Chess prodigy Bacojo zeroes in quest to earn IM norms, 3rd AQ Prime Fide Standard Chess Open gets underway
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 27 Oct 2023
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine chess prodigy Mark Jay "MJ" Daños Bacojo is set to embark on a journey to become the next Filipino International Master.
The Dasmariñas City FIDE Master is focusing on securing IM norms by playing in more FIDE standard tournaments against highly rated chess players.
“We all know how difficult it is to become an IM. But with the support of my family and sponsors like Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga, Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr. and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, I can reach my dream,” said the 17-years-old Bacojo, who earn his first of three IM Norms during the 18th IGB Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last September.
Bacojo will embark on a series of FIDE Standard competitions, starting with the 3rd AQ Prime Fide Standard Chess Open will be held on Saturday, October 28 at the 2nd Floor Exhibit Area near the Medical Depot of Ayala Malls, Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal corner Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City.
Onsite Registration starts at 8am.
The tournament will feature top-rated PH players from all over the country that includes IM Daniel Quizon, IM Rolando Nolte, IM Paulo Bersamina, IM Barlo Nadera, WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, FM Noel Dela Cruz, NM Kim Kenneth Santos, Sherwin Tiu and Kevin Mirano.
The 9 Rounds Swiss System, 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control format will be implemented according to AQ Prime Entertainment CEO Atty. Aldwin Alegre.
The other game schedule is on Oct. 29, Nov. 2, Nov. 4 and Nov. 5.
The champion will pocket the P50,000 plus trophy, the runner-up will take home the P30,000 plus medal while the 3rd place will get the P20,000 plus medal.
P15,000, P12,000, P10,000, P8,000, P7,000, P6,000 and P5,000 are up for grabs for the 4th to 10th place respectively while 11th to 20th place have P2,000 each.
There are also category awards as Top Lady, Top 1800 and below, Top Non Master, Top 12 yrs old & below, Top 13-15 yrs old, Top 16-18 yrs old, Top Foreign Player, Top PWD, Top 55 yrs old above, Top College Player and Top Media Player.
Bacojo is also set to compete in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championships on November 12-25 in Montesilvano, Italy.
He is eyeing his second IM Norm and a possible GM norm.
The Grade 12 student from Dasmariñas Integrated High School needed to raise his 2335 Elo rating points to 2400, a requirement for an IM title.-Marlon Bernardino-
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