Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 31 Mar 2026
Fifteen-year-old Brandon Kier Sustento originally from Bacoor Cavite, Philippines and now living in the US, reign supreme in the Susan Polgar Charity Blitz Chess Tournament held at Momentum BMW Houston, Texas, USA on Monday, March 30,2026.
Sustento, a Grade 10 student of Harmony School of Innovation posted the highest output of perfect 5.0 points to take home the coveted title.
The Houston, Texas based Pinoy teen is fresh and a runner-up finish behind eventual champion International Master Anish Vivekanathan in the strong South Texas FIDE Open Standard chess tournament held at Texas Chess Center last February 27, 2026.
"It was an intense match. I am happy to win the 5 minute blitz chess tournament," said Sustento who has already earned the title of US Candidate Master and started playing tournaments in 2021.
He has won many big tournaments in Houston, Texas including scholastics, losing only to two Grandmasters and one International Master this year so far.
Brandon Kier comes from a strong chess background.
His father, FIDE Instructor Byjorn Sustento also the founder of Houston Chess School, is a friend of William So and used to host the young Wesley So at their home.
Today, Brandon Kier is coached and mentored by FM Noel Dela Cruz and by his father assisting with his over the board training.
Aside from Chess he also likes soccer and his goal is to keep winning higher titles and continue his successful journey in chess and someday go home to the Philippines and compete in tournaments.
His upcoming tournament, the Houston FIDE championship, is scheduled on May 1-3, 2026. (Marlon Bernardino)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
Tue, 31 Mar 202613-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
Tue, 31 Mar 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
Tue, 31 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 31 Mar 202660 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
Mon, 30 Mar 2026Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 30 Mar 2026Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Sun, 29 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
Sun, 29 Mar 2026Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Albert Ramirez Against Lerrone Richards for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight World Title on June 4 in Montreal!
Sat, 28 Mar 2026GM Daniel Quizon is the Favorite in 19th Kamatyas
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Weights From ‘Acosta vs. Rios’ Event from Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif., and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 28 Mar 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC maintains priority of the defense of fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 28 Mar 2026