NM Oscar Joseph Cantela wins silver for ASEAN Chess Academy U16 Big Boys Team at SMS Deen Merdeka Open Rapid Team Chess Championship 2023
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 26 Aug 2023
MANILA---Representing the ASEAN Chess Academy U16 Big Boys Team, National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela won silver award at the SMS Deen Merdeka Open Rapid Team Chess Championship 2023 which was held Level 5 Cititel Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 25-26.
The 15-year-old Cantela, a Grade 11 student of Far Eastern University-Diliman opened his campaign with a win over WCM Jia-Tien Chua of Malaysia then followed it with victories over Wei Jun Peong of Malaysia, Chen Xi Koh of Malaysia, WFM Qurota`ain Khadijah of Iran, IM Chee-Meng Jimmy Liew of Malaysia, Shan Wen Tin of Malaysia, Thamil Chelvan Poovendtiran of Malaysia and Guo Hao Ng of Malaysia.
His only loss was at the hands of Zhe Kang Law of Malaysia in the seventh round.
Cantela's exceptional performance not only earned him a silver medal in Board 1 but also showcased his unwavering ambition to become the country's newest Fide Master.
The pride of General Trias City, Cavite is set to compete in the World Youth Chess Championships to be held on November 12 to 25 in Montesilvano, Italy.
Cantela was co-champion in the standard time control boys under-17 division at the Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finals in Dapitan City last June 8.
He also settled for back-to-back runner-up finishes in the boys under-16 division at the Mayor Darrel Uy National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals in Dipolog City and at the National School and Youth and Schools Chess Championships qualifying event in Himamalayan City, Negros Occidental in April.
Cantela aims to raise his standard rating of 1864 to more than 2000 this year. He is also on track to earn the prestigious titles of FIDE Master and International Master in the near future.
The young and promising chess player also thanked his parents for their support.
“Big thanks to my family and the people who helped me," said National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela.
"We knew it was a tough journey for you, but every step is now well worth it." said his father Kevin Cantela.
“We are very proud of you. Your mama and I are happy for all your achievements,” he added.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title
Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29
Wed, 05 Nov 2025OLYMPIC MEDALIST YUBERJEN MARTINEZ INKS WITH ALL STAR BOXING
Wed, 05 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit, Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision
Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025