Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Filipino chess phenom wins at Spring Blitz Chess Championship in Dubai

By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 03 Apr 2025

Manila---In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Marc Kevin Labog, a chess prodigy from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, has emerged victorious at the Spring Blitz Tournament held Wednesday night, April 2, 2025 at the Chess Lab Al Quoz in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Competing against 57 participants, Labog (7.5 points out of 9) clinched the first-place trophy plus 1,000 AED for his efforts in the 3 mins plus 2 seconds increment time control format.

The former Adamson University chess team mainstay Labog defeated Palaniappan Niranjjan of India in the first round, AIM Sudheer Sampreet of India in the second round, Srivastava Kavyansh of India in the fourth round, Jason Nabatlao of the Philippines in the fifth round, CM Safarullakhan Safin of India in the sixth round, GM Alexander Zubarev of Ukraine in the seventh round and IM Richilieu Salcedo III of the Philippines in the ninth and final round.
He lost to FM Sargis Manukyan of Armenia in the third round. He split the points with AGM Dandel Fernandez of the Philippines in the eight round.

Labog also finished third overall during the Spring FM Rating Tournament-Group A (Standard time control format) held March 29 to April 2, 2025.

“Again I would like to dedicate my victory to my countrymen. It’s an honor to represent our country,” said Labog.

“This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to the nation’s longstanding dedication [to] fostering excellence in the field of chess,” said Glory Grace Branzuela, the team captain of the Datamatics chess team.

Labog also anchored the Datamatics team A campaign together with Jerome Villanueva and John Michael Magpily into the championship trophy of the Atty. Quirino Sagario Memorial Chess Team Tournament held March 22, 2025 at Robinsons Place, Pala Pala, Dasmarinas City, Cavite. He also won individual gold medal in Board 3.-Marlon Bernardino-


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 21 May 2026
  • TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
    By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026
  • USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
    Thu, 21 May 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
    By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 2026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
    By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026
  • Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026
  • Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
    Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 2026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
    By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 0 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
    Wed, 20 May 2026
  • CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
    Wed, 20 May 2026