CEBU'S YAP GETS 1ST GM NORM
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 23 Aug 2018
SINGAPORE---LINCOLN "Linky" Yap, a certified International Arbiter and a World Chess Federation (FIDE) chess instructor and trainer here was so very happy when he learned that his son Kim Steven (Yap) got the first of three Grandmaster norms.
Kim Steven, 30, a chess coach of University of Cebu (UC) tallied 6.5 points in the nine-round Swiss system competition, finished second, just half a point behind tournament winner IM Joshua Sheng of the US, enough points to obtain his first GM norm in the Berkeley Chess School (BCS) 2018 IM/GM Norm Tournament in Berkeley, California on Monday night (Tuesday, Singapore/Manila time).
Five days ago, Kim Steven (elo rating 2448) finished as co-champions with Ahuja Rohan of India in the BCS Summer IM Tournament also in Berkeley with 6.5 points each.
"I am so proud of my son Kim Steven (Yap) for his latest achievement. Hope he can sustain his winning ways in the United States chess circuit and get the two (2) remaining GM norm and increase his 2448 rating to 2500 to complete his GM title status.
"In behalf of my family, we would like to thank Mr. Boojie Lim, Rose Pharmacy Inc. and University Cebu (UC) president Atty. Augusto "Gus" W. Go who help local and international chess campaign for my son, Kim Steven (Yap).
Rico Yap Mascarinas, an eight-time chess Olympiad member and uncle of Kim Steven, also had something to say to his nephew.
"I have no doubt that Kim Steven (Yap) will obtain his Grandmaster title status soon," said IM Mascarinas, a certified World Chess Federation (FIDE) chess instructor and trainer here.
Robert Suelo Jr., an Arena Grandmaster and Fide master elect is also congratulates Kim Steven.
"At last a good friend of mine, Kim Steven got his first Grandmaster norm in his first United States sojourn. We will continue pray for your success Kim Steven," said Suelo Jr., a certified World Chess Federation (FIDE) chess instructor and trainer here, an active member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in Singapore. (Marlon Bernardino)
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