FCPL Chess News

FCPL Pre-Ramadan Blitz Chess Tournament on Friday (July 29)

2011-07-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

What: FCPL Pre-Ramadan Blitz Chess Tournament
Where: Reef Mall (Lower ground basement), Deira, Dubai, UAE
When: July 29 (Friday), 2011, from 2 pm onwards
Tournament Format: 7 Rounds, Swiss System.
Time Control: 5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move from move one. (7 minutes for clocks without increment)
Prizes: Top 3 winners and top performers in each rating category
Registration fee: Dh20
Contacts:
Email: fcpluae@gmail.com
Mobile: Jobannie (050-4674887), Larry (050-7032796)

The tournament is open to all Filipino expats in the UAE and to other nationalities

Invitation to FCPL November Tournament 2010

2010-11-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Filipino Chess Players League-UAE will hold its November chess tournament on Friday (November 5, 2010) at Reef Mall.

Everyone is invited to attend.

For full details, please click below.

Invitation to DUBAL Chess Club Team Tournament

2010-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

DUBAL CHESS CLUB INVITATIONAL TEAM TOURNAMENT

Venue: DUBAL Fort Restaurant, Jebel Ali near Batutta Mall
Date: Nov. 19 (Friday), 2010
Format: Team competition with 3 players per team
Snacks and lunch will be provided to all participants for free
Top three teams will receive trophies, medals and cash prizes
Top board performers will receive medals
Transportation to and from the venue will be arranged
Deadline for registration is on Nov. 14, 2010

For queries, please contact: Choi (DUBAL chess club secretary) – 0504784586
Marcee (Expat Chess Club President) – 0508618734
Jobannie (FCPL) - 0504674887

October Chess Tournament (Update: photos with captions)

2010-10-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Former FCPL President Jhun Moneda fashioned out a come-from-behind championship finish in the FCPL October Chess Tournament 2010 held at Reef Mall in Dubai on October 1, Friday. Moneda scored a final-round victory over UK's Paul Dargan, the erstwhile solo leader who led the tournament from the onset, to post five points in six games. The champion rallied from a second-round loss to India's Mohamad Shareef, while Dargan scored 4.5 points in the first five rounds and would have claimed the title outright with just a draw in the final round.

The second-seeded Dargan settled for second place, edging out on tiebreaks fellow 4.5-pointers Tato Abdulla, who placed third, and Rocky Pabalan, who settled for fourth. Tournament top-seed Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. was fifth with four points.

The special awards went to Richard Perez (Top Under-1900), Mel Cabangon (Top Under-1800), Kyle Cedric Dolor (Top Junior) and 5-year-old Shyam (Youngest Participant).

The tournament raised Dh 530, which was donated to the group of 84 Filipina cleaners in Ajman who are being helped by the Filipino community after they were abandoned by their employers since July and are left to stay in a villa in Ajman without water, electricity and salary. They are currently being assisted by legal representatives from the Philippine Consulate in a labor case they have filed against their employer.

Complete rankings

Round by Round Results

Photo Gallery

Tournament champion Jhun Moneda receives his prize from FCPL
President Jobannie C. Tabada, who also served as tournament arbiter

Paul Dargan - 1st runner-up

Tato Abdullah - 2nd runner-up

Richard Perez - Top Under-1900

Mel Cabangon - Top Under-1800

Kyle Cedric Dolor - Top Junior Player

Shyam - Youngest Participant

Sibt Ali vs. FM Tony Molina, who survived being a piece
down in the middlegame to score the full point against
the luckless Pakistani in the fourth round. Ali was also
completely winning in the third round against Rocky Pabalan,
but squandered a pawn and quality advantage to drop the point.

Rocky Pabalan's never-say-die attitude leads to an improbable
victory in an otherwise completely lost endgame against Sibt Ali.

The championship encounter between Paul Dargan and
Jhun Moneda, 0-1.

The tournament hall

Second-seed Paul Dargan eking out a win in time trouble
against junior player Kyle Cedric Dolor in the first round.

Jops Mangaco vs. Mohamad Shareef, 1-0

Shyam vs. new FCPL campaigner Marlon Ladao, 0-1

Marlon Ladao (right) vs. Kyle Dolor, 1-0

Kiddie player Sunil (right) vs. Macky Ingcongan, 0-1

Top-seed FM Tony Molina vs. second-seed Paul Dargan
continuing their discussion in the Albin Counter Gambit.
The game ended in a draw, as was their previous encounter
in the same line in a tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Richard Perez vs. Molina, 1/2-1/2, after Perez, with less
than a minute on his clock, failed to capitalise on his
extra rook in this endgame.

FCPL top guns Rocky Pabalan vs. Tato Abdulla, 1/2-1/2

Dargan vs. Abdulla in the second round, 1-0. Dargan
sacrificed a pawn and the knight on c3. Abdullah got greedy,
which proved fatal as he did not have time to fully develop
his kingside and bring his king to safety.

The prizes and medals

The arbiter's table

More Photos in the Slide Show Below

Photoshop.com Album: October Tournament Winners

2010-10-08T15:46:00.001-07:00

August Active Chess Tournament

2010-10-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Results of the FCPL August Active Chess Tournament at Reef Mall.

Final Standings After 6 Rounds

Photo Gallery

Tournament winners and officials (from left) Dennis Franco (6th),

FCPL President Jobannie Tabada (3rd), FCPL VP Larry Dolor,

Samer Mehdi (champion), Rajesh V (Top Kiddie), FCPL adviser

Marz Marcial, Erwin Dimarucut (5th), Richard Perez (Top Under-1900),

Marvin Marcos (4th) and Rolenson Loyola (2nd)

Tournament champion Samer Mehdi of Iran flanked

by FCPL officials Larry Dolor (left) and Marz Marcial

1st Runner-up Rolenson Loyola

Fifth placer Erwin Dimarucut

Top Under-1700 Edward Arieta

Top Under-1800 Bonnie Bonifacio

Top Under-1900 Richard Perez

Top Kiddie Rajesh V

Loyola battling Mohamad Asif of India in the first round.

Loyola prevailed.

Junior player Axel John Valerio victorious over Raymond Dolor

in the first round.

Bonnie and Eddie Dural sneaking in a blitz game

in between rounds.

Dennis Franco scores the full point over

Marz Marcial in round 1.

Kibitzers gather around as Macky Ingcongan (left) and

Rolenson Loyola slug it out in a bishop and pawns endgame.

Loyola missed a win in time trouble, while Ingcongan returned

the favor by likewise missing a winning line.

The game ended in a draw.

A closer inspection of the endgme.

Ronald Pernez on the way to scoring a big upset win

over top-seed Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. in the

first round. Molina was pressing for a win when he

suffered a mental lapse to give away his

queen without compensation.

DUBAL Invitational

2010-10-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Results of the DUBAL Invitational Tournament held last March at the Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) Headquarters. The tournament was organised by organized by DUBAL Chess Club headed by Mr. Choi Cayle.

Final Standings After 6 Rounds

Cross Table

3rd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament

2010-10-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Final Standings of the 3rd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament held last February.

Our profound gratitude to Mr. Gerry Lababo, the former Pag-IBIG Representative to the UAE, for supporting the tournament for the third straight year. Gerry is now back in the Philippines and we wish him all the best.

Final Standings After 9 Rounds

Cross Tables

FCPL August Chess Tournament

2010-08-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join the FCPL August chess tournament to be held this Friday (August 6, 2010) at Reef Mall, from 2:30 pm.

The tournament will run for six rounds and will also serve as a qualifying event to determine the FCPL representatives to the Dubai Chess Team Tournament to be held later this month.

Please click image below for full details.

Loyola leads at the break

2010-02-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

(Those interested to become members of Pag-IBIG Fund or those interested to know more about the services and programs of Pag-IBIG are requested to visit the event as Pag-IBIG Fund representatives led by country chief Mr. Gerry Lababo will be present to facilitate membership applications, accept member's payments, and entertain queries from both members and potential members)

Rolonsen Loyola leads with a perfect slate after four rounds in the 3rd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament last Friday (Feb. 19). Defending champion Marvin Marcos trails alone at second with 3.5 points, while 12 players led by top-seed Fide Master Antonio Molina are at joint third with 3 points each.

The last five rounds will be played on Friday (Feb. 26) at the Lower Ground Lobby of Reef Mall in Dubai starting at 3 pm. Awarding ceremonies will follow.

Standings and pairings are posted below. Pictures and other updates to follow.

Standings after round 4 (click image to enlarge)

Round 5 pairings (click on image to enlarge)

(Update) 3rd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament

2010-02-17T01:03:00.000-08:00

(Complete details of the tournament are found at the end of this report)

Pag-IBIG Fund has announced that it will will accept membership contributions as well as conduct briefing on Programs and Services of Pag-IBIG Fund during the 3rd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament at Reef Mall, which will be held on February 19 (Friday) and February 26 (Friday) from 2 pm onwards.

Those interested to become Pag-IBIG Fund members are thus welcome to drop by. Pag-IBIG Fund representatives, led by the chief of Pag-IBIG Fund's UAE office Mr. Gerry Lababo, will be at hand to answer queries and to facilitate registration and payments.

Meanwhile, it's all-systems-go for the two weekend Pag-IBIG Fund tournament. Registration is ongoing.

The tournament will held at the lower ground level basement of Reef Mall.

Click on image below or follow this link for full details.

Relevant link/s:
2nd Pag-IBIG Fund Chess Tournament blog

Invitation to 3rd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament

2010-02-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

The 3rd Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament will be held on February 19 (Friday) and February 26 (Friday) at Reef Mall in Dubai from 3 pm onwards. Dh 1,000 awaits the champion, while the rest of the top 10 players and category winners will also receive cash prizes. Full details will be posted soon. Last day of registration is on February 18 (Thursday).

Registration fees: Dh 25 for members, Dh 50 for non-FCPL members. Contact Jobannie (050-4674887) or Larry (050-7032796) for registration.

Check out the results of the previous edition at the Pag-IBIG Chess Tournament blog.

FCPL ConGen Cup and Christmas Party Photos, Videos (Updated with new photos)

2010-01-02T21:07:00.001-08:00

The 2009 ConGen Cup Awarding Ceremony and the FCPL Christmas Party were held on Dec. 18 at Reef Mall with Consul General Hon. Benito B. Valeriano as guest of honor.

The ConGen Cup Chess Festival consisted of three events: an active tournament, a blitz tournament, and a battle of champions featuring the champions of all the FCPL monthly competitions in 2009. The results of the ConGen Cup (with new updates) can be found here.

ConGen Cup and Christmas Party Photos

ConGen Cup Awarding Ceremony

FCPL Christmas Party

FCPL Oath Taking Ceremony 2009

ConGen Cup Games

Other photos to be posted soon. More photos have also been posted on the FCPL Face Book account. The FB email add is fcpluae@gmail.com.

Christmas Party Videos

Mr. Ronnie Balilo belting out the first tune during the videoke session.

Mr. Fernando Asuncion doing an Andrew E hit.

Videoke, blits chess.

More videos and photos to be posted later.

A Joyous Christmas and a Meaningful New Year to All

2009-12-31T02:05:00.000-08:00

Arellano rules ConGen Cup Battle of Champions

2009-12-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

Philippine Consul General Hon. Benito B. Valeriano (standing middle) with winners of the ConGen Cup Chess Festival at Reef Mall.

National Master Robert Arellano captured the coveted title in the FCPL-ConGen Cup Battle of Champions last December 18 after scoring 8 points in the six-player double round robin event at Reef Mall.

The Battle of Champions served as the centrepiece event of the Consul General's Cup as it featured the champions of the different monthly tournaments organised by FCPL in 2009 as well as invited top players. Arellano tallied seven wins against two draws and a single loss to eventual first runner-up Jobannie C. Tabada, who had seven points.

Rolenson Loyola also had seven points but had an inferior tiebreak to settle for third place. Iran's Samer Mehdi took the fourth spot with 5 points, followed by Jumar Abo (2) and India's Santhosh P (1), who qualified to the Battle of Champions after ruling the ConGen Cup Open Active Chess Tournament, which concluded last December 17 also at Reef Mall.

(Update) Four ~~Three~~ other top players - Fide Master Tony Molina Sr., Marvin Marcos, Danny Baltazar and Rocky Pabalan - however failed to compete in the event because of other commitments. Pabalan, a many-time champion of the FCPL monthly competitions, missed both the ConGen Cup Active Chess Tournament and the Battle of Champions as he had to go home to his hometown in Negros Occidental earlier to attend to the funeral of his sister, who died in a motorcycle accident just a few days before the start of the active chess tournament. Our condolences to his bereaved family.

Meanwhile, in the ConGen Cup active chess event, Santhosh took the top spot with 8 points, while Jumar Abo was second with 7 points. Samer Mehdi also had seven points but settled for third with a lower tiebreak score.

(Update) The category champions were Richard Perez (Top Under-1900), Joey Tiberio (Top Under-1800), Ronnie Balilo (Top Under-1700) and Sudharsan Surya and Kyle Cedric Dolor (Top Kiddies).

In the ConGen Cup Open Blitz Tournament, Larry Dolor reigned supreme with 5.5 points in seven games. Macky Ingcongan and Joey Tiberio tallied the same output but came out second and third respectively after the tiebreaks were applied.

Philippine Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates Hon. Benito B. Valeriano handed out the awards to the winners later in the day. Hon. Valeriano also inducted into office the new set of officers of the FCPL.

Hon. Valeriano inducting into office the FCPL officers.

The awarding ceremonies were followed by the FCPL Christmas party.

More photos and videos to follow.

Raffle Draw Winners

2009-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the following lucky ticket holders for winning the top prizes in the raffle draw during the FCPL Christmas Party held last December 18, Friday at Reef Mall.

Ticket #     Winner                       Prize

0255          Carlos de Guzman         Asus Netbook
0957          Jobannie Tabada           Sony Digicam
0362          Jumar Abo                    2G iPod Shuffle
0824          Patricia Formentera     2G iPod Shuffle
1455          Willy Laceste                2G iPod Shuffle
1092          Allan Rey Amante         Buffet Dinner for 2 at The Atlantis

Thank you to all who participated and supported the activity, especially those who took part in the raffle draw.

We will post photos and videos of the event as well as a report of the ConGen Cup activities and awarding ceremony later.

