by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---Grandmaster Mark Paragua will be the man to beat in the Woman Fide Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao-Beltran 41st birthday celebration free registration by invitation online chess tournament on August 4, 2020 (Tuesday) at 1pm (manila time) at Lichess.org.
The 36-year-old New York, US based Paragua is the most winningest Filipino player in the online chess tournament in this time of Global Pandemic Crisis, Covit 19.
The 1998 World Rapid Under 14 champion won the 1st Philippine Bullet Chess championship Semi-finals, Curly King Shark online chess tournament and Week 10 of the National Blitz League Royal Rumble Arena. He pocketed P30,000 (thirty thousand Philippine Pesos) by topping the 1st Philippine Bullet Chess championship Grandfinals.
Paragua challenge will be led by GMs Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Darwin Laylo and Arizona, US based Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. and International Masters Barlo Nadera, Ronald Dableo, Oliver Dimakiling, John Marvin Miciano, Roel Abelgas, Emmanuel Senador, Michael Concio Jr. and Kim Steven Yap, Fide Masters David Elorta, Dale Bernardo, Narquingden Reyes, Mark Jay Bacojo, Jonathan Tan, Alexander Lupian and Randy Segarra, National Master Robert Arellano, Jasper Rom, Leon Marohom, Noel Dela Cruz and Zulfikar Sali.
Also set to fight for their place are Woman International Master Kylene Jor Mordido, Woman Fide Masters Antonella Berthe Racasa, Cherry Ann Mejia and Jerlyn Mae San Diego, Woman National Master Francois Marie Magpily, Ernie, Jasper and Jerick Faeldonia, Noel Jay Estacio, Jeffrey Pascual, Abel Dimalanta, Dr. Jenny Mayor, National Para games coach James Infiesto and coach Ederwin Estavillo.
Also playing are Arena Grandmasters Henry Roger Lopez and Joseph Galindo, Dg Cruz, Sherwin Tiu, Kevin Arquero, Tyrone Delos Santos, Ricky Batcho, Recarte Tiuason, Jaime Criste, Ritche Jocson, Ivan Travis Cu, Angele Tenshi Biete, Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Bonjoure Fille Suyamin, Jeremy and Jersey Marticio, Ariel Santander, Doodeel “Dudz “ Libongcogon, Jed Abudanza, Israel Landicho and Eduardo Campos Jr.
“As long as there is Covid, this is the format where chess players will spend their time),” said Mr. Genghis Imperial of the organizing Bayanihan Chess Club headed by Arena Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino.
"No Chess Engine and No Human Assistance or Piloting in this invitational event," he added.
Up for grabs a total pot prize of P10,000 at stakes. The champion will take home P5,000, while the second to third place will receive P1,000 and P500, respectively.
The top finisher in the ladies and kiddies divisions will get P750 apiece.
Those who will make it to the top category winners for the PECA executive, Phil-E-9 chess club, senior (60 years old above), Pampanga player, top junior (12 to 17 years old), Espana chess club player, media and OJ team will get P250 each.
The deadline for the submission of entries on August 1. Please message Mr. Genghis Imperial at his facebook for complete details. (Marlon Bernardino).