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-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026