FM Molina leads after 6th round of ConGen Cup

2009-12-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

(Please note that the raffle draw will be held on Friday, December 18, during the awarding ceremony of the ConGen Cup)

Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. grabbed the solo lead after defeating fifth-round solo leader Jumar Abo in a bruising sixth-round encounter in the ConGen Cup Open Active Chess Tournament. The tournament leader has 5.5 points, half a point ahead of four others.

Molina, playing white, weathered a menacing kingside attack by Abo, who failed to find the best continuation after a daring bishop sacrifice in the middlegame, allowing Molina to neutralize his offensive and pick up the full point.

The erstwhile leader dropped to second place with five points in a tie with National Master Robert Arellano, Santhosh P of India, and junior player Natun Dasgupta also of India.

The final three rounds will be played Thursday starting at 8 pm.

The ConGen Cup Open Blitz Tournament will be held Friday starting at 3 pm. Registration is now open (call 050-4674887 to register). Registration fee is Dh 20 and Dh 10 for FCPL members.

Awarding ceremonies of both events will be held on Friday after the blitz competition.

The blitz tournament and awarding ceremonies on Friday will be held at the ex-Book Plus area of Reef Mall, located in the left wing of the main lobby (between Dome Cafe and the internet cafe).

Round 7 Pairings

Standings after Round 6

ConGen Cup Round 4 pairings

2009-12-16T03:19:00.000-08:00

(Please note that the raffle draw will be held on Friday, December 18, during the awarding ceremony of the ConGen Cup. The list of raffle winners will be posted in this blog)

Please see below the third-round standings, round 4 pairings and complete list of participants of the Consul General's Cup Open Active Chess Tournament.

Round 4 will start at 8 pm Wednesday to be followed by the fifth and sixth rounds.

The seventh, eighth and ninth rounds will be played on Thursday starting at 8 pm.

Registration is now open for the Consul General's Cup Open Blitz Chess Tournament, which will be held on Friday starting at 3 pm.

Awarding ceremonies will be held on Friday after the blitz competition.

Round 4 Pairings

Standings After Round 3

List of Participants

ConGen Cup Active Chess Tournament Round 1 Pairings

2009-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

(Please note that the raffle draw date has been moved from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18, during the awarding ceremony of the ConGen Cup)

The 2nd Consul General's Cup Active Chess Tournament will kick off Tuesday at 8 pm. A short opening ceremony will start at 7:30 pm.

The tournament will be for 9 rounds with three games to be played each night on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Time control is 15 minutes plus 5-second increment per move.

There will also be a a pair of blitz tournaments on Friday. One is a battle of champions featuring all players who placed first or second in all the tournaments organised by FCPL this year plus a few invited players. The other is the ConGen Cup Open Blitz Tournament, which is open to all.

Those who will play in the battle of champions are not eligible to play in the ConGen Cup Blitz Tournament. Full details of the blitz events will be announced and posted here on Wednesday.

The awarding ceremonies of all events will be held on Friday, after the blitz competitions.

Consul General Hon. Benito Valeriano will be present on Friday to award the prizes and induct the officers of FCPL.

Please see below full details, including prizes of the tournament and the round-one pairings.

Consul General’s Cup Chess Festival 2009

Reef Mall, Dubai, UAE

December 15-18, 2009

SCHEDULE

Date	Day	Time	Venue	Event
December 15	Tuesday	7:30 pm	Main entrance lobby, Reef Mall	Opening Ceremony
December 15	Tuesday	8 pm to 11 pm	Main entrance lobby, Reef Mall	Round 1 to 3
December 16	Wednesday	8 pm to 11 pm	Main entrance lobby, Reef Mall	Round 4 to 6
December 17	Thursday	8 pm to 11 pm	Main entrance lobby, Reef Mall	Round 7 to 9
December 18	Friday	2 pm to 5 pm	Former Book Plus area, Reef Mall	Blitz King Chess Championship / ConGen Cup Blitz Tournament
December 18	Friday	5 pm to 11 pm	Former Book Plus area, Reef Mall	Awarding ceremony / Induction of FCPL officers by Consul General Hon. Benito Valeriano / Year-end party

VENUE

The tournament will be held at the main entrance lobby of Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE.

PARTICIPATION

The tournament is open to all Filipino expats in the UAE and to other nationalities.

TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

Tournament will follow the Fide Rules and the rules and regulations stipulated in this invitation.

Active Chess Tournament

Tournament Format: 9 Rounds, Swiss System

Time Control: 15 minutes plus 5 seconds per move starting from move one (20 minutes play to finish for clocks with no increment)

Blitz Chess Tournament

Tournament Format: 9 Rounds, Swiss System (subject to change)

Time Control: 5 minutes

Battle of Champions Blitz King Chess Tournament

Tournament Format: Round Robin (subject to change)

Time Control: 4 minutes plus 2-second increment

Tie Breaks:

a) The result of their particular game, if applicable (Only for ties for first place)

b) Median Bucholz

c) Bucholz

d) Progressive

e) Most number of wins

d) Most number of black wins

f) Drawing of lots

PRIZES

a) Cash prizes (Players eligible for multiple cash prizes can only claim the prize with higher value. Prizes will not be shared among tied players.)

Active Chess Tournament

Champion – Dh 500 plus medal plus certificate

1^st runner-up – Dh 350 plus medal plus certificate

2^nd runner-up – Dh 250 plus medal plus certificate

3^rd runner – Dh 150

4^th runner-up – Dh 100

5^th runner-up – Dh 75

6^th runner-up – Dh 75

7^th runner-up – Dh 50

8^th runner-up – Dh 50

9^th runner-up – Dh 50

Top Under 1900 – Dh 50 plus certificate

Top Under 1800 – Dh 50 plus certificate

Top Under 1700/Unrated – Dh 50 plus certificate

Top Kiddie – Dh 50 plus certificate

Blitz Chess Tournament

- Top 5 winners (value to be announced)

Battle of Champions Blitz Chess Tournament

- To be announced

REGISTRATION

Active Chess Tournament

Registration fee: Dh40

FCPL Members: Dh20

Blitz Chess Tournament

Registration fee: Dh30

FCPL Members: Dh15

Round 1 Pairings

Invitation to Consul General's Cup Active Chess Tournament

2009-12-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow chess enthusiast,

You are invited to the Philippine Consul General's Cup Active Chess Tournament, which will be held from December 15 to 17 (Tuesday to Thursday) at Reef Mall. Games will start at 8 pm, while time control is 15 minutes plus five-second increment per move.

Prizes will be given away to the top 10 players and rating category champions.

A blitz tournament will also be held on December 18 (Friday), which will be followed by the awarding ceremonies of both competitions.

Please contact Jobannie (050-4674887) for registration. Last day of registration is on December 13 (Sunday). Registration fee is Dh 40 and Dh 20 for FCPL members.

The opening ceremony on Tuesday will start at 7:30 pm and will be graced by Consul General Hon. Benito Valeriano. Full details will be posted shortly.

See you at the tournament.

FCPL Handicapping Chess Tournament results

2009-12-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

Please find below the results of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th handicapping tournaments that were held every Tuesday at Reef Mall.

1st Handicapping Tournament

2nd Handicapping Tournament

3rd Handicapping Tournament

4th Handicapping Tournament

A few things of note:

1) Three of the four champions swept their respective games in claiming the championship: Loyola (5/5, five-round Swiss), Tabada (10/10, round robin) and Arellano (7/7, round robin).

2) You may want to look at the final scores of the fourth handicapping tournament – interesting, don't you think?

3) NM Robert Arellano scored a grand slam in the first three events – placing second in each – before finally capturing his first title in the fourth edition.

4) During the fourth handicapping tournament, time odds of division A players were revised as follows: A vs. B, from 5-4 to 5-3; A vs. C, from 5-3 to 5-2.5. It was also in the fourth edition wherein lower-division players finally barged into the winner's circle.

5) The second and fourth handicapping tournaments adopted the round robin format, while the other two were Swiss system events.

The handicapping ratings have likewise been updated after each event. Please find below the new handicapping ratings.

For those who have no handicap rating, their FCPL, NCFP or Fide rating will be used as the initial handicap rating.

The latest FCPL rating list can be found here.

Watch out for the next handicapping event!

4th FCPL Handicapping Tournament

2009-12-01T00:55:00.000-08:00

Dear fellow chess enthusiasts,

The FCPL invites you to join the FCPL Handicapping Blitz Chess Tournament for you to enjoy an afternoon of blitz chess as we celebrate the UAE National Day on Wednesday (December 2), at Reef Mall.

Also please note that time handicaps, particularly those involving division A players, have been changed as part of a process to determine the most suitable handicap system.

Please see complete details below.

(click to enlarge image)

FCPL invites you to Walk for Bones (great reasons why you should attend)

2009-11-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

The FCPL is encouraging everyone to attend the "Walk for Bones," a campaign to raise awareness about Osteoporosis to be held this Friday, Nov. 20 at Safa Park in Dubai. Registration starts at 2 pm and walk starts at 4 pm.

Aside from being part of a meaningful activity, there are value-added reasons why you should participate:

1. FREE Registration
2. FREE T-Shirt and Caps
3. FREE Bone Scanning - results will be given on the same day
4. FREE Product Sampling
5. FREE Transportation - kindly coordinate with Ms. Theresa Isidro tomorrow for transportation arrangement and other inquiry @ 050-5456987

To top it all… there will be monetary incentives for Filcom organizations that will reach total number of participants as follows:

75 PAX = AED. 1,500..00 ( 1,000 will go to Organization and 500 will go to Filcom Bayanihan Fund)
150 PAX = AED. 2,500.00 ( 1,500 will go to Organization and 1,000 will go to Filcom Bayanihan Fund)
300 PAX = AED. 4,000.00 ( 2,500 will go to Organization and 1,500 will go to Filcom Bayanihan Fund)

During registration, please make sure to write FCPL - FilCom as the name of your organization so we as well as FilCom, the umbrella group of Filipino organizations, can avail of the possible cash incentive.

The cash incentive will certainly be a big help to the FCPL's year-end tournament and party, which we are planning to hold from December 12 to 18. FilCom can also use the cash incentive as it needs additional funds for its Bayanihan Festival, which will be held on December 11.

So please come and bring along your family, friends or office mates. Of course, you can list them all under FCPL – FilCom during registration so we can avail of the incentives.

Thank you and see you there!

2nd FCPL Handicapping Tournament

2009-11-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

The FCPL invites you to the 2nd FCPL Handicapping Blitz Chess Tournament, which will be held on Tuesday (Nov. 17, 2009) at Reef Mall in Dubai. Registration will start at 7 pm and games at 8.

The handicapping event gives lower-rated players a better chance of taking home prizes by using a time handicap system wherein higher-rated players will play with less time against lower-rated players (please see rating list below and the table for time odds).

Please see complete details below.

(Click on image to enlarge)

If your name is not found above, your initial handicap rating will be based on your FCPL rating, which is found below.

The remainder of the list can be accessed through the following links:

FCPL Rating List 1
FCPL Rating List 2

Invitation to FCPL Handicapping Blitz Tournament

2009-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

The FCPL invites you to the 1st FCPL Handicapping Blitz Chess Tournament, which will be held on Tuesday (Nov. 10, 2009). Registration will start at 7 pm and games at 8. Since this is the first time we are holding this kind of event, we have limited the number of participants to a maximum of 20. So come early to reserve you places.

The tournament essentially aims to provide more excitement to our tournaments by making games more competitive.

In most of the regular monthly tournaments this year, it has been the same group of top-seeded players who dominate the top rankings. The handicapping event gives lower-rated players a better chance of taking home prizes. If everything goes according to plan, we will try to hold this tournament every Tuesday.

Ultimately, our goal is to add a new dimension to our competitions and create new ways of having fun while playing chess.

Essentially, the basic concept of the handicapping tournament is that higher-rated players will play with a time handicap against lower-rated players (please see rating list below and the table for time odds). Starting from this tournament, we will also be calculating a different rating list for handicapping tournaments. We will also adopt and change certain rules as necessary along the way.

Please see below the initial rating list and see which division you belong. As a sample illustration: in matches pitting a Division A player (rated 2000 above) against a Division B player (rated 1900 to 1999), for instance, the A player will have four (4) minutes on his clock, while the B player will have five. The complete table for the time handicap is shown below.

We hope to see you this Tuesday and in our future handicapping events.

Please see complete details below.

(click image to enlarge)

Handicap Rating List (click on images to enlarge)

Loyola survives upset scare to rule Al Ain Mineral Water Active Chess

2009-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Winners and tournament officials of Friday's Al Ain

Mineral Water Active Chess Tournament at Reef Mall.

Rolenson Loyola escaped with a miraculous draw in the fifth round and then cruised through the final two rounds with back-to-back wins to rule Friday's (November 6, 2009) Al Ain Mineral Water Active Chess Tournament at Reef Mall in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the tournament welcomed a special visitor from Washington DC, whose presence certainly perked up and stirred the creativity in some on account of the surprise strong performance of a few unheraleded players. More about this prodigious beauty, whose photo you can see below, and her equally jaw-dropping credentials at the latter part of this report.

FCPL players pleasantly surprised

by this Fil-Am visitor from Washington DC.

After carting away Dh 8,000 when he recently ruled the Open division of the 2009 Abu Dhabi International Ramadan Chess Festival, Loyola again hit pay dirt when he topped the Dubai active chess event with six points in seven games, overtaking erstwhile solo leader Rocky Pabalan, who dropped to second place after blowing his title bid with a crushing loss to eventual third-placer Melvin Segismundo.

A final-round win over Erwin Dimarucut sealed Loyola’s title hunt, prevailing in an exciting Queen’s Pawn encounter wherein he converted a slight positional advantage into a decisive queenside offensive. Unable to make solid progress with his kingside forays in the middlegame, Loyola shifted his attack to Dimarucut’s queenside where his powerful battery of major pieces struck deep into enemy territory, ultimately deciding the game’s outcome.

Rolenson Loyola (right) vs. Erwin Dimarucut
in a final-round showdown.

The second-seeded Loyola received a major upset scare when fatal blunders resulted in a completely losing position against ninth-seed Larry Dolor in the fifth round. However, in the thick of a mad time scramble, Dolor failed to anticipate a creative and instructie defensive manoeuvre by Loyola that allowed the eventual champion to force a draw by giving up his last remaining piece – a rook – to achieve a stalemate position.

