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:
KENNETH LLOVER DEFENDS OPBF TITLE IN FOURTH FIGHT OF 2025
Thu, 04 Dec 2025Canoy, Mama, Into Contend in IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 04 Dec 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON FULL FIGHT CARD SET
Thu, 04 Dec 2025MERRY FISTMAS! World-Ranked KO Artist Ramon Cardenas Faces Erik Robles in ProBoxTV Main Event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Thursday, December 18
Thu, 04 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 2 DECEMBER 2025: Kavaliauskas Wins by Split Decision Over Molina; Whittaker Stops Gavazi in 1; Malajika Wins by UD Over Paras
By Eric Armit, Wed, 03 Dec 2025WBC Strips Terence Crawford of Super Middle Title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Soledad wins WBC Asian Continental title
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Dec 2025A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025