Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    Thu, 09 Apr 2026