Dolor - Loyola

(White to move)

The position has hidden drawing possibilities, which is not easily recognisable to the uninitiated. More experienced players and those who have fallen victim to the succeeding defensive resource, however, know better than to follow Larry's actual move in the game, which was 1.h7? This is not a good move mainly because of black's forced reply 1... Kh8! Now the king is in a stalemate position, which makes the game a little more complicated than when the pawns were still all on the sixth rank. It shouldn't be hard to recognise black's defensive plan, which seemed obvious to all watching the game except for Larry, who was, to his defense, under time pressure. 2.Rf7??

Dolor - Loyola
(Black to move)

Larry falls for the trap. The position is now a simple black to play and draw problem, which is impossible to miss for a player like Loyola, who once trained and played alongside GM Darwin Laylo and GM-elect Ronald Dableo, two of RP's top endgame experts, during their dominating run as members of the San Sebastian College dynasty in the NCAA. 2...Re2+! Black happily gives up his rook, which results in a stalemate. After trying to escape the checks for a few moves, Larry eventually conceded the draw. After the game, Larry said he didn't mind bungling the win as he nevertheless achieved his objective: a draw with the formidable Loyola. Rightly so as the result gave him 4.5 points in five games, putting him in the lead with Rocky Pabalan. Unfortunately, it was downhill for Larry from thereon as he succumbed to back-to-back losses.

Meanwhile, Pabalan, who needed only a draw against Segismundo to formalise his claim of the title, found himself on the wrong end of another potent queenside attack, which forced him to give up material and eventually concede the point in a hopeless endgame position. Pabalan had nonetheless built enough cushion over his nearest pursuers to still grab second place with 5.5 points.

Segismundo finished with five points in a tie with Jumar Abo, who was relegated to fourth with an inferior tiebreak score. The rest of the top 10 scorers were Larry Dolor, new FCPL tournament player Napoleon Recososa, Macky Ingcongan, Francis Erwin Dimarucut, Ben Penaranda and Carlos de Guzman.

Indian kiddie campaigner Anusweud received a special prize as the top Under-14 age-group player. Special prizes were also awarded to top scorers in different rating categories: Danny Ambing (1900-below), Richard Perez (1800-below) and new FCPL recruit Raymond Dolor (1700-below/Unrated). All winners received cash prizes and gift items from Al Ain Mineral Water.

The sponsorship from Al Ain Mineral Water was made possible through the efforts of FCPL Adviser Emman Marbella.

Final Standings (click on image to enlarge)

Final round pairings (click on image to enlarge)

Awarding Photos

Champion Rolenson Loyola with tournament arbiter
FA Jobannie C. Tabada (left) and FCPL Sec-Gen Ronnie G. Balilo

First runner-up Rocky Pabalan

Second runner-up Melvin Segismundo

Third runner-up Jumar Abo

Fourth runner-up Larry Dolor will surely be looking
to redeem himself in the next tournament

Fifth runner-up Napoleon Recososa.
A big start for FCPL rookie player.

Sixth runner-up Macky Ingcongan

Seventh runner-up Francis Erwin Dimarucut.
He played in last month's Dubai Chess Club active chess
tournament where he had the UAE's top player
GM Salem AR Saleh on the ropes. The Al Ain Mineral Water event
was his first appearance in an FCPL-organised tournament.

Eighth runner-up Ben Penaranda pulling
off a strong finish after a slow start.

Ninth runner-up Carlos de Guzman

Top Under-1900 Danny Ambing

Top Under 1700/Unrated Raymond Dolor

Top Kiddie Anusweud

Top-seed Marvin Marcos receives his consolation prize
for finishing 12th. Marcos, who was champion in the Chess
For A Cause Active Chess Tournament last October,
was a major disappointment, losing back-to-back games
in the third and fourth rounds and then compounded his woes
with a final-round loss to new player Napoleon Recososa.

Consolation prize for Pucholo Yape

Tato Abdullah receives his consolation prize

Tournament officials (from left) Jobannie C. Tabada,
Ronnie G. Balilo and Willy Laceste preparing the
medals, cash prizes and gift items from Al Ain Mineral Water.

The gold, silver and bronze FCPL medals

Special visitor

The surprise guest we had been talking about at the beginning of this report was Dovelyn Rannveig Agunias, a policy analyst from this US-based NGO.

Although we're still not yet sure if drop-dead beauty is indeed a compulsory requirement for one to become a policy analyst -- especially for one who's based in Washington DC, the policy capital of the world -- we're now pretty certain that a degree from UP, an MS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University -- with honours, of course -- and, for good measure, throwing in a bit of work experience from the World Bank and the United Nations will probably give you a good head start.

Dovelyn is in Dubai to do research work on the recruitment process for OFWs. She dropped by at the tournament with the hope of interviewing a few people who were recruited through an agency. Unfortunately, most of the guys at the tournament got into Dubai through visit visas before eventually landing jobs. However, she did get two or three interviews of people who went through the government-sponsored process. Although Dovelyn couldn't stay long (she had to leave for another group interview with a group of Filipina domestic helpers at Chow King in Satwa) her presence must have energised some players, considering there were a few who performed above their nominal ratings (of course, the tournament top-seed Marvin Marcos would be the perfect antithesis, but that's a completely different story).

Dovelyn will use her findings to file a report and make recommendations to improve Philippine policies that concern OFWs, which she says will then be turned over to the concerned authorities in the Philippines. The FCPL wishes Dovelyn good luck with her mission and we hope that our fears of government inaction on her well-meaning proposals are simply hallucinations of us jaded expats and that her work will indeed make a difference on the lives of Filipino overseas workers.

While Dovelyn does not play chess -- that's according to her, although she somehow seems interested to learn -- there are some things that connect her with chess fanatics (aside from being an "analyst" herself like chess players seem to be, albeit in a more irrational way): She's apparently well versed with the Nordic language, which is a good thing because we now have someone to translate interviews of Norwegian boy wonder Margnus Carlsen that are conducted in Nordic dialect. As her profile suggests, Dovelyn is especially adept with Icelandic, which is again a great thing as she could be the key to helping us figure out the mysteries of the chess world's beloved Bobby Fischer's final days in Iceland.

If you're wondering how come we know quite a lot about her, it's all here, actually. And while we're at it, here's a sampling of her work, which is a report about Filipino migrant workers.

Dovelyn Rannveig Agunias

FCPL Active Chess Tournament on Nov. 6 (Friday)

2009-11-04T22:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone is invited to join the active chess tournament at Reef Mall this Friday (Nov. 6).
Prizes will be awarded to top 10 players, while there will also be lucky winners of raffle prizes.

There will also be announcements made about upcoming year-end tournament and party. So be sure not to miss this event!

For complete details, please click on image below.

2009-11-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

World Cup: RP GMs take on rated rivals
(The Philippine Star) Updated November 04, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - GM Wesley So takes on GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan in the first round of the World Chess Cup which begins Nov. 20 at the Khanty-Mansiysk Center of Arts in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

So, the country’s highest-rated player with a 2640 rating, is seeded 59th overall in the 128-player tournament which features the world’s top players.
His opponent, Guseinov, is seeded 70th.

Guseinov is one of 46 players who qualified through the European Championships in 2008 and 2009.

The two other Filipino campaigners in the event are GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo, who will be up against a pair of veteran and higher-rated opponents.

Antonio, who clinched a World Cup berth with a strong showing in the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Subic early this year, will play No. 27 seed GM Gata Kamsky of the United States.

On the other hand, Laylo, playing on his second straight World Cup after topping the Asian Zone 3.3 championship in Vietnam also this year, will challenge No. 21 seed GM David Navara of the Czech Republic.

Kamsky is one of three players seeded in the tournament for his participation in the 2007 World Cup.

Like Gusienov, Navara also earned a slot in the World Cup through the European Championships.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero “Butch”Pichay expressed confidence the three Filipino players will perform well in the first round.

“We expect our players, especially Wesley, to do well in the first round,” said Pichay, who hosted four major international tournaments in the country this year to give the Filipino players the much-needed exposure in international play.

“Wesley did well in the recent SPICE (Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence) tournament, Joey is performing well in the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam and Darwin also had a superb showing in the Asian Zonals,” said Pichay.

Top seed GM Boris Gelfand of Israel opens his campaign against IM Andrei Obodchuk of Russia in this Wimbledon-style knockout matches organized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

Second seed GM Vugar Gashimov of Azerbaijan will meet IM Walaa Sarwat of Egypt whle third seed GM Peter Svidler of Russia will take on IM Jean Hebert of Candada.

Other notable first-round matches will pit No. 4 GM Alexander Morozevich of Russia against IM Khaled Abdel Rzik of Egypt, No. 5 GM Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan against IM Mohamed Ezat of Egypt, No. 6 GM Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine against GM Alexei Bezgrodov of Russia, No. 7 GM Ruslan Ponomariov of Ukraine against GM Essam El Gindy of Egypt, No. 8 GM Alexander Grischuk of Russia against IM Jha Smiram of India, No. 9 GM Dmitry Jakovenko of Russia against GM Aimen Rizouk of Algeria and No. 10 GM Wang Yue of China against GM Nikolai Kabanov of Russia.

The second round is scheduled on Nov. 24-25, while the third round will be played on Nov. 27-28.

Only 64 players will advance to the second round and 32 to the third round.

FCPL players earn podium finish in Dubai Active Chess Open

2009-10-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

Participants, winners and officials of the
recent Dubai Active Chess Tournament.

The FCPL again sent its players to the top rankings in the recent Dubai Active Chess Tournament held last October 15 and 17 at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

Jobannie C. Tabada and Rolenson Loyola each scored seven points to join two others for a tie at the fourth to seventh places. Both FCPL players picked up the pace late in the tournament after early setbacks. Tabada suffered a loss by default in the first round along with fellow FCPL player Joey Tiberio as the two had to attend to urgent preparations for the FCPL's Sing for a Cause charity event. Tabada suffered another setback in the sixth round to second-seed IM Fouad El Taher before cruising to three straight wins.

Loyola got derailed in the second round after he forced and eventually lost an already drawn endgame against the UAE's Omar Abdulwahab. After another loss in the fifth round to fellow FCPL player Rocky Pabalan, Loyola raked in four successive wins, capped by a final-round victory over fourth-seed Mohamed Amer of Egypt.

The tournament was won by top-seed GM Salem AR Saleh, the UAE's current teenage chess sensation and No.1 player. IM Fouad El Taher, a long-time chess coach in the UAE, and surprise podium finisher Santhosh P of India, who is a regular participant in FCPL tournaments, were at joint second with 7.5 points each. Egypt's IM Ali Farhat and India's Candidate Master Haridas K had seven points each.

Salem received Dh 1,000, Fouad and Santhosh shared the combined second and third prizes and received Dh 600 each, while Farhat, Haridas, Tabada and Loyola split the Dh. 300 cash prize for fourth. The tournament offered cash prizes only to the top four players.

Other FCPL players who competed in the tournament were NM Robert Arellano, FM Antonio Molina Sr., Marvin Marcos, Willy Narag, Francis Erwin Dimarucut, Hermie Cagatin, Macky Ingcongan, Larry Dolor, Dennis Raymund Victoria, Carlos de Guzman, Angelito Melicano, Richard Perez, Armando Delgado, Gerry Lababo, Joey Tiberio, Kyle Cedrick Dolor and Marlon Manila.

Standings (up to six points)

(Click here for full standings)

Final-round pairing (up to board 25)

(Click here for complete final-round pairings)

Loyola receives his cash prize from tournament officials.

Tabada receives his cash prize.

Winners and tournament officials. Champion
GM Salem AR Saleh is second from right

It was interesting to note, though, that the champion had losing games against two FCPL players: Rocky Pabalan, who was looking to score a repeat after a rousing 28-move upset win over Salem during last April's Dubai Open, and new Dubai resident Francis Erwin Dimarucut, a former college standout out of Tarlac State University.

Pabalan - GM Salem
(White to move)

Rocky played 1.Ba6? in this position. Rolenson Loyola, who was observing this encounter, pointed out to both players in the post-mortem analysis the winning move: 1.Qxc6! After 1...Qxc6, which is forced or else black loses a piece, there comes 2.Bxd5 Qxd5 Rxd5 and black is a healthy pawn up with the e-5 pawn coming down as well shortly. Black's weak a7 and f5 pawns compound his problems.

Dimarucut - GM Salem
(White to move)

Erwin, who arrived in Dubai only last May to work for an insurance firm, would have probably won this position against any other opponent in the tournament. But playing the top-seeded grandmaster in the first round of his first tournament in the UAE may have added a little more pressure to this game. Dumarucut played 1.Rf7+, which was not bad and at first glance seems to be a sensible choice. But the direct 1.Rxh7! was actually the crusher as shown in the following sample variation: 1...Kg8 forced or else black gets mated 2.Rbg7! an important in-between move 2...Kf8 3.Rc7 with this rook now controlling the potentially dangerous passed pawn, the other rook can start wiping out the kingside pawns. 3...Kg8 4.Rhg7+ Kf8 5.Rgf7+ Ke8 6.Rxf6 c3 7.Rxg6 and white gets three kingside passed pawns while black's passer gets nowhere.

The actual game went 1. Rf7+ Ke8 2.Rxh7 Rd7 the only move 3.Rb8+ Rd8 4.Rh8 Ke7 5.Rb7+ 5.Rhxd8 looked plausible but black interjects with 5...f5+!, otherwise the immediate exchange of rooks will give the white king enough time to catch up with the black passed pawn on the c file. 6.Kg5 Rxd8 and the resulting rooks and pawns endgame now has less material but is a lot more complex than in the starting position 5...R3d7 Rh7, etc. Couldn't make out the rest of the moves but with the black king in a more active position, black's chances were now higher although the game may have still been a draw if not for fatal blunders committed by Dimarucut much later in the endgame.

Finally, Rocky's win over Salem during last April's Dubai Open.

[White "Salem, AR."]
[Black "Pabalan, R."]
[Event "11th Dubai Open"]
[Date "2009.04.26"]
[Round "1"]
[WhiteElo "2479"]
[BlackElo "1938"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 Bd6 6. Bd3 Qe7 7. e4 dxc4 8. Bxc4 e5 9. dxe5 Bxe5 10. Nxe5 Qxe5 11. O-O O-O 12. h3 b5 13. Bd3 b4 14. Ne2 Ba6 15. Bf4 Qxb2 16. Rb1 Qa3 17. Rb3 Qxa2 18. Bc2 Nbd7 19. Nd4 Bxf1 20. e5 Rfe8 21. exf6 Nxf6 22. Qxf1 c5 23. Bb1 Qa4 24. Qb5 Qxb5 25. Nxb5 Nd5 26. Bg3 c4 27. Rb2 c3 28. Rb3 a5 0-1

FCPL players make it to winner's circle in Sharjah chess

2009-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

Three FCPL players joined the winner's circle in the recent Sharjah Ramadan Chess Open held at the Holiday International Hotel in Sharjah.

Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr., Jobannie C. Tabada and Tato Abdullah each scored seven points to secure a tie for fourth to 14th places. Tabada ended up at ninth, Molina at 13th and Abdullah at 14th after the tiebreaks. Each of them received US$ 200.

Molina drew his ninth-round game against Georgia's Parmen Gelazonia, while Abdullah had a two-pawn defecit in a knights and pawns endgame but was able to successfully hold on to a draw against Egyptian FM Georg Magdy.

Tabada spoiled a chance to claim the overall championship when he bungled a two-pawn advantage in his final-round game against top-seed and eventual champion GM Yuri Drozdovskij of Ukraine. The FCPL player capitalized on an early blunder by the Ukrainian on the 18th move, a pawn push to g4 that resulted in the following position:

GM Drozdovskij - Tabada
(Black to move)

There followed 18... Nxg4! 19.hxg4 Qxg4+ 20.Bg2 Qxd4 and black is simply two pawns up 21.Qe2 Bf8 22.Re1 Bf5 23.Rd1 Qg4 24.f3 Qh5 25.c5 and the following position was reached...

GM Drozdovskij - Tabada
(Black to move)

Black played 25... Bd7?! (25.... Rad8 or 25... Qg6 was more accurate here) 26.Ne4? (26.cd6! Nf5 27.Re8 Re8 28.Ne4 gives white a dangerous attack) 26... Qg6 27.cd6 cd6? (black is hallucinating. 27...Nf5 was correct and after 28.dxc7 Qb6 29.Nf6+ Qf6 30.Re8 Be8, black is a piece up and will soon neutralize the white passed pawns) 28.Nd6 Nf5?? (black simply self-destructs. This move loses a piece without anything in return) 29.Rxe8! (of course, not 29.Nxe8? on account of 29...Bc5+ and black regains the upper hand) 29...Rxe8 30.Nxe8 and it was just a matter of time before black resigned.

It was a major disappointment for Tabada who failed to follow up on his big wins over FM Djakhangir Agaragimov of Azerbaijan and Serbian WGM Maria Manakova in the seventh and eighth rounds, respectively. A win over the top-seed would have given Tabada clear first and a US$ 1,500 paycheck.

Instead, it was Drozdovskij who picked up the championship with eight points. At joint second and third with 7.5 points apiece were Azerbaijan's IM Sanan Dovliatov and his youthful compatriot FM Ulvi Bajarani. The two players drew their ninth-round game.

Marvin Marcos, NM Robert Arellano and Rocky Pabalan also had a chance for a podium finish, but were unsuccessful in their final-round games against GM Roman Ovetchkin of Russia, GM Elmar Magerramov and IM Akaki Shalamberidze of Azerbaijan, respectively.

Other FCPL players who trooped to Sharjah to compete in the tournament were Melvin Segismundo, Larry Dolor, Angelito Melicano, Jumar Abo, Axel John Valerio, Augusto 'Marz' Marcial, Macky Ingcongan, Richard Perez, Alexius Valerio, Lito Lababo, Ronnie G. Balilo, Carlos de Guzman, Hermie Cagatin, Gerry Lababo and Antonio Gawid.

Nearly 200 players from different countries participated in the nine-round Swiss system tournament. Time control was 20 minutes plus five-second increment per move.

Top 14 standings below (click on image to enlarge)

(Click here for complete final standings)

Final-round pairings (top 17 boards only)

(Click here for complete final-round pairings)

Videos taken at the tournament courtesy of Richard Perez.

Pabalan wins anew

2009-10-19T00:49:00.000-07:00

Rocky Pabalan picked up another championship finish after winning the FCPL September Active Chess Tournament at Reef Mall.

Pabalan, who won the July tournament and finished runner-up in August, had a perfect 6-out-of-6 slate and was a full point ahead of the field entering the final round. A short draw with Axel John Valerio in the seventh round sealed the title.

Paul Dargan of the UK settled for second place with six points, half a point behind the champion. Jumar Abo was third with five points, while Valerio was fourth also with five points. Valerio's father, Alexious, took the fifth spot with 4.5 points.

(photos to be published later)

Final round pairings

Abdullah scores rare sweep in FCPL August Active Chess Tournament

2009-10-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

Tato Abdullah (centre) receives his prize from FCPL Sec-Gen Ronnie Balilo.

Joining them are (from left) FCPL President and tournament arbiter
Jobannie C. Tabada, FCPL Adviser Joey Tiberio and Abu
Dhabi Ramadan Active Chess champion Rolenson Loyola,
who was one of the tournament sponsors.

Tato Abdullah swept the competition to rule the FCPL August Active Chess Tournament at Reef Mall. The third-seeded Abdullah scored six points in six games to finish 1.5 points ahead of his nearest pursuers.

Top-seed Rocky Pabalan settled for second, edging out fellow 4.5-pointer Melvin Segismundo, the tournament's No.2 seed, in the tiebreak score. Richard Perez and Jumar Abo took the fourth and fifth spots. All top five players received cash prizes.

The special prizes were awarded to Art Lilagan (top Under 1700/unrated), Ben Penranda (top Under 1800), Angelito Melicano (top Under 1900) and Kyle Cedric Dolor (top Kiddie).

The tournament was sponsored by Rolenson Loyola, Robert Arellano and Marvin Marcos. Loyola and Arellano finished first and second, respectively, during the Abu Dhabi Ramadan Active Chess Open, while Marcos was seventh in the same tournament.

Standings (click on image to enlarge)

Final-round pairings (click on image to enlarge)

Second placer Rocky Pabalan.

Third placer Melvin Segismundo.

Fourth placer Richard Perez

Top Under 1700/Unrated Art Lilagan.

Top Under 1800 Ben Penaranda.

Top Under 1900 Angelito Melicano.

Top Kiddie Kyle Cedric Dolor.

ABSENT MINDED. FCPL Board Member Gerry Lababo (right)
about to punch the wrong clock in his game against Kyle Dolor.

FIRST TIMERS. FCPL adviser Paul Ducalang (right) vs. first-timer
Arnold Cabiasa, Nino Gawid (second from left) vs. another first-timer
Marcelino Gonzales, and Eddie Dural (third from left) vs. yet another
first-time FCPL tournament player, Lito Lababo, brother of Gerry.

Kiddie player Jean Aeolus Gueco (left) vs. Melvin Segismundo.

Rocky Pabalan (left) vs. Richard Perez.

Loyola rules Abu Dhabi Ramadan Active Chess Open

2009-10-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Loyola (right) with Ladies champion GM Maia Chiburdanidze
and Masters division champion GM Hrair Simonian.

FCPL's Rolenson Loyola shared the limelight with Georgian legend GM Maia Chiburdanidze during the Ramadan Active Chess Festival in Abu Dhabi last August. Loyola led a one-two finish by the Filipinos in the Open division after he scored eight points in nine rounds to emerge champion.

Chiburdanidze, who ruled as World Woman Champion from 1978-1991, took the championship in the Ladies division, while Armenian GM Hrair Simonian ruled the Masters division.

National Master Robert Arellano was second after prevailing by half a point in the tiebreak score over the UAE's FM Khouri Ahmed Abbas, who wound up third. Arellano and Abbas finished with 7.5 points apiece.

Another Filipino, Armando Nachor of the Abu Dhabi-based Filipino chess group ADFORCE, finished joint fourth with three others each toting seven points. FCPL's Marvin Marcos settled for solo seventh place with 6.5 points.

The championship win was worth 8,000 Dirhams (around P104,000) for Loyola, Arellano received 5,000 Dirhams (around P65,000), Nachor 2,500 Dirhams (around P32,500) and Marcos 1,500 Dirhams (around P19,500).

It was also a well-deserved payoff for Loyola, Arellano and Marcos, who are all based in Dubai, as they had to travel nearly four hours every day from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back during the four-day tournament. Games were held at night starting at 10 in observace of the Ramadan. The three hitched a ride with another FCPL player, Carlos de Guzman, who also competed in the event.

Open division standings (click on image to enlarge)

(Click here for complete standings)

(Click here for Masters standings)

(Click here for Ladies standings)

Invitation to join the "FCPL Sing for a Cause"

2009-10-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

'Sing for a Cause' will be held on October 16 (Friday) at the main entrance lobby of Reef Mall.

The event is for the benefit of the victims of the series of powerful typhoons that have hit the Philippines, particularly typhoon Ondoy.

This event will also serve as tribute to all the volunteers and benefactors of the ongoing donation drive being held at Reef Mall. Through an afternoon of singing, fun and camaraderie, join us in saying “thank you” to all the nameless individuals who have selflessly offered their time, talent and resources for this donation campaign.

The donation campaign has been going on for more than two weeks and will culminate on Oct. 16.

Sing for a Cause is essentially a videoke event wherein all mall visitors and guests from different FilCom organisations are encouraged to sing for a donation of at least Dh 10 for each song.

You can request as many songs as you want and you may also have other people sing the songs you requested.

All donations will be given to charitable institutions helping the typhoon Ondoy victims

The event will also feature a singing contest.

Please come and be part of a noble undertaking. Your help can go a long way in rebuilding the lives of the countless many who have been rendered homeless and devastated by the recent calamities.

Invitation to join the "FCPL Chess Festival for a Cause"

2009-10-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

(Please click on image below)

Pabalan rules FCPL July Chess Tournament

2009-09-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

Rocky Pabalan claimed his second FCPL championship after ruling the FCPL July Chess Tournament held last July 24, 2009 at Reef Mall in Dubai.

Pabalan defeated Egypt's Kassem Sayed in the final round to post six points, half a point clear of joint second placers Marvin Marcos and Hermie Cagatin, who drew their seventh-round encounter.

The tournament champion started strong, racing to a hot 5-0 start before getting derailed in the sixth of the seven-round competition, dropping the point to the top-seeded Marcos. In contrast, Marcos suffered an upset in the early rounds, losing to Richard Perez.

Marcos' win over Pabalan resulted in a three-way logjam at the top entering the final round with Pabalan, Marcos and Cagatin each toting five points. While Pabalan recovered from the penultimate-round defeat to prevail over Sayed in this final assignment, Marcos failed to complete his comeback bid when he blundered away a piece in the middlegame against Cagatin.

Despite the material disadvantage, Marcos was able to launch a dangerous attack, which Cagatin barely survived, reducing the game to a king-knight-bishop vs. king endgame. However, Cagatin's inferior endgame knowledge prevented him from securing the full point as he couldn't pin down Marcos' solitary king to deliver mate with his king, bishop and knight – a commonly taken for granted elementary endgame technique. Cagatin eventually gave up chasing Marcos' king all over the board and conceded the draw.

Danny Ambing won over India's Sathya to secure fourth place with five points, while Gerry Lababo outplayed Lawrence de Luna to post 4.5 points and secure the fifth spot, prevailing in the tiebreak points over fellow 4.5-pointer Larry Dolor.

The category winners were India's Anusweud (Top Kiddie), Nino Gawid (Top Under 1700), Carlos de Guzman (Top Under 1800) and Richard Perez (Top Under 1900).

Filipino Chess Players League (FCPL) vice president Larry Dolor and FCPL board member Gerry Lababo handed out the cash prizes to the winners.

Awarding Photos

Rocky Pabalan (left) receives his championship prize from FCPL Director Gerry Lababo (centre) and FCPL Vice President Larry Dolor

Top-seed Marvin Marcos settles for runner-up honors

Third-placer Hermie Cagatin receives his prize for one of his best performances in the FCPL series

Danny Ambing, eclipsing the more fancied bets, at fourth

Gerry Lababo rounds out the top five in also one of his best efforts so far in the league

Top Under 1800 - Carlos de Guzman

Top Kiddie - India's Anusweud

2009-07-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Laylo, So clinch World Cup berths
The Philippine Star, July 30, 2009 12:00 AM

HO CHI MINH City, Vietnam – GMs Darwin Laylo and Wesley So capped another solid campaign by the Filipino bets in the Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championships, finishing 1-2 and claiming the two berths in the World Cup.

Laylo toppled second seed GM Zhang Zhong of Singapore to rule the nine-round tournament with eight points at the First Hotel here Wednesday and secure his second stint in the World Cup slated in Russia late this year.

So drew with GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam to finish second with 6.5 points and capture the other World Cup berth staked in the tournament.

Laylo and So thus join GM Joey Antonio in the World Cup, marking the first time that three Filipinos will compete in the tough event featuring the world’s top players.

Antonio earlier clinched a World Cup slot with a strong finish in the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Subic earlier this year.

“This is another big achievement in chess. We have three players in the coming World Cup for the first time in history,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Butch Pichay.

In the eight round, Laylo defeated IM Duong The Anh and So whipped IM Nguyen Minh Huy.
Five players, led by Truong Son and another Filipino campaigner GM Mark Paragua, finished in a five-way tie for third with six points.

Paragua trounced CM Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam while IM Richard Bitoon and IM Rolando Nolte wound up with five points and GM Eugene Torre had 4.5 points.

2009-07-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

FCPL July Chess Clinic and Fun Blitz Chess Tournament 2009 Reef Mall, Dubai, UAE
Friday, July 24, 2009

The Filipino Chess Players League-UAE is pleased to invite you to another exciting afternoon of chess action through the FCPL Chess Clinic and Fun Blitz Tournament.

The back-to-back events will be held at Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE on Friday, July 24, 2009.Kiddie chess players are especially welcome to attend the Chess Clinic, which will start at 2:30 pm.

Other enthusiasts, young and old, who want to expand their chess knowledge and improve their chess technique are also welcome to join the clinic.

The Fun Blitz Tournament will start at 4 pm, where clinic participants can put what they have learned into practice. Non-clinic participants are also welcome to join the tournament.

Minimal registration fees of Dh 10 for non-FCPL members and Dh 5 for FCPL members will be collected, inclusive of both events.We hope to see you there for another afternoon of fun and excitement!

I. INVITATION

The Filipino Chess Players League-UAE, in cooperation with Reef Mall, is pleased to invite all chess players in the UAE to the FCPL July Chess Clinic and Fun Blitz Chess Tournament 2009, which will be held at Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE on Friday, July 24, 2009, from 2 pm onwards.

