Mark Paragua secures back-to-back win in PSC Chess
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Jan 2013
MARK PARAGUA scored back-to-back win after beating fellow Grandmaster (GM) Darwin Laylo in Thursday's fifth round of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Cup International Chess Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The Tondo, Manila born Paragua improved to a total of 5 points in five outings to remain on top in the US$30,000 SMART-sponsored nine Round-Swiss tournament, hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by it's Chairman Ricardo Garcia and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman / President Prospero A. Pichay Jr. , Secretary-General and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director Jayson Gonzales.
Earlier, Paragua defeated Mongolian FM Gombosuren Munkhgal in Wednesdsay's fourth round to grab solo leadership board in the FIDE event that offers a top prize of US $6,000, supported by Puregold, Manila Pavilion Hotel, City State Tower Hotel and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Peping Cojuangco.
"Mahirap y'ung laro pero pinilit ko talagang manalo," added Paragua, a former World Rapid Under-14 champion.
FM Haridas Pascua, meantime nipped FM Randy Segarra to score 4.5 points for solo second place.
"Isa't-isa lamang y'ung laro namin ni Randy at buti nanalo tayo," said Pascua, the pride of Pangasinan Chess Federation.
Top seed Russian Super GM Aleksandr Rakhmanov (ELO 2612) subdued Edsel Montoya to create a four-way tie with three other chess players. Rakhmanov tallied 4.0 points, the same output of Mongolian GM elect Bayarsaikhan Gundavaa who beat NM Rustum Tolentino; IM Rolando Nolte winner over FM David Elorta and FM Hamed Nouri who shocked GM John Paul Gomez.
In Thursday's sixth round, Paragua is paired with Pascua; Nolte goes up against Rakhmanov while Gundavaa will meet Nouri.
Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025FM Alekhine Nouri tops Kamatyas chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Dec 2025Dante Kirkman Dominates DePriest Johnson in Unanimous Victory at Fight Club OC
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Bantam and Intermediate Divisions Crowned on Day Five of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Murat Gassiev Brutally Knocks Out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Dec 2025United States Air Force Paralegals: Law, Order, and Excellence
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM TODAY'S CHM: 2 REMATCH SEASON CEREMONIAL WEIGH-INS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Donaire to fight Tsutsumi on December 17 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Nesthy faces Indon legend
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Bob Santos Joins Broadcast Team for Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During WBA’s 104th Annual Convention
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Championship Bouts Set for the Bantam and Intermediate Division
Sat, 13 Dec 2025SEAG Triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon in Rayong
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025