by Marlon Bernardino
New York, US based Grandmaster Mark Paragua won the 3rd Marinduque Online Chess Tournament after holding off Italy, based Grandmaster Roland Salvador to a draw during the final round at the lichess platform on Friday, February 19, 2021.
Paragua finished with 7 wins and 2 draws for a total of 8 points, the same output of GM Salvador, Fide Master Alekhine Nouri and Candidate Master Chester Neil Reyes.
The Marilao, Bulacan native Paragua, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points in this 1-day event, hosted and sponsored by Board Member engineer John Pelaez which attracted 278 chess players worldwide.
"Hindi ko na pinilit ‘yung last game ko. Nanigurado na lang ako ng magandang placing,” said Paragua.
“Kasi alam ko in case mag-tie, sa akin pa din ang title kasi alam kong mas mataas ang tie break points ko." he added.
"Dedicated ko kay Papa (engr. Ric Paragua) ang tagumpay ko na ito," last word of the younger Paragua.
Meantime, Candidate Master Mark Jay Bacojo landed at solo fifth place with 7.5-points output.
At 6th to 10th place with 7 points were Tristan Jared Cervero, NM Karl Victor Ochoa, FM Nelson Villanueva, Lloyd Lanciola and FM Roel Abelgas.
According to Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo "Fred" Paez, who is also Assistant Executive Director for Southern Luzon of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines that adjudged category winners were Richard Villaseran (Top Executive), IM Chito Garma (Top Senior), Michael Concio Jr.(Top Junior), Jarel Renz Lacambra(Top Lady), AGM Christian Gian Karlo Arca (Top Kiddie), Melanio Racelis (Top Marinduqueňo) and Aizelle Ricafrente (Top Marinduqueňa).
Meanwhile, the public viewing ceremony before the funeral of engineer Ric Paragua, father of GM Mark who passed away last week due to heart attack starts on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the St. Peter Laloma Chapel C3, 118 Caloocan City, near LRT 5th avenue.-Marlon Bernardino-
A file photo: GM Wesley So, GM Mark Paragua, Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Chito Tagaysay, the late engr. Ric Paragua, Arena Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino, GM Richard Bitoon and Asean Grandmaster Edmundo Gatus.