II. ORGANIZER

The FCPL July Chess Clinic and Fun Blitz Chess Tournament 2009 is organized by the Filipino Chess Players League-UAE.

III. SCHEDULE

Starting time of tournament subject to change
2:30 pm - Chess Clinic
4 pm - Fun Blitz Chess Tournament

IV. VENUE

The tournament and chess clinic will be held at the lower ground level lobby of Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE.

V. PARTICIPATION

Chess clinic is open to kiddie players and other chess enthusiasts of all nationalities. The tournament is open to all nationalities.

VI. TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

Tournament will follow the Fide Rules and the rules and regulations stipulated in this invitation.

*Tournament Format:

7 Rounds, Swiss System.

Time Control:
5 minutes plus 3 seconds per move starting from move one
7 minutes play to finish for clocks with no increment.

*Tie Breaks:

a. The result of their particular game, if applicable (only for players tied for the first prize)
b. Median Bucholz
c. Bucholz
d. Progressive
e. Drawing of lots

*Subject to change depending on number of participants

VII. PRIZES

- Cash prizes
- Top 3 winners
- Top Kiddie
- Other special prizes may also be awarded

Players eligible for multiple cash prizes can only claim the prize with higher value. Prizes will not be shared among tied players.

VII. REGISTRATION

Registration fee: Dh 10
FCPL Members: Dh 5

VIII. CONTACT DETAILS

Larry (050-7032796)Email: fcpluae@gmail.com
Online: http://fcplworld.blogspot.com

2009-07-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Wesley So to compete in big chess tilts abroad
abs-cbnnews.com
July 19, 2009

MANILA – Grandmaster (GM) Wesley So, the Filipino chess whiz kid, is set to embark on a series of tournaments abroad.

So, 15, will play in the Zone 3.3 Chess Championships 2009 from July 22 to July 30 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Bacoor, Cavite native hopes to qualify for the World Chess Cup (World Chess Championships) in Khanty, Mansiyk, Russia from November 20 to December 15.

Other Filipinos entered in the Zone 3.3 Chess Eliminations are GMs Eugene Torre, Darwin Laylo, Mark Paragua, and International Master Richard Bitoon. So far, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, Jr. is the lone Filipino qualifier for the World Chess Cup.

So is also set to participate in the Susan Polgar’s Spice Chess Cup Open 2009 (Group A) beginning September 19 at the Texas Tech University, United States. The tournament runs until September 29.

So continues to dominate the national rankings with a record 2646 rating. He is currently ranked 94th overall in the world, based on the July ratings of the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

In addition, So is at the seventh spot among the highest rated juniors in the world.

So is fresh from his stint at the Chinese Chess League 2009 last week where he won his first game against Wang Chen (2400) and drew against Xiu Deshun (2515) in the second round.

The 15-year-old GM raised his total score to 4 points (+3 -1 =2), with an average opponents' rating of 2477. In the past installment of the league, So scored 2.5 points (+2 -1 =1).

Marlon Bernardino

2009-07-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi Chess Festival from August 12
Khaleej Times, 15 July 2009

ABU DHABI — Emiratis International Grand Master Salim Abdul Rahman, Abdullah Al Hassan, Ibrahim Ismail Muhairi and Abdullah Marzouki will be seen in action in the 18th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival which starts on August 12.

The event is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC). The festival is being organised by the Abu Dhabi Chess and Culture Club (ADCCC) and Dh 200,000 will be awarded in prizes.

“The tournament will run from August 12 to 21 and this year’s festival will feature an open tournament, junior tournament, blitz competition and simultaneous competition,” Ibrahim Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Head of Business Developing and Marketing Committee of ADCCC said.

The Festival director Hussain A Khouri, who is also the finance director of ADCCC, said that chess prodigy Britain’s Nigel Short will play against 50 players at a time in the simultaneous competition.

“The annual event is expected to attract 300 players from different parts of the world and preparations for the event are on in full swing,” Hussain Khouri said.

The tournament will be held under the Swiss system of nine rounds and Arab and international players are also expected to be in the fray in the 10-day festival.

The event used to be held at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation but this year, the Festival will be held at the Jazira Club.

Also present at the press briefing were Aref Ismail Al Khouri, executive manager, ADCCC, Salah Abdul Al Marzouqi, sports events co-ordinator ADSC, and Aref Ismail, technical director of the Festival.

Saif Nasser Al Suwaidi is the chairman of the Organising Committee which also has Aref Ismail Al Khouri, Hussain A Khouri, Mohammed Ibrahim Marzouki, Ismail Ibrahim Yousef, Hassan Ahmed Zuhair and Tareq Mohammed Abdullah.

“We have made some changes in the tournament and instead of the Masters tournament it will be an open event,” said Khouri.

Egyptian Basssem Sameer won the Masters title last year.

“It will be a good event for the local players to gain experience and compete with some of the best-known chess players in the world,” Aref Ismail Khouri said.

“We are happy to partner in such a big chess festival and we are determined to support the sporting activities of Abu Dhabi,” Salah Abdull Al Marzouqi said.

2009-07-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Larry Dolor's video interview by Gulf News GNtv

Filipino chess club in UAE
Irish Eden Belleza, Videographer Published: June 21, 2009, 23:07

The Filipino Chess Club, which meets at Al Reef Mall, is looking for the UAE's budding Kasparovs

Click here.

2009-07-03T01:37:00.000-07:00

Faves Falter in June Blitz Chess tournament
Khaleej Times
24 June 2009

DUBAI - Samer Mehdi completed a sweep of his last four assignments capped by a final-round victory over the tournament’s erstwhile unbeaten solo-leader to crown himself champion of the June edition of the FCPL Monthly Open Chess Tournament, which was held on Friday at Reef Mall in Dubai, a press release said.

The fifth-seeded Iranian held off the aggression of the Filipino player Rolenson Loyola in the ultimate seventh round to pick up the full point and wrest the overall title from the latter.

After winning all his games in the six previous rounds, Loyola, a pre-tournament favourite, distanced himself by a full point over the rest of the field going into the final round and needed just a quiet draw against Mehdi to rule the weekend blitz chess event organised by the Filipino Chess Players League-UAE and supported by Reef Mall.

But having the advantage of the first move with the white pieces against Mehdi, Loyola apparently could not resist the temptation to mix it up, which unfortunately backfired as Mehdi pounced hard when the deposed round-six leader uncharacteristically committed a slew of errors in the middlegame, allowing the Iranian to create a pair of powerful, game-deciding passed pawns and nail the victory in the endgame.

With the win, Mehdi matched Loyola’s six-point total and was awarded the championship by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule, relegating Loyola to the runner-up spot.

“The exciting and entertaining matches and unpredictable results are typical of blitz chess tournaments wherein players are given just a few minutes to complete a game. It is quite nerve-wracking but is also very entertaining,” said Larry Dolor, the FCPL vice-president who served as the one-day tournament’s arbiter.

“It is very encouraging to see participants enjoying a weekend of fun and relaxation by playing in the chess events that we organise. We are really grateful that they continue to patronise our activities and we are also thankful to Reef Mall for allowing us to use their facilities and the venue.”

Taking third with 5.5 points was Jobannie C. Tabada, the second-seeded Filipino player who needed a win in the final round to tie the tournament winner’s six-point tally, but instead found himself being saved by a miracle draw in an otherwise losing position against India’s Santhosh.

Queen Sacrifice
P. Tabada made an inaccurate queen sacrifice for two minor pieces in the middlegame, but Santhosh reacted poorly in the ensuing play and even managed to blunder away  his own queen. The game subsequently drifted to a theoretically drawn endgame with opposite-coloured bishops.

Upsets also rocked the rest of the matches with 13th-seed Marcelo Payoket and 10th-seed Jumar Abo taking the fourth and fifth spots after defeating fourth-seed Rocky Pabalan and sixth-seed Johny P I respectively. Rounding out the top 10 players were Sumith K S, Santhosh, Ronald Pernez, Barry Repollo and Pabalan.

Special prizes were also awarded to top scorers in three rating categories — Hermie Cagatin (1900 below), Gerry Lababo (1800 below) and Edie Dural (1700 below) — and to Indian player Sudharsan Surya as the top scorer among kiddie participants.

Final Standing

Final Round

2009-07-03T01:24:00.000-07:00

FCPL May Active Chess Tournament 2009 - Result

2009-06-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

FCPL June Active Chess Tournament 2009 Invitation

Please double click the image below:

2009-05-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

FCPL May Active Chess Tournament 2009
Reef Mall, Dubai, UAE
Friday, May 22, 2009

I. INVITATION

The Filipino Chess Players League-UAE, in cooperation with Reef Mall, is pleased to invite all chess players in the UAE to the FCPL May Active Chess Tournament 2009, which will be held at Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE on Friday, May 22, 2009, from 2 pm onwards.

II. ORGANIZER

The FCPL May Active Chess Tournament is organized by the Filipino Chess Players League-UAE.

III. VENUE

The tournament will be held at the lower ground level lobby of Reef Mall in Dubai, UAE.

IV. PARTICIPATION

The tournament is open to all Filipino expats in the UAE and to other nationalities.

V. TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

Tournament will follow the Fide Rules and the rules and regulations stipulated in this invitation.
Tournament Format: 7 Rounds, Swiss System.
Time Control: 10 minutes plus additional 5 seconds per move starting from move one. (15 minutes play to finish for clocks with no increment).

Tie Breaks:
a) The result of their particular game, if applicable.
b) Median Bucholz
c) Bucholz
d) Progressive
e) Drawing of lots

VI. PRIZES

a) Cash prizes (Players eligible for multiple cash prizes can only claim the prize with higher value. Prizes will not be shared among tied players.)
- Top 10 winners
- Top Under 1900
- Top Under 1800
- Top Under 1700/Unrated
- Top Kiddie (Open to all nationalities)

VII. REGISTRATION

Registration fee: Dh30
FCPL Members: Dh15

VIII. CONTACT DETAILS

Willy (050-4263862)
Larry (050-7032796)
Email: fcpluae@gmail.com
Online: http://fcplworld.blogspot.com

2009-04-23T05:05:00.001-07:00

FCPL April Rapid Chess Tournament
3 April 2009
Reef Mall - Dubai

Final Ranking

Final Round Result

2009-03-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in joining the most prestigious Pinoy Chess Club in the UAE?

2009-03-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Invitation! Invitation! Invitation!!

2009-03-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

2nd Pag-Ibig Chess Tournament Champ!

Mr. Marvin "Ferdinand" Marcos

...and here are the cutiest among the oldies, the photogenics, the runner-ups, participants and organisers of the 2nd Pag-Ibig Chess Championship:

2009-03-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

2nd Pag-Ibig Chess Tournament - Standing After Round 7

Double click the image!

2008-10-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

FCPL October Active Chess King Tournament 2008 - Paul Ducalang CUP Result

Round five results (final round of the eliminations for the playoffs)

No. Name------------------Total------ Result--------Name---------------------Total

1 Johnny, P (3)-------------[4]-------0:1---------Loyola, Rolenson (5)-----[4]
2 Pabalan, Rocky (7)-------[3]------- 0:1--------Molina, Antonio Sr. (1)---[3]
3 Abo, Jumar (11)----------[3]-------0:1--------Tabada, Jobannie C. (2)---[3]
4 Taopa, Gilbert (4)---------[3]-------1:0--------Valerio, Axel John (9)-----[3]
5 Natividad, Rafael (6)------[3]-------1:0- -------Maitem, Tata (33)--------[3]
6 Yape, Pucholo (8)--------[2.5]------0:1--------Payoket, Marcelo (10)---[3]
7 Dolor, Denes (32)--------[2.5]------0:1--------Dolor, Larry (17)---------[2.5]
8 Lopez, Alwyn (27)--------[2]-------0:1--------Valerio, Alexious (12)-----[2]
9 Bonifacio, Bonnie (13)----[2]--------0:1-------Mursaleen, Ahemad (35)--[2]
10 Perez, Richard (15)-------[2]-------1:0------- Ducalang, Paul (23)-------[2]
11 Caliyon, Edwin (30)------[2]-------1:0--------Cagatin, Hermie (19)------[2]
12 Ambing, Danny (20)------[2]-------1:0--------Medez, Rey (28)----------[2]
13 Caunca, Mark (31)-------[2]-------1:0--------Millan, Lindo (24)---------[1.5]
14 Parreno, Cyrus (18)------[1.5]-----1:0-------Gawid, Nino (14)---------[1]
15 Edward, Arieta (21)------[1]--------0:1--------Mangino, Brian (34)------[1]
16 Dural, Eddie (26)---------[1] -----1:0---------Serrano, Edmund (22)-----[1]
17 Capua, Rene (25)---------[1]-------1:0--------Valerio, Aja (38)---------[1]
18 Salangsang, Jojo (37)-----[1]--------1:0--------Saji, Soman (36)----------[.5]
19 Adarsh, Saji (29)----------[.5]-------0:1--------Valerio, CJ (39)----------[0]

**************************************************************

Standing after Round 5

Top four players below qualified for the October Active Chess King Playoffs

The playoffs schedule
Two-game series with time control of 15 mins plus 5-second increment starting on move one (Ties will be decided by the Armageddon game)

Friday, October 10, 2008

3:30 p.m. - Semifinals
Match 1 - No.1 Rolenson Loyola vs. No.4 Jobannie C. TabadaMatch
Match 2 - No.2 Johnny P vs. No.3 Marcelo Payoket

5:30 p.m. - Final Match 3
Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2 (play for championship)
Match 4 - Loser Match 1 vs. Loser Match 2 (play for third)

--Name-------------------------Score
1. Loyola, Rolenson---------5
2. Johnny, P-----------------4
3. Payoket, Marcelo--------4
4. Tabada, Jobannie C.-----4
5. Natividad, Rafael--------4
6. Taopa, Gilbert-----------4
7. Molina, Antonio Sr.-----4
8. Dolor, Larry------------3.5
9. Pabalan, Rocky--------3
10. Abo, Jumar-----------3
11. Valerio, Axel John----3
12. Ambing, Danny-------3
13. Perez, Richard--------3
14.Maitem, Tata----------3
15.Mursaleen, Ahmed----3
16. Caunca, Mark--------3
17. Calerio, Alexious-----3
18. Caliyon Edwin--------3
19. Dolor, Denes---------2.5
20. Yape, Pocholov------2.5
21. Parreno, Cyrus-------2.5
22. Cagatin, Hermie------2
23. Bonifacio, Bonnie----2
24. Ducalang, Paul-------2
25. Lopez, Alwyn--------2
26. Salangsan, Jojo------2
27. Capua, Rene--------2
28. Dural, Eddie--------2
29. Medez, Rey--------2
30. Mangino, Brian-----2
31. Millan, Lindo-------1.5
32. Edward, Arieta-----1
33. Serrano, Edmund---1
34. Gawid, Nino--------1
35. Valrio, Aja----------1
36. Valerio, Cj----------1
37. Saji, Soman---------0.5
38. Adarsh, Saji--------0.5
39. Ravara, Dave-------0

