IM Garcia captures National Open chess title
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 03 Jul 2026
MANILA----International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia of Santa Rosa City, Laguna ruled the Philippine National Chess Championships at the Philippine Academy For Chess Excellence (PACE), Mindanao avenue extension, Quezon City on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Garcia held Woman International Master Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City to a draw in the 13th and final round of the tournament known as the Battle of the Grandmasters.
Garcia, a program manager of the Ateneo de Manila University chess team, had a total of 9.5 points (six wins and seven draws) and bagged the P150,000 top purse sponsored by AQ Prime.
"Seventeen years since my first National Championships, I can finally call myself a Philippine Champion.
Honored to represent the country for the 46th World Chess Olympiad at Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Thank you to everyone who supported me," said Garcia, whose stint here is supported by Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, City Sports Head Sir Roy Lazaga, and Coach Shania Mae Mendoza whose unwavering support for sports and chess continues to inspire and empower local athletes.
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo of Mandaluyong City also had a draw with Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna of Legaspi City, Albay to finish second with 9.0 points. The University of Santo Tomas chess team coach had six wins, six draws and one loss and pocketed P100,000 sponsored by NCFP Chairman/President Cong. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr
International Master Michael Concio Jr. of Dasmarinas City, Cavite placed third with 8.5 points to receive P70,000.
The trio (Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Darwin Laylo and Michael Concio Jr.) will represent the country in the 46th Chess Olympiad schedule on September 15-27,2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Grandmaster Daniel Quizon of Dasmarinas City, Cavite notched 8.0 points to pocket P40,000 followed by International Master Mark Jay Bacojo of Santa Rosa City, Laguna who had 7.5 points to earn P25,000.
International Master Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City placed sixth with 7.0 points followed by WGM Janelle Mae Frayna (6.5 points), IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca (6.5 points), GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. (6.0 points), NM Phil Martin Casiguran (5.5 points), IM Ronald Bancod (5.0 points), NM Melvin Merelos (4.5 points), IM Rolando Nolte (4.0 points) and WIM Ruelle Canino (3.5 points).
Meanwhile, WNM Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao and WFM Mae Mendoza of Santa Rosa City, Laguna took the two slots for the World Chess Olympiad.
Sebastian won the tournament with 9.0 points while Mendoza settled second with 8.5 points.-Marlon Bernardino -
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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