FM Castellano eyes first IM norm in Selangor tourney
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 16 May 2023
There's no stopping chess player FIDE Master Christoper Castellano from reaching his dreams.
Castellano, 45, is fresh from a third overall finish in the 3rd Mini Penang Chess Open 2023 held at the Methodist Boys School ACS Union in Penang, Malaysia last April 28.
"I am happy with my latest achievement (third overall finished in the 3rd Mini Penang Chess Open 2023). I will work even harder to get the International Master (IM) title. I will not waste the support given by my family and my sponsors who trust in my ability," said former University of the Philippines top chess player Castellano, whose stint in the tournament is being supported by former NCFP board of director Raymond Linsangan, NCFP legal counsel Atty. Nikki De Vega, Simeon Co, Life Academy International School and the White Knights Chess Club.
The first of three IM norms is offered at the 47th Selangor Open Chess Tournament 2023 KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur scheduled from May 26 to 31 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The second norm is at the ASEAN Chess Series 2023 in Chiang Mai, Thailand (June 28 to July 4) and the third is at the ASEAN Chess Series 2023 (July 5 to 11) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
An IM norm is also offered at the 29th Abu Dhabi Chess Festival in the United Arab Emirates (August 14-25) and ASEAN Chess Series 2023 (October 15 to 21) in Vientiane, Laos.
Castellano, one of the top players of the Magic Mandaluyong Tigers in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), learn the rudiments of chess at the age of 10 to the late Asia's First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso and Milo Checkmate of Woman National Master Milagros Emperado.
Currently, Castellano is in a rigid training under his personal coach and trainer International Master Ronald Bancod and Jason Rojo.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 20261st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
Sat, 11 Jul 2026LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 11 Jul 2026