**************************************************************

Round 6 Pairings for the Challenger Cup

Round 6 starts at 3:30 p.m. (Friday, 10 October 2008)

1. Molina, Antonio Sr. (4) vs Taopa, Gilbert (4)
2. Dolor, Larry (3.5) vs Natividad, Rafael (4)
3. Mursaleen, Ahmed (3) vs Pabalan, Rocky (3)
4. Valerio, Axel John (3) vs Perez, Richard (3)
5. Maitem, Tata (3) vs Abo, Jumar (3)
6. Valerio, Alexious (3) vs Ambing, Danny (3)
7. Caliyon, Edwin (3) vs Caunca, Mark (3)
8. Parreno, Cyrus (2.5) vs Yape, Pucholov (2.5)
9. Cagatin, Hermie (2) vs Dolor, Denes (2)
10. Mangino, Brian (2) vs Bonifacio, Bonnie (2)
11. Ducalang, Paul (2) vs. Lopes, Alwyn (2)
12. Medez, Rey (2) vs Capua, Rene (2)
13. Dural, Eddie (2) vs Salangsang, Jojo (2)
14. Valerio, Aja (1) vs Millan, Lindo (1.5)
15. Gawid, Nino (1) vs Valerio, CJ (1)
16. Saji, Soman (0.5) vs Edward, Arieta (1)
17. Serrano, Edmund (1) vs Adarsh, Saji (0.5)

2008-10-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter from Francis Aldeguer..formerly known as FCPL's Mr. Suave:

--- On Thu, 10/2/08, Francis Aldeguer wrote:
From: Francis Aldeguer
Subject: Pag-iingat
To: "Willy Laceste"

Sir, ako ay may isa lamang sasabihin kaya ako nag-message sayo at sana ay maibahagi mo ito sa mga kaibigan natin diyan lalong lalo na kay Ginoong Edward Arieta, Ginoong Emmanuel Marbella, at ang iba pa nating mga kaibigan na itinuturing nating parang ating mga kapatid. Ang masasabi ko lamang ay dapat kayong mag-ingat sa babaeng balbon dahil ito raw ay mahilig sa ibon! Eh baka kasi makatagpo kayo ng ganyan, eh makain ang inyong kakapiranggot na ibon!

Gumagalang,

Mr. Francis Aldeguer

2008-10-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

The Filipino Chess Players League brings you yet another chess tournament this October... please read below....quick:

FCPL October Active Chess King Tournament 2008

Schedule: Friday, (3 October) and Friday, (10 October) / Open to all nationalities
Venue: Reef Mall
Time: Game starts at 3:00 p.m. (please come early if you intend to register on the tournament venue on 3 October)

The tournament will be a combination of Swiss system and match play format as explained below:

Format
A five-round Swiss system elimination on October 3 will determine the four qualifiers to play for the playoffs. The playoffs qualifiers will battle it out in two-game matches that will be held on October 10 for the right to the title as FCPL October Active Chess King. The non-qualifiers will continue to play in the nine-round Challenger Division, with their scores in the previous five rounds being carried over. The final four rounds of the Challenger Division will be played on October 10.

Playoffs
The semifinals pit the No.1 qualifier vs. No.4 and No.2 vs. No.3. The winning semifinalists will advance to the finals and the losers will play for third. All matches will be played in a two-game series with the Armageddon system (details of which will be explained further during the tournament) serving as the tiebreaker.

Challenger Division
- any player may choose to take a bye for up to two times in any of the first three rounds (on the first day of the tournament (on October 3))
- any player is allowed to take a bye only in the sixth round (on the second day of the tournament (October 10))
- any player requesting a bye must inform the Arbiter before the pairings are posted, otherwise such request will no longer be entertained
- a bye is worth half a point

Time Control
15 minutes, plus 5-second increment

Registration fee
Dhs. 50

Prizes

----------------------Chess King Division-----Challengers Division
Champion------------Dhs 700------------------Dhs 300
1st runner-up---------Dhs 500------------------Dhs 200
2nd runner-up--------Dhs 400------------------Dhs 150
3rd runner-up--------Dhs 300-------------------Dhs 100
4th runner-up--------2 Pepsi--------------------Dhs 100
5th runner-up--------1 Pepsi--------------------Dhs 100
No sharing of prizes (Why should I?)

Special prizes
Special prizes are exclusive to FCPL players who have participated in at least one FCPL-rated tournament this year. No sharing of prizes. Ratings are based on the latest FCPL Rating List released on October 1, 2008.

Top 1800-under - Dhs 100
Top 1900-under - Dhs 100
Top 1901-above- Dhs 100

Contact persons
Jobannie--- 050 4674887
Alex------- 050 7964468
Willie------ 050 4263862
Joey------- 050 4501437

2008-09-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Blitz Tournament at Reef Mall

Dear Chess Friends

Greetings of Peace!

FCPL would like to invite you once again to participate in the Blitz tournament scheduled tomorrow, 26 September 2008, at 8:00pm at Reef Mall Dubai.

There will be cash prizes for the top 3 finishers plus gift certificates and fabulous prizes for top players with 1800 below, 1900 below and 1900 above rating categories. Registration fee is Dhs. 20. The event is open to all nationalities.

For further information or queries, please call Jobannie at +971 50 467 4887.

2008-07-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Philippines National Championship Finals Ends!

by Bobby Ang Monday, 14 July 2008

After three months of eliminations involving thousands of players nationwide, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) concluded the cycle with an 18 player all-play-all (open division) and a 12 player all-play-all (women's division) held from July 1-13, 2008.

Three-time National Junior Champion IM John Paul Gomez stormed out of the starting blocks with a mind-numbing 9.5/10, earned for himself a GM norm by the 13th round, and coasted home the rest of the way to crown himself champion of this chess-crazy country.

Currently the youngest grandmaster in the world, 14-year old Wesley So finished half a point back and a further point back was comebacking (for the 4th time!) GM Bong Villamayor who left his teaching position in Singapore to try and regain the form which made him the Philippines' highest rated player in 2001.

The NCFP President, Congressman Prospero Pichay announced the composition of the national squad to the 2008 Dresden Chess Olympiad: IM John Paul Gomez, GM Wesley So, GM Buenaventura Villamayor, GM Jayson Gonzales and GM Darwin Laylo

In addition to that the Philippine team to the Beijing Mind Games to be held later this year was also announced:
GM Mark Paragua, IM Chito Garma, Leonardo Carlos, IM Rolando Nolte and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra.

This breaks the consecutive-Olympiad streak of GM Eugene Torre, who did not participate in the Grand Finals. He was both Junior and Adult Champion in the Philippines in 1970 but gave way to the Asian Zone Champion Renato Naranja as top board player in the Siegen Olympiad. Eugene then registered a record by playing top board in 17 straight Olympiads, from Skopje 1972 up to Calvia de Mallorca in 2004. His 19 consecutive appearances in the Olympiad team (the 17 above plus 1970 Siegen and 2006 Turin) is also a record.

Cong. Pichay lamented GM Torre's inability to take part in the competition, but averred that the rules for the selection to the Olympiad team were announced several months ago and he did not want to be the one to break them.

For the Women's Team to the Dresden Olympiad the top five finishers were Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua, Daisy Rivera, Chardine Cheradee Camacho and Christy Lamiel Bernales.

For detailed results and the games, please go to www.ncfphilippines.org.

2008-07-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

Asian Chess Academy Dubai Branch Inaugurated
by Fide.com, 12 June 2008

Asian Chess Federation President Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan was Guest of Honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony on 12 June 2008 inaugurating the Asian Chess Academy Dubai branch at the Reef Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In photo are, from left, Asian Chess Academy president Josefino Tiberio, Reef Mall Leasing Manager Samer Ghazi, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, Asian Chess Federation Secretary General Hisham Al Taher, Reef Mall Operations Manager Bruce von Kaufmann and Reef Mall Resident Architect Rolly D. Ariante. (Photo by Dr. Hisham El Gendy)

The Asian Chess Academy in Dubai was established under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation. Asian Deputy President Casto Abundo said at the ceremonies that the Academy responds to the request of many local and expatriate families in Dubai for a chess academy for their children to learn and for advanced players to improve their game.

ACA-Dubai president Joey Tiberio thanked the Reef Mall management for their support and said that the site was centrally located and ideal for parents and children.

2008-05-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Battle of Grandmasters
NCFP

Rank after round 10

MEN

Rank/Name/Rtg/Pts

1 GM So, Wesley 2540 8
2 GM Torre, Eugene 2519 7
3 IM Gomez, John Paul 2464 6½
4 IM Bitoon, Richard 2420 6½
5 GM Antonio, Rogelio Jr. 2529 6
6 Barbosa, Oliver 2403 4½
7 Nolte, Rolando 2420 4½
8 IM Sadorra, Julio Catalino 2455 4
9 FM Donguines, Fernie 2362 3½
10 Nouri, Hamed 2392 3½
11 GM Villamayor, Buenaventura 2425 3½
12 GM Gonzales, Jayson 2468 2½

WOMEN

Rank/Name/Rtg/Pts

1 Perena, Catherine 2234 7½
2 Cua, Shercila 2203 7
3 Cua, Sherily 2132 6½
4 Camacho, Charine Cheradee 2106 6½
5 Salvador, Aices 1999 6
6 Jose, Rulp Ylem 2044 5½
7 Bernales, Christy Lamiel 1934 4½
8 WIM Mendoza, Beverly 2072 4
9 Magno, Enerose 2169 3½
10 Cunanan, Kimberly Jane 1939 3
11 Palomo, Jenny Rose 0 3
12 Docena, Jedara 1973 3

2008-04-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters
WESLEY SO REMAINS ON TOP
by Marlon Bernardino

GM Wesley So took the scalped of FM Fernie Donguines after 48 moves of a Sicilian Defense using the black pieces to remain on top after the sixth round late Tuesday in the ongoing Philippine Battle of the Grandmasters at the 11th floor City State Hotel in Mabini.

The 14-year-old So who held into a draw with NM Nouri Hamed after 30 moves of a Reti Opening in the fifth round on Monday notch 5.0 points on account of 4 wins and 2 draws in six outings. He is schedule to meet today IM Rolando Nolte for the seventh round.

"Mahirap pa pong magsalita basta gagawin ko lamang ang aking best," said So when this writer asked him if he can win the and the top prize of P200,000.

"Masuwerte ako ngayon," added So, who had an Elo rating of 2540 in the April 1, 2008 FIDE list and expect to going up because of the impressive performance in the past, winning the tough Dubai Open Chess and beat Indon GM Susanto Megaranto in their one-on-one duel.

So increase his 2540 Elo rating to 2561 Elo rating points because of his impressive performance in Dubai and Jakarta.

Meanwhile, GM Eugene Torre continues his impressive showing by beating fellow GM Bong Villamayor after 40 moves of a Pirc Defense last night. kagabi.

Torre is coming a draw with IM Rolando Nolte after 43 moves of a Gruenfeld Defense in the fifth round.Torre now has 4.5 points, the same output of IM John Paul Gomez to tie at 2nd to 3rd placers.

Despite Gomez bowed to Donguines in the fifth round after 117 moves of an Owens Defense, Gomez bounce back in contention by trouncing IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 32 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense.

In other matches saw (sixth round), Nolte beat Hamed; IM Richard Bitoon disposed GM Jayson Gonzales, while IM Oliver Barbosa split the point with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.Battle of GrandmastersRank after round 6

MENRank/Name/Rtg/Pts

1 GM So, Wesley 2540 5
2 GM Torre, Eugene 2519 4½
3 IM Gomez, John Paul 2464 4½
4 IM Bitoon, Richard 2420 4
5 FM Donguines, Fernie 2362 3½
6 GM Antonio, Rogelio Jr. 2529 3½
7 Nolte, Rolando 2420 3
8 Nouri, Hamed 2392 2
9 Barbosa, Oliver 2403 2
10 GM Villamayor, Buenaventura 2425 1½
11 IM Sadorra, Julio Catalino 2455 1½
12 GM Gonzales, Jayson 2468 1

WOMENRank/Name/Rtg/Pts

1 Cua, Shercila 2203 5
2 Jose, Rulp Ylem 2044 5
3 Perena, Catherine 2234 5
4 Cua, Sherily 2132 3½
5 Salvador, Aices 1999 3
6 Bernales, Christy Lamiel 1934 3
7 Magno, Enerose 2169 2½
8 Camacho, Charine Cheradee 2106 2½
9 WIM Mendoza, Beverly 2072 2
10 Cunanan, Kimberly Jane 1939 1½
11 Palomo, Jenny Rose 0 1½
12 Docena, Jedara 1973 1½

Sources: Pinoychess.informe.com

2008-04-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Wesley So, a world chess champion
By K.R. Nayar, Gulf News Senior Reporter
Published: April 19, 2008, 00:33

Wesley So is the rising star in the world of chess. The youngest Grandmaster at the moment, he enthralled chess lovers in the UAE with a sterling performance to walk away with the ten-year-old Dubai Open Chess tournament crown last week.

Fourteen-year-old So, with his boyish smile, hardly comes across as a Grandmaster. Most of his friends in the Filipino Chess Club in Dubai were there to cheer him almost every day.

"I am very happy to win. Frankly, I did not expect to go all the way. All I wanted to do was to pick up more points. This is my first major title victory and I will cherish it forever," So told Gulf News soon after the win.

So is the second child of chess lovers William and Eleanor. William was a schoolbus driver till he decided to quit his job and back his talented son. He now travels with him all around the world while Eleanor works as an accounts controller in a university and brings home a steady income.

"It is hard to meet the huge travel expenses, but the Philippines Chess Federation president Prospero Pichay, who is very supportive of So's talent, helps him with his travel expenses, thus enabling him to play in big tournaments. It is his personal encouragement that has helped So achieve some great victories at the international level," says William.

