Mobile Home | Desktop Version




IM Datu rules first leg of Daily Fantasy Chess Grand Prix

By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 06 Oct 2025

International Master Idel Datu topped the first leg of the inaugural Daily Fantasy Chess Grand Prix Sunday night on lichess.org.

Datu opened the 7-round Swiss System event with six straight wins, highlighted by his methodical sixth round victory over Grand Master Darwin Laylo using the black pieces. He settled for a draw against National Master Homer Cunanan to finish with 6.5 points.

Cunanan placed second with 6.0 points followed by Laylo, who defeated Stephen Manzanero, Jr. in the final round, with 5.5 points.

With 48 players joining the field, Datu, Cunanan and Laylo earned 48, 47 and 46 grand prix points, respectively. The top 100 players after 10 legs will play in the grand finals slated on Jan. 11, 2026.

GM-elect Ronald Dableo rebounded from his losses against Datu and Cunanan in rounds 4 and 6 to finish fourth with 5.0 points.

FIDE Masters Noel Dela Cruz and Narquingden Reyes also finished with 5.0 points, along with Mark Gerald Reyes and Eric Mordido. Manzanero and Jake Tumaliuan rounded up the top 10.

The event organized by the Greenfield Chess Club is supported by Daily Fantasy, a sports fantasy app that emphasizes the importance of strategy in every battle.

Registration is free. Participants only need to sign up with Daily Fantasy and use the code CHESS100.-Marlon Bernardino -


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

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
    By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
    By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
    By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
    Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
    Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026