IM Garma notches third win in 5th AQ Prime Standard Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Feb 2025
PASIG CITY – International Master Chito Danilo Garma sustained his winning form Saturday night, prevailing over Michael Gastala in the third round of the 5th AQ Prime Standard Open Chess Tournament at the Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City.
Garma, with an Elo rating of 2225, conquered Gastala (Elo 1893) after 35 moves of the Ruy Lopez Opening.
The 2nd-seeded Garma now has three points in three outings. Also with perfect 3.0 points are NM Phil Martin Casiguran, NM Romeo Alcodia, IM Barlo Nadera, Alexis Emil Maribao, Dennis San Juan, Virgen Gil Ruaya, FM Camilo Pangan, Lennon Hart Salgados, Janmyl Dilan Tisado and Zeus Alexis Paglinawan.
After beating Kara Meneses (1521) in the first round, Garma conquered Andrew San Antonio (1715) in the second round.
"I'm very happy with this victory," said the 60-year-old Garma, who already has two Grandmaster norms.
It shall be recalled that Garma has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the World Senior Blitz Chess Champion. Hailing from Sampaloc, Manila, Garma secured the gold medal in the blitz category of the FIDE World Senior Chess Championship held at Hotel Baleira on November 22, 2024 in Porto Santo Island, Portugal.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old Israel Cohen halved the point with Edwin Caballero in the third round to score 2.5 points and climbed from 12th to 22nd place. Cohen, who brought down Lhoyd Heruela in the first round, upset 3rd seed FM Noel Dela Cruz in the second round.
Organized by FM/ Atty. Aldwin Alegre and officiated by IA/FM/FT Rudy Ibanez, the champion in this 2-day (Feb. 15-16, 2025) FIDE Standard chess tournament will earn P10,000.-Marlon Bernardino-
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