An avid reader of my blogs and other news websites from Manila in the Philippines once asked this writer, "Where is that mansion? What kind of mansion?"
 |
| THE MANSION on Britton Street |
In the mind of any reader, the word mansion conjures a large dwelling house derived from the Latin word manio "dwelling" through Old French, an abstract noun derived from the verb manere "to dwell".
The English word "manse" originally defined a property large enough for the parish priest to maintain himself, but a mansion is no longer self-sustaining in this way.
The mansion in our subject matter here is neither a large dwelling nor a Roman medieval villa, or a haunted house frequented by ghosts and dead spirits like in Hollywood movies.
APARTMENT
It is a modest three-storey apartment, its basement the mecca where dreams are--and still--being made; where talent is abundantly brimming; where brilliancy is executed with head-turning incredulity; and where comradeship is forged and strengthened over bowls and plates of native pulutan (appetizers like shark and tuna meats, spaghetti, adobo, Chinese pancit taken with beer or fruit juice) amid card games and friendly chess matches.
Mansion's main conclave is the 30-square meter wide wi fi-powered basement frequented by a coterie of Filipino chess kibitzers and serious players, considered as the strongest in New York and the East Coast, if not the best in the entire United States.
Its amenities include a kitchen, dining table and chairs, study/playing area with a large TV set, freezer, toilet room, and four collapsible beds.
 |
| (L-R) Demetrio Lopez, Rainier Labay, Alex P. Vidal, Gerson Caballero, NM Mario Rebano |
"We are open (only to invited guests and chess players) every Thursday and Saturday evening," enthuses Rainier Labay, Mansion's de facto chief and official chef.
The place has been a regular venue of "underground" clashes by Filipino non-masters, national masters, FIDE masters, grand masters, "has been-masters" and "also-masters."
Non-Filipino hustlers are welcome to participate, Labay confirms.
When matches romp off, the main door isn't locked so that those who come late can sneak in without interrupting the players' concentration.
Games can be accessed "live" from Labay's Facebook account so that players still in workplaces and unable to participate can monitor and join the heckling in the running commentary.
SHOWDOWN
Meanwhile, the July 22 blitz showdown, or a chess match with a fixed time (usually three minutes per game), was ruled by Grandmaster Mark Paragua (Fide 2520) with seven points.
He was followed jointly by Labay, a former coach of the De La Salle University in Manila and the only player to convincingly whip Paragua in the first match, and Fide Master William Aramil with four points each.
 |
| SALIMBAGAT VS RIVIERA |
Aramil, 2004 American Collegiate Championship winner and a regular New York visitor, came all the way from Chicago to join the Mansion chessfest.
"Gusto ni Rico (Salimbagat) mag invite ng ibang masters galing sa ibang states para magkaroon ng challenge ang tournament at mag improve and upgrade ang skills namin lahat (Rico Salimbagat wants to invite masters from other states to join us in the tournament from time to time so we can upgrade and improve our kills)," sighs Rebano, who is based in New Jersey.
STRONG
Some of the strong players who missed the recent tournament but are regular habitues of the mansion were: Anthony Gallon, Gilbert Gonzales, Leo Buencocillo, Vincent Umayan, Bert Labuac, Jan Vincent Paragua, Mike Adarlo, Gerry Salazar, and Manuel Jurado.
GM Oliver Barbosa and 2017 World Open Under-2200 champion Ramon Manon-og were absent.
Before mansion became their official chess hub, Pinoy players gathered every Monday evening for the "Ilonggo Night" at the residence of Elmhurst Chess Club founder and godfather Camelo "Jun" Galinea on Elmhurst Street.
Salimbagat, a highest rated player like Labay, also occasionally hosts the gathering of Pinoy woodpushers in his residence across the park.
 |
| SALIMBAGAT VS LABAY |
The former is composed of players who live in the mansion: Salimbagat, Labay, Labuac, Caballero, Riviera, Adarlo; the latter is composed of players who live on neighboring Hampton Street composed of Rebano, Gallon, Apalla, Umayan, Gonzales, Buencocillo.
The spirit of professionalism, brotherhood, and sportsmanship is always best exhibited and further enhanced by their active participation, cooperation and discipline like phalanx which became Alexander's anvil when he conquered Darius III in the Battles of Issus and Gaugamela.
If the World Chess Olympiad is held in the United States and the Philippines is hard-pressed to send a team, the talented Elmhurst boys can always fill in the blanks; and possibly give some of the world chess superpowers like USA, Russia, China, Germany, and Ukraine a run for their money.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Don't judge the mind by his muscles
"I judge people based on their capability, honesty, and merit."
