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-
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