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:
THE RING 6: NIGHT OF THE SAMURAI OPEN WORKOUTS COMPLETE AS UNDISPUTED KING INOUE GETS READY FOR PICASSO CLASH IN RIYADH
Thu, 25 Dec 20253-Time, 2-Division World Champion & IBF No. 1, Mandatory Bantamweight World Title Challenger Miyo Yoshida long overdue for her 8th World title fight
Thu, 25 Dec 2025Game On! 1st Paower Pickleball Cup Ignites Action in San Fernando
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 25 Dec 2025Late Replacement Tellez Ready to Shock the World Against Amanda Serrano for WBA & WBO Featherweight Titles on January 3 in Puerto Rico
Wed, 24 Dec 2025The Pryce is right again!
Wed, 24 Dec 2025Postal Stamp Honoring Muhammad Ali will be present in January 15
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Dec 2025O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SIGNS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Wed, 24 Dec 2025Isabela Chess University Wins Region 2 Chess League Title
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Dec 2025Cristobal stops Beltran in the 6th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 23 Dec 2025VENUE/DATE CHANGE: Shinard Bunch Takes on John Paul Magalong on THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH AT THE WAR MEMORIAL IN TRENTON
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Raquinel suffers 2nd setback in SA
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 23 Dec 2025Oakland Municipal Auditorium: Sacred Hall Where Filipino Boxing World Champions Were Crowned
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 23 Dec 2025IBA confirms Men’s World Boxing Championships results
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Jordan Launches Pro Boxing Scene Appointing Amer Abdallah as Advisor
Tue, 23 Dec 2025Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025