--Donald Trump
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- At first glance, Fil-Am Jay Abellanosa can be mistaken for a bodybuilding champion: he looks tough with strengthened and enlarged muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.
In 2010, when Abellanosa transfered here after living for 26 years in Los Angeles, he sauntered in Elmhurst Park on Broadway, Queens.
Fellow Fil-Am park habitues, thinking he was a push over because of his built, challenged him for chess matches.
"Bodybuilder lang yan walang alam yan sa chess (he is just a bodybuilder and doesn't know how to play well in chess)," Abellanosa quoted one of the punks as murmuring.
Abellanosa accepted the challenge and routed them all in blitz and slow game.
To their shock and horror, Elmhurst chessers realized they had been bombed out by a three-time category World Open chess champion.
Born in Lapasan, Cagayan De Oro City where he used to maintain a modest chess club, Abellanosa arrived in the US in 1985 as a seaman.
"Nag jump ship ako, frankly speaking," he revealed.
In California, Abellanosa married an American citizen and they produced two children: a male, now 24; and a female, now 21.
In ruling the three category championships in different years and venues, Abellanosa pocketed some $35,000 cash, making him one of the winningest unrated Filipino chess players in the US circuit in the 90s.
He credited Rodrigo Atutubo, a Philippine national master and former Olympian from Silay City, as the Filipino chesser with highest earnings in US chess at $50,000.
"They were wondering who I am and where I came from because in the Philippines, I am a nobody. I never won a major title in the Philippines, and nobody knew me there as a chess player," Abellanosa explained.
He became a serious chess player only in the US after he met cracked Philippine masters Reylan Magbanua, Sammy Labrador, Juliebert David, Oscar Tan, and International Master Angelo Young in Los Angeles' McArthur's Park.
"They were the ones who helped hone my skills. They were the ones who egged me to be serious in chess so I could also win in tournaments," disclosed Abellanosa, who openly campaigned for Donald Trump even during a chess tournament in Manhattan in September 2016.
While preparing for big tournaments in the 90s, Abellanosa worked as security guard in Hotel Belmont and in Dun Bar armored vehicle in L.A. alternately.
"I studied hard. I made a research of the games of grandmasters. I really did my homework and all my sacrifices have paid off," he narrated. "I was so serious with chess at that time."
Abellanosa goaded Filipino chessers who crumbled in the recently concluded World Open in Philadelphia held from June 29-July4, not to lose hope.
GM Oliver Barbosa (FIDE 2589) was the highest Filipino finisher at 14th with 6.5 points in Open category won by GM Tigran L Pitrosian (FIDE 2595), who steamrolled Barbosa in the final round.
"(They should) research and study more; continue to play with stronger players and set aside their pride," he enthused.
"Even (former world champion and American genius) Bobby Fischer lost during his early years in chess. He also cried and his mother mollified and egged him to move on until he became a world champion."
Abellanosa' philosophy in life: "I will respect a person because he is a human being, not because he is somebody in society; not because he is a champion, a doctor, a politician, or a person with big name and title."
--Donald Trump
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- At first glance, Fil-Am Jay Abellanosa can be mistaken for a bodybuilding champion: he looks tough with strengthened and enlarged muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.
Fellow Fil-Am park habitues, thinking he was a push over because of his built, challenged him for chess matches.
"Bodybuilder lang yan walang alam yan sa chess (he is just a bodybuilder and doesn't know how to play well in chess)," Abellanosa quoted one of the punks as murmuring.
Abellanosa accepted the challenge and routed them all in blitz and slow game.
To their shock and horror, Elmhurst chessers realized they had been bombed out by a three-time category World Open chess champion.
Abellanosa, 64, copped the World Open Under-16, Under-18, and Under-19 titles held in Philadelphia and Long Beach respectively more than 20 years ago.
CLUB
Born in Lapasan, Cagayan De Oro City where he used to maintain a modest chess club, Abellanosa arrived in the US in 1985 as a seaman.
"Nag jump ship ako, frankly speaking," he revealed.
In California, Abellanosa married an American citizen and they produced two children: a male, now 24; and a female, now 21.
He credited Rodrigo Atutubo, a Philippine national master and former Olympian from Silay City, as the Filipino chesser with highest earnings in US chess at $50,000.
