FEU’s NM Cantela eyes IM norm in Hua Hin, Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Mar 2024
Manila---After an impressive showing in the GM Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open rapid chess tournament in Quezon City, National Master Oscar Joseph Cantela of the Philippines prepares to hit his first International master (IM) norm by pushing his next move in the 21st Bangkok Chess Club Open to be held on April 13 to 21 at the beautiful Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Cantela, who hails from General Trias City, Cavite, is fresh from a fourth place finish in the GM Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open rapid chess tournament held last Saturday, March 23 at the 3rd floor Robinsons Mall, Galleria, Ortigas corner Edsa, Quezon City .
The Grade 11 - Senior High of FEU Diliman, playing under the guidance of GM Jayson Gonzales finished with 6.0 points and figured in a triple tie with 13-time Philippine Open champion GM Rogelio `"Joey" Antonio Jr. and 8-time Illinois, USA champion IM Angelo Abundo Young.
Antonio settled for the second place honors by virtue of a higher tie-breaker while Young and Cantela wound up third and fourth, respectively.
Cantela defeated Vincent Combalicer in the first round, NM Nika Juris Nicolas in the second round, NM Michael Gotel in the fourth round, NM Homer Cunanan in the fifth round, and Luffe Magdalaga in the sixth round.
He drew with Young in the third round and eventual champion Kevin Arquero in the seventh and final round.
"I am happy with my latest achievement. I will work even harder to get the International Master (IM) title. I will not waste the support given by my family and my sponsors who trust in my ability," the Masbate native player said in an interview on Tuesday.
In his bid for an IM title, Cantela needs to get the required three IM norms from tournaments with rated players.
Cantela's local and international tournaments' participation are backed by FEU Diliman, Hon. Luis Chavit Singson, Cong. Bryan Revilla & Revilla family of Bacoor City, Cavite.
The 16-year-old Cantela was ranked on top in the Blitz, Rapid and Standard Fide Rating in the Philippines (Aged 16 & 17 years old ) as of March 26, 2024.-Marlon Bernardino
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