IM Bagamasbad eyes GM title in Australian Chess Circuit
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 03 Apr 2025
MANILA, Philippines – For senior player Jose Efren Bagamasbad, it’s never too late to become a grand master.
The 68-year-old campaigner from Quezon City will try to achieve the remarkable feat as he represents the country at the coming Australian Chess Circuit.
A two-time Asian Seniors 65 over category champion, Bagamasbad is competing in the Melbourne International Open Chess Tournament to be held at Melbourne from April 7-14, 2025, the 2025 O2C Doeberl Cup Chess Tournament to be held at Canberra from April 17 - 21 2025, and the Sydney International Open 2025 to be held at Sydney from April 23-27, 2025.
Having won the Asian Seniors Chess Championships (65 over category) in Auckland, New Zealand and Tagaytay City, Philippines in 2022 and 2023, in order, got his two of three GM norms.
The Talisay, Camarines Norte native needed only 1 GM norm to complete his GM title status.
Bagamasbad's Australian Chess Circuit campaign was made possible with the support of the Quezon City government headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro “Al” Tengco.
'I would like to thank the Quezon City government headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro “Al” Tengco for supporting my Australian Chess Circuit campaign," said Bagamasbad, one of the top players of PCAP's IIEE-PSME Quezon City Simba's Tribe.
Bagamasbad will try to become the Philippine’s latest GM after 20-year-old Daniel Quizon earned the title after beating GM Igor Efimov of Georgia in the last World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
"I hope to do well in the Australian Chess Circuit this month. Hoping to get my third and final GM norm," he added.
Bagamasbad is setting his eye to become the oldest grandmaster in history at the age of 68.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 27 Jun 2026TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 27 Jun 2026USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 27 Jun 2026July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026