National Master Cesar Caturla won the first gold medal for the Philippines in the 20th Asean + Age Group Chess Championships 2019 at the Golden Mandalay Hotel and Hotel Hazel in Mandalay City, Myanmar on Saturday.
Caturla, a member of the Philippine Chess Team in the 22nd Chess Olympiad, held in Haifa, Israel in 1976 was undefeated in eight games, good enough to secure the top honors in the Senior 65 years old and above of the Standard Nine Round Swiss Tournament.
Among his victims are Thaung Tun A of Myanmar in the first round, Tin Aung of Myanmar in the second round, Fide Master Saw Kyaw Nyein of Myanmar in the third round, Toe Lwin of Myanmar in the fourth round, Tin Mg Aye of Myanmar in the fifth round, Thaung Aye of Myanmar in the sixth round, Zaw Win of Myanmar in the seventh round and Srivatanakul Pricha of Thailand in the eight round.
With one more round left, the Surigao del Sur native Caturla virtually champion, 2 points ahead against solo second place Toe Lwin of Myanmar who notch 6 points.His last round opponent against Than Win of Myanmar.
Also expected to win medals for the Philippines are National Master Alexander Milagrosa (6.5 points) and National Master Edmundo Gatus (6 points) who lording the Senior 50 years old and above.
Also eyeing medals are Herson Bangay (U8), Mark Jay Bacojo (U14), Clyde Harris saraos (U16), Eric Labog Jr. (U18), Christian Mark Daluz (U18), Istraelito Rilloroza (U18), IM John Marvin Miciano (U20), Melito Oscan Jr. (U20), Zhaoyu Capilitan (G8), Mecel Angela Gadut (G10), Kaye Lalaine Regidor (G10), Daren Dela Cruz (G12), Jersey Marticio (G12), Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian (G14), Ruth Joy Vinuya (G16), Mary Tan (G16), newly-installed National Junior Champion Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (G18) and Woman Fide Master Allaney Jia Doroy (G20).-Marlon Bernardino-