So is extremely thankful to Pichay. "When I was leaving for Dubai, he asked me to remember two things: try to avoid making early mistakes and then fight for victory in every game. He also warned me never to be bothered about my opponent's rating and play my natural game. I followed his advice when I played top players and it did help me a lot," he said.

Rapid strides

It was obvious that the first person So called immediately after his victory was Pichay.
"I told him that I have achieved what he wanted me to do and he felt so happy," he said.
This is So's second visit to Dubai.

"When I participated in this tournament in 2006, I did not perform well and managed just five points. Today, I am so delighted because I must have added another 15 points to my rating. This tournament will always remain special for me and I will return again next year to defend my title," said So, who also thanked the huge Filipino community in Dubai.

"Every day, members of the Flipino Chess Club in Dubai came to cheer me up. I am so thankful to them for their tremendous support that gave me confidence. In fact, they also sponsored my hotel stay here and I am happy that I could make make them proud."

Fellow feeling

Long wait ends for Filipino community

"We waited for a whole decade for a Filipino to win the Dubai Open and we are proud that a 14-year-old boy has done it for us," remarked Joey Tiberio, events manager of the Filipino Chess Club in Dubai.

"So will inspire a large number of youngsters in the UAE to bring glory. We already have a promising youngster in 13-year-old Axel Valario here. The number will soon increase as So has shown them that we are capable of beating any top player if we have the determination," added Tiberio.

"We practice every evening at the Reef Mall and our strength is growing by the day. It will be a great feeling when So will one day go on to become a world champion."

So's father William is also delighted with the support of the Filipino community in Dubai. "Chess does not attract much support in the Philippines. Whatever So has achieved is purely due to Prospero Pichay, an ardent chess fan who is the president of the Philippines Chess Federation. Although So's achievement, by becoming a young GM, has inspired many youngsters, the game has a long way to go," said William.

The vast number of Filipino ex-pats have been keen followers of basketball here all along. Now, So's success may open other options for them.

**********************************************************************************

Please click here to watch ABS-CBN / TV Patrol's coverage on GM Wesley So

**********************************************************************************

2008-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

SO BEATS MEGARANTO, 4-2, PEREÑA FINISH 5TH IN JAKARTA CHESS
by Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings: six games Fide rated one-on-one duel
4.0 points---GM Wesley So (2540, Philippines)
2.0 points---GM Susanto Megaranto (2561, Indonesia)

Final Standings:Woman Grandmaster Tournament, six player's double round-robin format, Rating Average: 2317, WGM Norm: 6.5 points while WIM Norm: 4.5 points
7.0 points---WGM Li Ruofan (2423, Singapore)
6.5 points--- WGM Regina Pokorna (2352, Slovakia)
6.0 points---WIM Irine Kharisma Sukandar (2243, Indonesia)
5.0 points---WGM Jana Krivec (2362, Slovenia)
4.5 points---WNM Catherine Pereña (2234, Philippines)
1.0 point---WFM Thandar Aye Win (2291, Myanmar)

FILIPINOS Wesley So (2540) and Catherine Pereña (2234) took different route at the conclusion of Japfa Chess Festival 2008 being held at the Indonesian Sports Council Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia, over the weekend.

So, 14, settled for a fighting draw to fellow grandmaster (GM) Indon ace Susanto Megaranto (2561) in their Game 6 match after 67 moves of a Sicilian Defense using the black pieces to finish with a total of 4.0 points on account of three wins, two draws and one loss besting Megaranto's 2.0 points output on one win, two draws and three loses in their six games Fide rated one-on-one duel.

So, added 15 Elo rating points for winning the tough Dubai Chess Cup a week ago is expected to increase and gain more Elo rating points after a stunning wins over Megaranto.

It shall be recalled that GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. bested GM Edhi Handoko of Indonesia, 3.5-2.5, in their on-one-one duel was also held in Jakarta (1998) ten years ago.

GM Eugene Torre, the long-time RP vanguard also beat Megaranto, 2.5-1.5, in the last year's edition in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, after tucking Woman International Master (WIM) norm under her belt going to the final round of Woman Grandmaster Tournament, The Caloocan City-based Pereña bowed his last round match to WGM Regina Pokorna (2352) of Slovakia after 34 moves of a Bishop Opening using the black pieces to finish at fifth placers with 4.5 points.

Tournament favorites WGM Li Ruofan (2423) of Singapore blasted WFM Thandar Aye Win (2291) of Myanmar after 27 moves of a Slav Defense using the white pieces to emerge over-all champion with 7.0 points.

The RP woodpushers campaign (who is schedule to arrive the country yesterday) would be possible with the undying support of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP secretary-general Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/ President Hector "Chito" Tagaysay and businessman Reginald Tee.

Sources: Pinoychess.informe.com

2008-04-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Theres The Rub - Time out
by Conrado de Quiros/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines - It’s not really that we don’t have alternatives, it’s simply that for the strangest reasons we somehow cannot see them. This time around though I don’t mean that in the political sense, I mean that in the sports sense.

Case in point is the Dubai Chess Open that ended early last week. That tournament drew a fairly tough field: 131 contestants from 25 countries and a score of grandmasters. For a couple of weeks, the gladiators battled it out on the board—if you’ve ever played the game, you know that isn’t an exaggeration, even if, or precisely because, the gladiatorial combat takes place in the mind. When the smoke cleared, a champion emerged. That champion was a Filipino. His name is Wesley So.At first blush his feat might not rank along with Eugene Torre becoming the first-ever Asian grandmaster in 1973 or Torre beating then reigning world champion Anatoly Karpov in a game when he came here in 1976. But that is only at first blush.

At second blush, it is an astonishing accomplishment. That’s so because Wesley So is 14 years old! He is the seventh youngest person in the world to have earned a GM norm. He is currently the world’s youngest grandmaster.

So why aren’t we jumping for joy? Why aren’t we dancing in the streets? You tell me.

We have in our midst a chess phenomenon, someone who doesn’t just have world-class potential—that potential has already unraveled—but vast possibilities. What So can do over the next few years with a little help from his friends, well, the world is there for the taking. It’s the little help from his friends that’s problematic.

I read and saw the item about his Dubai victory in the papers and TV last week, but it was only one of several sports stories. For the next couple of days after that, I looked for follow-up stories, for some sidelights about the tournament, for some interviews from him, for some peeks into his personal life, but ... nothing.

When Manny Pacquiao wins over even obscure opponents, it gets front-page treatment in newspapers or lands among the top stories on TV. It gets to run for days, the public regaled with every detail from the ads on his shorts to what he ate before the fight. On the occasion that he fights abroad, he comes home to a welcoming parade and confetti. Legislators propose to add to his already fat purse and even cite him for heroism. The youngest GM in the world wins a major international tournament and he comes home only to the welcoming embrace of his family and friends.

There are only three sports we have achieved world-class status in. Those are boxing, billiards and chess. We have Pacquaio and Flash Elorde in boxing, Pacquiao being arguably the more illustrious. As a friend said, he must be the most hated person in all of Mexico. We have Bata Reyes and Django Bustamante in billiards. Though Reyes’ game has dipped over the last several years, he still commands awe and fondness when he plays. And we have Torre and now So in chess. Unfortunately for chess, only boxing and billiards have gotten the attention and support they deserve.

Public officials troop all the way to Las Vegas to boost Pacquiao’s morale (and income). Several private groups and individuals are backing our billiards bets and provide them if not with kingly accommodations at least with commodious ones when they compete abroad. Chess players have to beg for their fare money and make do with barely livable lodgings. Half the time they’re freezing their butts off while pushing wood in the cold countries where chess as much as football sets people afire.

Surely we can throw some help their way? Just divert a portion of the money given to basketball to chess and it’ll go a long way. Hell, forget a portion, give it all to chess. It’s the better investment. We have not, and we will never, get anywhere in basketball, we will only offer the spectacle of self-flagellation. But we have managed to secure a niche in world chess, and can enlarge it. In basketball, height is might, in chess brain is grain, even if that sounds pilit. We do not have the height, but we have the brain. Or at least some of us do.

It’s simply not true that chess is far too esoteric a game to turn into a national pastime, which is the only way we can develop a pool from which to draw future talents. It did become so, or nearly so, in the 1970s as a result of the exploits of Bobby Fischer, who captured our imagination, and later Torre. And it got some support from government, Marcos being anxious to limn the rust of his tin-pot rule with the glitter of the Royal Game. We even had TV shows that featured analyses of tournaments. By the end of the decade, however, both government and the private sector turned their attention to basketball, which had become exceedingly popular. And chess fell back into obscurity.

That our chess players have risen to these heights amid the greatest adversity, it’s a lesson in heroism. Life will never checkmate them. But it’s a shame for us to allow this to continue. Surely we can give them the attention they deserve? Surely we can give them the accolade they’ve earned? Surely we can give them the support they need?

Between boxing, billiards and chess, it’s a no-brainer which sport can give this country more prestige. As one grandmaster said, evaluating the importance of chess: There are only two kinds of games—chess and all others. I doubt anyone will ever be remembered for saying, “There are only two kinds of Filipino passions—basketball and all others.”

The title of this column is “Time out,” but it should really be “Time in.” The shabby way we treat chess and chess players in this country says something more than our low sports IQ. Which is: Truly, we do not lack for accomplishments and alternatives, we just can’t seem to see them.

Wild, wild Wesley on fire versus Indon GM

2008-04-19T15:13:00.002-07:00

So rules Dubai Chess Open ahead of over 20 grandmasters
By Jobannie C. Tabada, 14 April 2008

Wesley So captured his first major international title in his young chess career after the Filipino whiz kid was crowned champion in the 10th Dubai Chess Open following the final-round matches Monday at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

The 14-year-old grandmaster from Bacoor, Cavite tallied a total of seven points after settling for a draw with China's GM Li Chao in the final round of the nine-round Swiss system event, which featured over 130 players, including 23 GMs, 19 international masters, six WGMs, three WIMs, 17 Fide Masters and several top-rated players from 25 countries.

So actually figured in a four-way tie with Li, Georgia's GM Merab Gagunashvili and Iran's GM Ehsan Ghaem Maghami, but emerged with the highest tiebreak score to secure the Sheikh Rashed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup staked in the tournament.

Gagunashvili secured second place, Maghami was third, while Li wound up fourth. GM Abhijeet Gupta (India), GM Yuri Drozdovski (Ukraine), IM RR Laxman (India), GM Valeriy Neverov (Ukraine), GM David Arutinian (Georgia) and Azerbaijan grandmasters Rasul Ibrahinov, top-seed Gadir Guseinov and Sarhan Guliev scored 6.5 points each for joint fifth to 12th places.

Defending champion GM Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia, who lost to So in the third round, had a disappointing finish with 4.5 points to occupy the 57th position in the final rankings.

"Although we did not expect this kind of performance from Wesley, it shows that his perseverance and dedication to his training regimen has paid off," said Wesley's father William, who accompanied the young champion in his Dubai campaign. "Also, Dubai has been a very special place for us because of the overwhelming support we have received from the Filipino Chess Players League and the Filipino community in general. In all the places we have been, Dubai has been the most memorable because of the very warm reception we have received, which we have not experienced elsewhere."

So, currently the world's youngest international chess grandmaster, became the first Filipino to rule the tournament, which has been reputed as one of the toughest annual events in Asia, wherein some of the most prominent figures in chess have previously taken part such as Norwegian teenage sensation GM Magnus Carlsen, among others.

So received his prize from officials of the UAE Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (Fide) during the awarding rites held Tuesday night at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club. A sizeable Filipino delegation also attended the ceremonies, led by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Libran Cabactulan and Filipino Chess Players League's officials Joey Tiberio, Ernesto Yap and Jerry Lababo.

A busy schedule awaits So following his successful campaign in Dubai as he is scheduled to play a six-game match against Indonesia's rising star Susanto Megaranto, which has been tentatively set to start tomorrow. He will then fly back to the Manila to compete in the Battle of Grandmasters, a closed tournament featuring the country's grandmasters and selected top-ranked players.

Meanwhile, International Master Julio Catalino Sadorra, who is set to compete in the Battle of Grandmasters, wound up with five points after winning his final-round game against FM Hossein Mohamed of UAE, while Jobannie Tabada likewise had five points after a victory over India's C. Natarajan.

FM Antonio Molina Sr. and Ernest Yap had 4.5 points each, while National Master Robert Arellano, who arrived late in almost every round due to conflicting work schedule, managed just 3.5 points. FM Molina drew with WGM Zhang Jilin of China, Yap defeated Germany's Stefan Schmid, while Arellano lost to WGM Aarthie Ramaswamy of India.

********************************************************************************** Please click here to watch ABS-CBN / TV Patrol's coverage on GM Wesley So **********************************************************************************

2008-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Four Players Tie for First with 7 Points
Wesely So Won The Cup
Arab Fide reports

The world's youngest Grandmaster, 14-year-old Wesley So of the Philippines won the Dubai Open with 7 points out of 9 rounds. The Filipino tied with GMs Merab Gagunashvili of Georgia, Ehsan Ghaem Maghami of Iran and Li Chao of China but prevailed in the tie break of higher average opponent rating. Eight other players tied with 6.5 points each.

Wesley received a congratulatory telephone call from National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero Pichay. He continues to Indonesia for a match with their champion, GM Megaranto Susanto before returning home to the Philippines for a Battle of Philippine Grandmasters.

Local hero FIDE Master Salem Abdulrahman Saleh, Asian under-14 champion, clinched his first GM norm with one round to spare.

*************************************************************************************
Photographs of visiting Filipino Chess Superstars , GM Wesley So and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, together with the UAE based Filipino Chess Players League, for their apparent support and hospitality. GM Eugene Torre was coincidentally in Dubai on business and has supported GM So and IM Sadorra on their conquest of the 10th Dubai Chess Championshp crown.

Congratulations to GM Wesley So and IM Ino Sadorra, from the Filipino Chess Players League!

Ino greets by FCPL members on his arrival at Dubai Airport

2008-04-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

So captures third in Dubai blitz
by Jobannie Tabada

Grandmaster Wesley So continued to showcase his chess prowess in Dubai after he secured the third spot in Friday's Dubai Blitz Open 2008 at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

The 14-year-old high school sophomore from Cavite finished with seven points in the nine-round Swiss system tournament after a final-round draw with top-seed and eventual champion GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan. Guseinov had 7.5 points in a tie with Ukrain's GM Yuri Drozdovski, who won his final assignment against Armenia's GM Tigran Kotanjian. Guseinov won the title with a superior tiebreak score.

