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-
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