Filipino chessers make right opening moves in AQ Prime ASEAN chess championship; Nolte continues hunt for GM title
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 12 Feb 2023
MANILA---Filipino chess players got off to a blazing start in the AQ Prime ASEAN Chess Championship (Standard Time Control, 12 player's Invitational) on Saturday (February 11) at the Great Eastern Hotel (formerly Aberdeen Court), Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.
International Master Rolando Nolte and International Master Paulo Bersamina defeated their respective rivals in the opening round of the $5,550-event.
Nolte toppled IM Mohamad Ervan of Indonesia after 50 moves of a Sicilian defense while Bersamina beat countryman IM Daniel Quizon after 27 moves of a Reti Opening.
"Honestly it was very difficult game but I'm very happy that I was able to play my A-game," said Nolte, who starts his quest for GM title.
Nolte capped his first norm during the 2008 Kolkata Open in Kolkata, India. The former University of Manila standout already reached the 2500 mark.
Nolte is also scheduled to play in the O2C Doeberl Cup to be held on April 6-10 in Canberra, Australia.
GM Darwin Laylo and GM John Paul Gomez also opened with hard earned draws.
Laylo settled for a truce with GM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam after 36 moves of a Slav defense while Gomez drew with IM Taher Yoseph Theolifus of Indonesia after 30 moves of a Slav defense.
Top seed GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia also had a victory over FM Prin Laohawirapap of Thailand after 46 moves of a Pirc defense, while IM Yeoh Li Tian of Malaysia vanquished CM Dau Khuong Duy of Vietnam after 27 moves of a Pirc defense.
The Champion of this event will have a chance to acquire an IM Title and GM Norm according to International Master Roderick Nava of Kamatyas Chess Club.
The week-long FIDE rated tournament is supported by AQ Prime Proprietor/President Atty. Aldwin Alegre, in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the ASEAN Chess Confederation, organized by Kamatyas Chess Club.-Marlon Bernardino-
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