PH bet Cantela bags chess gold in Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 28 Aug 2023
MANILA---CONSIDERED as a promising chess talent since seven years old, General Trias, Cavite's National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela finally shine as the brightest star for Team Philippines in the ongoing Malaysian Chess Festival 2023 at the Cititel Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Barangay San Juan Uno pride Cantela emerged as the shining star for the Philippines when he scored a win and draw in the last two rounds to nail the title and the gold medal in the Open 16-under class with 5.5 points out of a possible six dubbed as 12th Dato' Tan Chin Nam Foundation Open Rapid Age-Group Chess Championship last Sunday, August 27.
He defeated countryman Christian Mendoza in the penultimate round and split the point with Ishaan Quan Tze Navaratnam of Malaysia in the sixth and final round en route to the crowning glory.
Cantela also defeated Jaishivan Sivanesan Paranam of Malaysia in the first round, Zhen Sean Ong of Malaysia in the second round, Yu Hang Koay of Malaysia in the third round and compatriot Kaye Lalaine Regidor in the fourth round.
Mendoza of Antipolo City, Rizal Province settled second for the silver while Regidor of Santa Rosa City, Laguna wound up third for the bronze to complete PH domination.
The 15-year-old Cantela, a Grade 11 student of Far Eastern University-Diliman also won a silver medal at the SMS Deen Merdeka Open Rapid Team Chess Championship 2023 last Friday and Saturday, August 25-26.
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.
Representing the ASEAN Chess Academy U16 Big Boys Team, Cantela completed the 9-round Swiss system tilt with the highest score of 8.0 points to grab the runner-up honor.
Cantela 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 is set to compete in the World Youth Chess Championships to be held on November 12 to 25 in Montesilvano, Italy.
He is also scheduled to play in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open Rapid Chess Championships on September 30 at the second floor Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.
Cantela, under the suoervision of Atty. Jesseboy Remulla Grepo - City Councilor of Gen. Trias, 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, who learn the rudiment of chess at the age of six.
"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.
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