by Marlon Bernardino
TAGAYTAY CITY – International Masters John Marvin Miciano and Paulo Bersamina and Fide Master elect Master Michael Concio Jr. won handily against their respective foes in Round 1 of the 2018 Asian Universities Chess Championships late Sunday at the Tagaytay International Convention Center here.

Miciano, mainstay of multi-titled Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales Far Eastern University chess team defeated countryman Gal Brian Palasigue of San Beda University using the black pieces.

Bersamina, one of the top players of three-peat UAAP champion National University chess team under the tutelage of team manager Samson Go and United States Chess Federation master Jose "Jojo" Aquino Jr. toppled Tze Hong Law of Malaysia employing the black pieces.

Concio, meantime, a product of Dasmariñas Chess Club put up by Dasmariñas City mayor Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr., congresswoman Jenny Barzaga and national coach International Master Roel Abelgas clobbered compatriot Kurt Kenly Ong of MGC New Life Christian Academy also with the black pieces.

Top seed International Master Xu Yi (Elo 2526) of China, on the other hand blasted Earl Rhay Mantilla of Davao City.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) executive director Red Dumuk graced the opening rites and challenged all aspirants to give it their best shot.

“Always strive hard,” said Dumuk, who was joined by NCFP director Judge Gonzalo Mapili, International Arbiters Patrick Lee and Lito Abril, Asia's First GM Eugene Torre and GM Jayson Gonzales in declaring the games open.

International Organizer Casto "Toti" Abundo of the Asia Chess Federation is the tournament director while International Arbiter Bong Gunawan of Indonesia is the chief arbiter assisted by International Arbiters Patrick Lee and Lito Abril.

The week-long competition is project of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with FIDE, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Tagaytay City government.

Other notable first round winners were Daniel Quizon of Dasmariñas City, Fide Master Mari Joseph Logizesthai Turqueza of San Beda University, Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano, National Master John Merill Jacutina and Istraelito Rilloroza of Far Eastern University.

In the distaff side, Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza of Far Eastern University begins Asian Universities Chess Championships campaign with easy win over Najihah Mohd Saufi of Malaysia.

Woman International Master Bernadette Galas of De La Salle University subdued Alphecca Gonzales of Danao City, Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmariñas City outplayed Divya Sri Masetty of India and Woman Candidate Master Kylen Joy Mordido of Dasmariñas City waylaid Trishia Ann Paez of Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

Top ranked Woman Grandmaster Wang Jue (Elo 2366) of China outwitted Venice Vicente of FEU. (Marlon Bernardino)