"They were wondering who I am and where I came from because in the Philippines, I am a nobody. I never won a major title in the Philippines, and nobody knew me there as a chess player," Abellanosa explained.
SERIOUS
"They were the ones who helped hone my skills. They were the ones who egged me to be serious in chess so I could also win in tournaments," disclosed Abellanosa, who openly campaigned for Donald Trump even during a chess tournament in Manhattan in September 2016.
While preparing for big tournaments in the 90s, Abellanosa worked as security guard in Hotel Belmont and in Dun Bar armored vehicle in L.A. alternately.
"I studied hard. I made a research of the games of grandmasters. I really did my homework and all my sacrifices have paid off," he narrated. "I was so serious with chess at that time."
Abellanosa goaded Filipino chessers who crumbled in the recently concluded World Open in Philadelphia held from June 29-July4, not to lose hope.
HIGHEST
GM Oliver Barbosa (FIDE 2589) was the highest Filipino finisher at 14th with 6.5 points in Open category won by GM Tigran L Pitrosian (FIDE 2595), who steamrolled Barbosa in the final round.
"(They should) research and study more; continue to play with stronger players and set aside their pride," he enthused.
"Even (former world champion and American genius) Bobby Fischer lost during his early years in chess. He also cried and his mother mollified and egged him to move on until he became a world champion."
Abellanosa' philosophy in life: "I will respect a person because he is a human being, not because he is somebody in society; not because he is a champion, a doctor, a politician, or a person with big name and title."
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Senior Fil-Am chesser eyes World Open Under1800 title anew
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- "Gusto kong manalo ulit eh (Because I want to win again)," shot Normando “Andy” Bragat Punzalan, a Fil-Am winner of the 7th Annual World Open Chess Under1800, explaining why he kept himself busy practicing in Elmhurst every day since April.
Punzalan, 73, targets the 45th Annual World Open in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 29-July 4, 2017 where he will play again in Under1800.
If he wins, Punzalan will become the first senior Fil-Am to win four times in different years and categories.
"This is what motivates me," he added. "I want to establish another record."
To rev up for the Philadelphia chessfest, Punzalan has tapped former De La Salle University coach and blitz king Rainer Labay, veteran of the 44th Annual World Open.
He also plans to collaborate with New Jersey-based National Master Mario Rebano and outstanding chess trainer and Mindanao champion Vincent Umayan.
CONFIDENCE
"I have confidence with Labay, Rebano, and Umayan. I have played together with them in strong tournaments in the US," Punzalan explained.
Labay has started revitalizing Punzalan's speed by asking chess players in their watering hole at the "Mansion" on Britton Street in Elmhurst, Queen to spar with the senior chess champion in blitz matches.
"So far so good," enthused Labay, who aired the matches "live" on Facebook. "He beat us all in 5-1 (five minutes for Punzalan and one minute for the Britton players composed of top-rated woodpushers)."
Punzalan plays long game with fellow senior chess players at Elmhurst Park for three hours everyday.
He has tangled with highly-touted Gilbert Gonzales and Bein Villanueva, Camelo "Jun" Galinea, among other park aficionados.
He is also coordinating with fellow Commercial League Chess campaigner Nonoy Rafael.
"Kailangan ko pa more games and more practice mahaba kasi ang tournament sa World Open (I need to log more games and more practice sessions because the tournament in the World Open is long)," Punzalan stressed. "I am more comfortable training in Labay's camp because they are really good and sincere (to help me in my preparations)."
NEW YORK CITY -- "Gusto kong manalo ulit eh (Because I want to win again)," shot Normando “Andy” Bragat Punzalan, a Fil-Am winner of the 7th Annual World Open Chess Under1800, explaining why he kept himself busy practicing in Elmhurst every day since April.
 |
| PUNZALAN AND LABAY May 26, 2017 at Elmhurst Park |
If he wins, Punzalan will become the first senior Fil-Am to win four times in different years and categories.
"This is what motivates me," he added. "I want to establish another record."
To rev up for the Philadelphia chessfest, Punzalan has tapped former De La Salle University coach and blitz king Rainer Labay, veteran of the 44th Annual World Open.
He also plans to collaborate with New Jersey-based National Master Mario Rebano and outstanding chess trainer and Mindanao champion Vincent Umayan.
CONFIDENCE
"I have confidence with Labay, Rebano, and Umayan. I have played together with them in strong tournaments in the US," Punzalan explained.
