Pinoy chessers continue to shine in Asean chess

International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Manila and National Master Alcon John Datu of Caloocan City got off to a blazing start by posting victories in the opening round of the Standard chess competition of the 14th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2013 at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand, over the weekend.

Garcia defeated CM Huynh Lam Binh Nguyen of Vietnam while Datu beat Tran Quang Khai of Vietnam.

Fide Master Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem, Pangasinan split a point with Nguyen Duc Viet of Vietnam in the Open Under-20 division.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippine age group chess team will perform well in the Standard event.

“Kumpiyansa po tayo na maganda ang magiging performance ng mga player natin sa Standard competition at sana mahigitan natin ang 57 medals na napanalunan natin sa last year edition na ginanap sa Hue, Vietnam,” said Pichay, also the treasurer of Philippine Olympic Committee.

Philippines won a total of 57 medals on account of 12 golds, 36 silvers and 9 bronze medals in the Standard, Rapid and Blitz competitions and finished second overall in the las year’s edition of the 13th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Hue, Vietnam.

After the conclusion of the Rapid and Blitz competitions of the event, the Philippines has won 14 golds, 11 silvers and 4 bronze medals, according to Philippine Head Coach International Master Yves Ranola.

NCFP secretary general and Cavite 7th district Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. said the success of the young athletes once again proved chess’s lofty record as a certified achiever.

““Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayans won the coveted gold medals in the rapid and blitz competition,” said Tolentino, also the Asian Zone 3.3 FIDE President.

In the Girls 20-and-under bracket, WIM elect Janelle Mae Frayna of Legaspi City, Albay toppled WFM Nominerdene Davaademberel of Mongolia.

But WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite yielded to WIM Hoang Thi Nhu Y of Vietnam and WNM Jan Jodilyn Fronda of Manila succumbed to Patricks Anastasia of Indonesia.

In the Open Under-16 division, Fide Master Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City nipped Ding Tze How Dilwen of Malaysia, IM candidate Jerad Docena of Bohol routed Kanav Gupta of India and National Master Giovanni Mejia of Labrador, Pangasinan subdued Nguyen Tri Thien of Vietnam.