So had an unbeaten run in a tough field that included 18 grandmasters, 10 international masters, a woman grandmaster and 10 Fide Masters, highlighting his solid performance in five-minute speed chess with a repeat victory over World Junior Champion Ahmed Adly of Egypt and a penultimate-round win over China's GM Li Chao, the reigning PGMA Cup champion.

So actually finished in a tie with GM Sarhan Guliev of Azerbaijan, but the Filipino emerged third with a superior tiebreak score.

The rest of the top 10 players: Li, FM MA Soozankar (Iran), Omid Noroozi (Iran), Kotanjian, Zou Weiqi (China) and IM RR Laxman (India).

2008-04-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

Wesley So becomes youngest player to top RP rankings; Sadorra, FCPL stalwarts join Pinoy whiz kid in 10th Dubai Open
Jobannie C Tabada, 6 April 2008

Wesley So, currently the world's youngest international chess grandmaster, has achieved another important milestone when he became the Philippines' No. 1-ranked player, according to International Chess Federation's (FIDE) new rating list which was released on April 1.

The 14-year-old whiz kid dislodged the country's erstwhile No. 1 player, GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio, who dropped to third as his rating remained unchanged at 2529 since the January 2008 edition of the FIDE rating list. Moving up to second place from third is former RP No. 1 GM Mark Paragua (2537), who recorded his biggest gain in rating points in two years to rebound from a sharp decline that followed his meteoric rise to the world's elite crop of "supergrandmaster" in the 2006.

So's top ranking breaks the monotony in RP's chess hierarchy, whose No. 1 position had in the past several years changed hands among only three players: Antonio, Paragua and former long-time RP No.1 GM Eugene Torre.

Earning a modest 13.8 points from the 3rd Pichay Cup International Open in Manila late last year, where he secured his third and final GM norm, and the 1st Leg of the Asian Circuit in Indonesia early this year, So, who previously occupied the second spot, hiked his Fide rating to a new personal best 2540, making him the youngest player ever to hold the distinction of RP No. 1.

His elevation to the pinnacle of RP chess has been part of a series of groundbreaking performances for the past two years. In 2006, at the tender age of 12, So became the youngest chess Olympian to join the RP Men's Team to the 37th World Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy. In December of the same year, he also became the country's youngest National Open Champion, and in May 2007, he succeeded in becoming the youngest National Junior Champion.

Aside from being the current youngest grandmaster, So is also the seventh youngest to have achieved the title in chess history when he completed the required three GM norms at the age of 14 years, one month and 28 days.

In his first outing since becoming the country's No. 1, So will be competing against a field that includes over 20 grandmasters and a battery of IMs in the 10th Dubai Chess Open, which will commence today at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club in Dubai, UAE.

It will be So's second campaign in Dubai after a highly successful debut in 2006, which saw the then 12-year-old Fide Master claim his first IM norm. So will join Singapore-based IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, who is seeking his second GM norm in the Dubai event.

So arrived with his father William in Dubai at 3:30 this morning, while Sadorra flew in at midnight. They were welcomed at the airport by a delegation from the Filipino Chess Players League-UAE, which consisted of Joey Tibertio, Emman Marbella, Jerry Lababo, Ernie Yap, Willie Laceste and Francis Aldeguer, along with Fide Ratings Administrator Casto "Toti" Abundo, who in coordination with the FCPL facilitated the visiting players' requirements in the UAE.

The visiting Filipinos are now staying at the flat of FCPL member Jerry Lababo, Manager of Pag-ibig Fund Philippines in Dubai, who generously offered to help despite the short notice.

Apart from So and Sadorra, members of the FCPL will also be participating in the annual chess tournament, led by Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. and former UST stalwart National Master Robert Arellano. Also competing are FCPL President Ernesto Yap, Rafael Natividad, Gilbert Taopa and Jobannie Tabada.

Meanwhile, the new rating list also saw IM Joseph Sanchez finally break the elusive 2500 barrier when he posted a rating of 2507 to place fifth in the list. The France-based Cebuano joins the four GMs and IM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla (2503), who has been delisted from the official list because of inactivity, as the only Filipino players with ratings over 2500. Cebu's former child prodigy IM Enrico Sevillano is rated 2508 but the US-based former Asian Junior Champion and RP Champion now plays under the banner of the US Chess Federation.

The rest of the top 10 players in the RP list are GM Darwin Laylo (2496), IM Oliver Dimakiling (2479), GM-elect Jayson Gonzales (2467), IM John Paul Gomez (2464) and IM Idelfonso Datu (2457). The rest of the list of top 100 Filipino players can be found on this link (click here).

The FCPL likewise produced new entries to the Fide ratings list, which included Jobannie Tabada (2057), Robert Arellano (2023), Rafael Natividad (2012), Gilbert Taopa (2001), Emmanuel Marbella (1970), Francis Aldeguer (1970), Rolly Arlante (1958), Marcelo Payoket (1889), Mario Alfonso (1871), Joey Tiberio (1816) and Lino Fabrigas (1760). FCPL members who already have Fide ratings are Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. (2150), Danny Baltazar (2068), Ernesto Yap (2038), Augusto Marcial (2030), Antonio Marbella (1993), Antonio Molina Jr. (1972), Abdulla Tato (1948), and Axel John Valerio (1851).

2008-03-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

You may be interested on the following schedule of events
that are on NCFP's calendar for this year.

May 7 - 13
PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL OPEN
Subic, Olongapo City

May 16 - 22
PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL OPEN
Clark, Angeles City

May 26 - May 31
DAVAO INTERNATIONAL OPEN
Davao City

Jun 1 - 10
ASEAN YOUTH
Subic, Olongapo City

Sept 1 - 8
PGMA CUP

Sept 11 - 17
PICHAY CUP

Jun 12 - 19
NATIONAL INTER PROVINCE CHESS TEAM
Tandag, Surigao del Sur

July
NATIONAL INTER-CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES
Tagbilaran, Bohol

June 4 - 8
PALAWAN OPEN
Puerto Princesa Palawan

For full tournament details, please click here. Those interested, please contact NCFP as these schedules are subject to change.

2008-03-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Former university standout rules 2nd FCPL Rapid Chess
Jobannie C. Tabada

UAE - Gilbert Taopa ended a year-long title draught after ruling Friday (March 7, 2008) the 2nd FCPL Active Chess Tournament 2008 at the Reef Mall in Deira, Dubai.

Taopa, a former Technological Institute of the Philippines standout, finished the seven-round Swiss event with six points on five wins and two draws, half a point ahead of solo second placer and Taopa's final-round opponent Arnel Matildo, who rebounded from a second-round setback to ultimately earn a crack at the championship.

Matildo's title hopes, however, never really took off against the white-wielding Taopa, who despite needing just a draw to secure at least a tie for first place was pushing hard for a win. The eventual champion, though, failed to make the most out of his substantial space advantage and Matildo's cramped middlegame set-up to settle for a draw, as Matildo uncorked timely offensives in the queenside and managed to trade off major and minor pieces to steer the encounter to a theoretically drawn endgame with a rook for each side and bishops of opposite color.

Defending champion Nihuzzar Ismael of India settled for third place after emerging with the best tiebreak score among four players who finished with five points each. Nihuzzar capitalized on an endgame blunder by Alexious Valerio to pick up his fifth point in the seventh round.

At fourth was Jobannie Tabada, who suffered a monumental breakdown in the final two rounds after picking up five straight victories. Tabada lost to Taopa in the sixth in a Queen's Pawn Opening that transposed to the Classical System of the French Defense, committing a tragic elementary blunder when he made a greedy pawn grab on h4 with his queen that left a gaping hole on d6. Taopa's knight immediately occupied the poorly defended square with devastating effect, forcing Tabada to resign five moves later.

At fifth was British player Paul Dargan, who extended Tabada's anguish in the final-round, denying the Filipino a chance to tie for first place when he punished Tabada's uninspired opening and middle game play in their Sicilian Defense encounter. Rounding out the five pointers was 28th-seeded Florencio Superales, who pulled off the biggest surprise in the tournament when he upset the off-form top-seed Fide Master Antonio Molina Sr. in the final round, accentuating his victory with a knight sacrifice that set up a mating attack with the major pieces.

The prevented Molina from moving up to a tie for second and dropped him to seventh in the final standings with 4.5 points. The rest of the top 10 finishers were Rey Joy Bartolay, Marcelo Payoket and Pakistan's Ali Sibt, who all likewise finished with 4.5 points.

Asian Chess Federation's Toti Abundo, who is also the Fide Ratings Administrator, attended the final day of the two-weekend event, which offered over USD300 in prizes. The event, which was supported by Reef Mall, was organized by the Filipino Chess Players League - UAE with Joey Tiberio acting as tournament director. Fide Arbiter Marz Marcial and Willy Laceste served as arbiter and assistant arbiter, respectively.

****************************************************************************
TOURNAMENT PHOTO

2008-02-28T01:46:00.000-08:00

2nd FCPL Rapid Chess Tournament for 2008

Please be reminded of our 2nd FCPL Rapid Chess Tournament tomorrow, 29 February 2008 (for the first 3 rounds) and next Friday, 7 March 2008 (for the last 4 rounds), at Reef Mall Dubai, from 1:00pm onwards.

Tournament Schedule

Friday, 29 February 2008

1:00pm - 2:00pm - Registration
2:00pm - 2:30pm - Pairing and Opening Ceremony
2:30pm - 4:00pm - 1st Round
4:00pm - 5:30pm - 2nd Round
5:30pm - 7:00pm - 3rd Round

Friday, 7 March 2008

2:00pm - 3:30pm - 4th Round
3:30pm - 5:00pm - 5th Round
5:00pm - 6:30pm - 6th Round
6:30pm - 8:00pm - 7th Round
8:00pm Awarding Ceremony

Regulation / Officiating Team

* Open to all nationalities
* 7 rounds, swiss system
* 30 mins plus 5 seconds increment, per game/player
* Organizer - The Filipino Chess Players League
* Tournament Director - Joey Tiberio
* Chief Arbiter - Marz Marcial
* Arbiter Assistant - Willie Laceste

Prizes

1st Prize - Dhs. 500 plus trophy
2nd Prize - Dhs. 350 plus trophy
3rd Prize - Dhs. 200 plus trophy
4th to 10th Prize - Medals plus gift items

Any queries, please contact Mr. Joey Tiberio at 00971 50 4501437.

2008-02-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

Al Sherif emerges champion in government chess
By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter, Gulf News, Published: February 28, 2008, 00:40

Abu Dhabi: Syrian Mohammad Hani Al Sherif won the title at the Abu Dhabi Government Departments 2008 Chess Singles championship in style, collecting nine points from as many rounds.

Al Sherif, representing the Agricultural Means Co., defeated Egyptian Saeed Kulani, from the Egyptian Embassy, in the last round in a closely contested encounter despite the fact that he would have emerged champion even if he lost the point of the match.

Al Sherif played a simple match without much tactical combinations - hoping to split the point but Kulani played an attacking encounter in his quest to win the point which would have earned him one of the top three places.

As time ticked on, Kulani felt the pressure and started committing strategic mistakes which led to him finishing fifth with six points.

Filipino Ronald Fernando and Briton Nicholas Du Piar collected seven points each, but Fernando finished second after applying the Swiss Tie Breaking system. Fernando beat the UAE's Abdullah Al Marzougi while Du Piar defeated local player Zayed Ali.

Pakistan's Khalid Habib finished fourth with 6.5 points after beating Filipino Armando Nachor.

Zayed Ali won the Best UAE Player in the tournament while his countryman Saleh Al Suwaidi was the Best Junior in the contest.

2008-02-18T00:53:00.000-08:00

IM's Sadorra and Gomez participation in the '08 Aeroflot
Preparation is the key to victory
by Manny Benitez

We have done it again, sending our players to an important tournament without actually preparing them for it. I am referring to the Aeroflot Open in Moscow, which is said to be one of the toughest in the world because of its very attractive prizes and the fact that it is being held in the heartland of the strongest chess-playing nation where players start training at a tender age.

First it was announced that two of our strongest players were going there, GM Mark Paragua, who fared very well in the first leg of the Asean Masters Circuit in the Indonesian city of Tarakan, and GM-elect Wesley So, the youngest Filipino ever to win the title and currently the youngest GM in the world.

For some reason, So was replaced by IM Julio Catalino Sadorra. I had no quarrel with that and said so publicly because I believe that Sadorra is one of our most promising players who also has earned one GM norm.Then, at the 11th hour, we sent IM John Paul Gomez in place of Paragua. Ordinarily, I have no quarrel with that either. After all, Gomez used to outshine Paragua when they were both junior players.

But then, preparation is the key to victory and we all know that John Paul has given priority to his university education at La Salle and that he has not really been playing much in local and international chess over the past two years.

His going to Moscow to play in the Aeroflot Open at the last minute has jeopardized not only his education and consequently his future career, but also his chances of earning a GM norm.

Sending our players to a foreign land without preparation, a second or even just a modicum of training under a competent coach is like sending sheep to the slaughterhouse.

Only homework under the skillful guidance of a coach builds up self-confidence, which along with an iron will to win and a keenly competitive spirit is the most potent asset a player can have in facing his rivals.

I trust, however, that John Paul and Julio Catalino will be able to overcome such a handicap by relying on their great fighting spirit and their never-say-die attitude to carry on.

Heaven help us all.

2008-02-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

Aeroflot Open Round 4 Updates! IMs Sadorra and Gomez wins!!!
by Pinoychess

Grandmaster-candidates Julio Catalino Sadorra and John Paul Gomez disposed their respective round 4 opponents in the Russia’s Aeroflot Open.

IM Sadorra trashed GM Al-Rakib Abdulla of Bangladesh using the black pieces while IM Gomez walloped FMArkadiusz Leniart of Poland. IMs Sadorra and Gomez will next face GM Evgeny Shaposhnikov of Russia and IM Oliver Kurmann of Switzerland, respectively.

Chances of getting a GM norm became clearer for IM Sadorra who now posted 2.5 points after 4 rounds. Beating another Grandmaster will surely catapult the likelihood of another GM norm for Sadorra. Sadorra is currently in the 17th-37th spot of the tournament.

Gomez, on the other hand is not far behind, has 2 points for 38th-59th place.