Labay has started revitalizing Punzalan's speed by asking chess players in their watering hole at the "Mansion" on Britton Street in Elmhurst, Queen to spar with the senior chess champion in blitz matches.
"So far so good," enthused Labay, who aired the matches "live" on Facebook. "He beat us all in 5-1 (five minutes for Punzalan and one minute for the Britton players composed of top-rated woodpushers)."
Punzalan plays long game with fellow senior chess players at Elmhurst Park for three hours everyday.
He has tangled with highly-touted Gilbert Gonzales and Bein Villanueva, Camelo "Jun" Galinea, among other park aficionados.
He is also coordinating with fellow Commercial League Chess campaigner Nonoy Rafael.
"Kailangan ko pa more games and more practice mahaba kasi ang tournament sa World Open (I need to log more games and more practice sessions because the tournament in the World Open is long)," Punzalan stressed. "I am more comfortable training in Labay's camp because they are really good and sincere (to help me in my preparations)."
Friday, May 19, 2017
'I dedicated my victory to my beloved family'
-Iloilo's Gallon misses Empire State Chess championship by
half point.
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Another Filipino chess player nearly wrapped up the 35th Empire City Open Under 2100 title missing it by the skin of the teeth in Madison Square Garden here on December 27-29, 2016.
Anthony Gallon, 37, former varsity player of University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, scored five points in a six-round tournament organized by the Continental Chess Association.
Gallon (2025), a Bible school scholar, registered four wins and two draws. He drew his last match against Ethan Gu, who pocketed the title with 5.5 points.
"I dedicated my second place finish to my beloved family; my wife, Geraldine, and two daughters, Kazzandra and Althea," said Gallon, who also credited FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat "for his moral support."
"The difficulties I encountered in my matches and the sacrifices that I went through were nothing because my family was always on my mind. They kept my hopes alive and they are truly my inspiration," added Gallon, a chef, who places God "at the center of my life."
Gallon's victims were Eric Wu, Kenia Jose Polanco, Aayush Ajith, and Alex Hallenbeck.
DRAW
Ryan Blackwood was the other player who drew with the Filipino woodpusher, who stayed in Cabuyao, Laguna before flying to New York three years ago.
There were 71 entries in Gallon's category participated by some of the empire's highly-regarded chess titans led by Lev Zilbermintz, Bryan Lawson, Nicholas Cardenas, Joseph Bihlmeyer, Serge Adelson, Harold Scott, George P. Berg, and Chris Brooks.
Another Filipino, David Asuncion Apelo, winner of the 48th Annual Atlantic Open Under 2100 crown in Arlington, Virgina, finished third behind Gu and Gallon with 4.5 points.
Apelo, 58, logged four wins, one loss (against David Sullivan in round one), and one draw (against David Zong in round five).
Gallon and several other Filipino chessers will target the 45th Annual World Open in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 29-July 4, 2017.
half point.
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Another Filipino chess player nearly wrapped up the 35th Empire City Open Under 2100 title missing it by the skin of the teeth in Madison Square Garden here on December 27-29, 2016.
 |
| Gallon's treasures--daughters Althea, 3; Kazzandra, 10; and wife Geraldine, 35. |
Gallon (2025), a Bible school scholar, registered four wins and two draws. He drew his last match against Ethan Gu, who pocketed the title with 5.5 points.
"I dedicated my second place finish to my beloved family; my wife, Geraldine, and two daughters, Kazzandra and Althea," said Gallon, who also credited FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat "for his moral support."
 |
| Anthony Gallon |
Gallon's victims were Eric Wu, Kenia Jose Polanco, Aayush Ajith, and Alex Hallenbeck.
DRAW
Ryan Blackwood was the other player who drew with the Filipino woodpusher, who stayed in Cabuyao, Laguna before flying to New York three years ago.
There were 71 entries in Gallon's category participated by some of the empire's highly-regarded chess titans led by Lev Zilbermintz, Bryan Lawson, Nicholas Cardenas, Joseph Bihlmeyer, Serge Adelson, Harold Scott, George P. Berg, and Chris Brooks.
 |
| The Author, Gallon, Cesar Apalla |
Another Filipino, David Asuncion Apelo, winner of the 48th Annual Atlantic Open Under 2100 crown in Arlington, Virgina, finished third behind Gu and Gallon with 4.5 points.
Apelo, 58, logged four wins, one loss (against David Sullivan in round one), and one draw (against David Zong in round five).
Gallon and several other Filipino chessers will target the 45th Annual World Open in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 29-July 4, 2017.
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