Laylo, Dableo face tough competition in Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge on Feb. 2
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 20 Jan 2025
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Grandmaster candidate Ronald Dableo expect rough sailing in the 2025 Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge where they will be meeting a tough line of competitors on February 2, 2025, Sunday at the ICI College, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
“It will be very tough matches against the Bulacan players. Not to be outdone are players from the nearby provinces as well coming from Metro Manila,” said Laylo.
“We are expecting tough matches but we will try our best,” said Dableo who needed to raise his elo rating of 2363 to 2500 to become the country's newest grandmaster. He already has three GM norms.
Laylo and Dableo, both 1-2 punch of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila during their College days are coaches of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines chess team champion University of Santo Tomas.
Other woodpushers joining the competition are NM Mar Aviel Carredo, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, Allan Gabriel and Gllasea Ann Hilario, Robi Ocampo, Faith Louise Dorupa, Ardy Kyron Jose, Mark Louell Renales and Enzio Pungutan.
According to tournament director Normel De Jesus, the 1 day tournament is divided into 2 divisions. The 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 (titled players may join) and the 17 years old and under (regardless of rating and title).
This event is being held in cooperation with 2025 Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Committee headed by President Engr. Annabel Mauricio-Roldan and in partnership with University of Santo Tomas (UST) Chess Team, NORI Chess Club and Bulacan 6th District Congressman Salvador "Ador" A. Pleyto.
The champion here in the 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 will run away with the lion’s share of P10,000. The second to fifth placers will receive P5,000, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,500, respectively. The sixth to eight will receive P800 each while the 9th to 10th will claim P500 apiece.
The Top Sta. Maria, Top Lady, Top College and Top 50 Above will likewise receive cash prizes.
The top four 17 years old and under will earn P4,000, P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 , the 5th to 8th placers will go home P500 each while the 9th to 10th placers will receive P300 apiece.
The Top Sta. Maria and the Youngest Player will receive cash prizes.
Registration fee is P400 for the 2300 and below FIDE rating as of December 2024 while P300 for the 17 years old and under.
For inquiries, contact messenger/fb Normel R. De Jesus, contact no. 09057918089.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Davao to sponsor P500K in IRONMAN 70.3
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 28 Jan 2026JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 27 Jan 2026“It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 27 Jan 2026David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 27 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
By Eric Armit, Mon, 26 Jan 2026MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 26 Jan 2026