CHESS: Barcenilla dethrones Pascua; earns ticket to Moscow Chess Olympiad
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Nov 2019
Final Standings:
7.0 points---GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.
6.0 points---IM Paulo Bersamina, GM John Paul Gomez
5.5 points---IM Haridas Pascua, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, GM Darwin Laylo, NM Jerad Docena
4.5 points---IM Daniel Quizon
4.0 points---FM Sander Severino
3.0 points---IM Ricardo de Guzman
2.5 points---WGM Janelle Mae Frayna
Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. won the 2019 Philippines National Chess Championship dubbed as Battle of the Grandmasters in an impressive fashion held at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE), 2nd floor, No. 56 Mindanao Avenue, Project 6 in Quezon City on Tuesday, November 26.
The Arizona, USA based Barcenilla, the pride of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City thrilled the audience with a queen sacrifice that forced mate last year's champion International Master (IM) Haridas Pascua en route to capturing another national title since winning the 1996 Far East Bank National Chess Championships.
The Iloilo born Barcenilla who had also roots in Cebu and Iligan City, prevailed after 44 moves of an English Opening skirmish to finish undefeated in the 11 round tournament with a total output of 7 points on account of 4 wins, 6 draws, 0 loss, one point ahead International Master (IM) Paulo Bersamina and Grandmaster (GM) John Paul Gomez.
Pascua, who finished with 5.5 points was tied from third to fifth with International Master (IM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Grandmaster (GM) Darwin Laylo and National Master (NM) Jerad Docena.
This year's event is not just about being declared as the National Champion but at the same time clinching one of the two slots allotted to the top 2 winners to represent the country in the 2020 World Chess Olympiad to be held in Moscow, Russia as member of the Philippine National Chess Team (Open/Men).
"It was a great feeling, beating defending champion IM Haridas Pascua in the final," said Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Junior champion in India and Dubai and 1991 Bronze medalist in World Juniors championship in Romania.
Woman National Master (WNM) Lilibeth Lee-Barcenilla had something to say to her husband:
"Congratulations honeypotpot ..you proved them wrong that you are not a ?has been? yet! Victory is sweeter when you proved to yourself that you can still do it! You made us proud! You made Iligan, Cebu, Mandaluyong, Arizona Super Proud! Both of our dads (Papa Tony Lee and Daddy Rogelio, Sr.) really proud.I am sure both of them helped you win this championship from Heaven! I love you Honey!" she said.
Gabriel "Gab" Barcenilla, a professional Singer, Song-writer, Dancer, and Model added to his dad:
"My father (Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.) won 1st place with a no loss record for the 2019?s National Chess Championship in the Philippines. So he and 2nd place will be representing the Filipino chess team in Moscow, Russia for the Chess Olympics. They said you?re a has-been and you proved all your haters wrong. Me and Mom and your family & close friends couldn?t be more proud. You and Mom are my biggest inspirations and I come from a family of hard workers and both Olympic chess players."
It shall be recalled that Rogelio and Lilibeth Lee-Barcenilla represent the country in the 1994 World Chess Olympiad in Moscow, Russia. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
Mon, 29 Dec 2025Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
Sun, 28 Dec 2025KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sun, 28 Dec 2025IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS INOUE AND PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 26 Dec 2025THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI OPEN WORKOUTS COMPLETE AS UNDISPUTED KING INOUE GETS READY FOR PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Thu, 25 Dec 20253-Time, 2-Division World Champion & IBF No. 1, Mandatory Bantamweight World Title Challenger Miyo Yoshida long overdue for her 8th World title fight
Thu, 25 Dec 2025Game On! 1st Paower Pickleball Cup Ignites Action in San Fernando
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 25 Dec 2025Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
Wed, 24 Dec 2025The Pryce is right again!
Wed, 24 Dec 2025Postal Stamp Honoring Muhammad Ali will be present in January 15
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Dec 2025O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SIGNS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Wed, 24 Dec 2025