21-year-old Filipino wins at Germany rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 15 Sep 2025
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, David Ray Sarmiento, 21-year-old chess prodigy from Nueva Ecija, Philippines, has emerged victorious at the 50th Anniversary Emden Chess Club Rapid Chess Championships held at Culture Center Emden, Germany last September 14, 2025.
Sarmiento showcased exceptional prowess on the 64 squares en route to securing an impressive score of 6.0 points on account of 5 wins and 2 draws during the tournament - an undefeated run that highlighted his strategic acumen. This victory not only advances Sarmiento in the local ranking but also sets the stage for further accomplishments in the upcoming Euro tournaments.
He is renowned for his deep theoretical knowledge in both the opening and endgame phases of chess, his playing style is based on deep positional understanding, patient pressure and precise evaluative judgment. He can switch gears seamlessly, unleashing dynamic and tactical play when the position demands it. He is particularly adept at identifying and ruthlessly exploiting even the slightest inaccuracies in his opponents' play, often converting microscopic advantages into decisive victories with surgical precision.
David Ray Sarmiento's triumph is a proud moment for the Philippines, showcasing the nation's growing talent in the global chess community.
It shall be recalled that Sarmiento finished second place at the B division of the Grenke Chess Open held from April 17-21, 2025 at the Kongresszentrum Karlsruhe, Germany. Sarmiento had 8.0 points on account of 7 wins and 2 draws, the same output of Tim Lehmann of Germany, Daniel Aziz of the Netherlands, Elman Tariverdiyev of Germany and David Tulchnysky of Germany. The Novo Ecijanon chess wizard won the runner-up honors after the tie break points were applied to bring home the 1,500 euros for his efforts.
“My opening preparation didn’t go as planned, but I am still happy in every middle game transition from the opening as it gives me comfortable positions. I am confident with my endgame knowledge as I spent a huge amount of time studying theoretical endgames," said Sarmiento in an interview on Monday morning.
-Marlon Bernardino-
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