by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—International Master (IM) Ricardo "Ricky" de Guzman ruled the Asian Seniors Zone 3.3 (50 and over) Online Chess Championships after former Filipino Asian Junior champion beat Rudijanto Majella of Indonesia in the final round on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
The win hiked De Guzman’s tally to 6.0 points, the same output of Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and National Master (NM) Rudy Ibanez, whom he beat in the tie break points.
According to Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under the leadership of its chairman/president Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. that all the top three winners will represent the Zone 3.3 in the finals set on July 21.
Former solo leader Antonio failed to win the crown after settling a draw with International Master (IM) Dede Lioe of Indonesia to landed at second place.
Ibanez, head coach of Arellano University chess team, on his part dismantled Soi-Hock Lee of Malaysia to finished over-all 3rd.
It shall be recalled that Antonio placed second in 2017 World Seniors in Acqui Terme, Italy.
The Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro native Antonio joins GMs Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr., Mark Paragua and Darwin Laylo in first FIDE Online Olympiad after beating International Master (IM) Paulo Bersamina in the play off recently in the last slot for the PH chess team.
In fourth place is International Master (IM) Petronio Roca whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Frani Barzaga Jr. and Skin Magical Dasma Carsigma winner over Baga Marojahan Sagala of Indonesia to raised his total 5.5 points.
National Master (NM) Jonathan Tan notch 5.0 points and place fifth to complete the Filipino domination.
Other Pinoy woodpushers seeing in action were IM Chito Garma (8th place), NM Rolzon Roullo (10th), James Infiesto (13th), engineer Joel Hicap (16th), AGM/Dr. Alfredo "Fred" Paez (17th), Nunilon Fulo III (18th), AIM Emmanuel Asi (24th), Jimmy Dano (25th), Jimmy Sigaya (27th), NM Mario Mangubat (29th), Joselito Asi (30th), Joselito Cada (31st), Father Vic Arellano (34th), IM Angelo Young (37th), Danilo Reyes (38th), Atty. Jose "Jong" Guevarra Jr. (39th), Felix Duterte (44th), Augusto Marcial (46th), NM Alexander Lupian (47th), IM Emmanuel Senador (48th) and AIM Martin "Binky" Gaticales (49th).-Marlon Bernardino-