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:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Great First Half of the Year for the WBC
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 25 Jul 2026CK Ingles to Host Open 2x2 Team and Open Individual Rapid Chess Tournaments with ₱100,000 Prize Pool
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 25 Jul 2026Magnificent 7 boxers gird for Asiad
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 25 Jul 2026Arca wins silver in Asian Youth in Shenzhen, China
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 25 Jul 2026Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga exchange final words at Press Conference ahead of 'The Comeback'
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026SYDNEY SHOWDOWN: Spence and Tszyu Exchange Final Verbal Barbs; Undercard Weight Drama Unfolds at Press Conference
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026Spence vs Tszyu Fight Analysis and Prediction
By Ralph Rimpell, Fri, 24 Jul 2026“BUTTERFLY BRAWL” MARKS RETURN TO ICONIC SANTA MONICA PIER
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Fri, 24 Jul 2026AIM Jerick Faeldonia vying for Bangkok chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 24 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM THURSDAY ROUNDUP: Scale Shock in Pattaya, Red Sea Staredowns, and Final Countdown to Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026USA Boxing Sends Eight Boxers to Italy for International Duel
Thu, 23 Jul 2026P248k prize on the line in Moon Cake Festival Pro Amateur 10-ball tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Jul 2026Super Lightweight Contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin Inks Promotional Pact with Top Rank
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Thu, 23 Jul 2026DUELING TUNE-UPS: Joshua and Fury Play High-Stakes Chicken Across Asia with November Mega-Fight Hanging in the Balance
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026Chavon Stillwell and Izaiah Dent Put Their Perfect Records on the Line in a Can't-Miss Main Event at BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights"
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 22 Jul 2026