Mobile Home | Desktop Version




GMs Barbosa, Antonio, Paragua, Gomez, Laylo, Bitoon to see action in Vietnam International Chess Open

By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 18 Mar 2013

MANILA -- Grandmasters (GMs) Oliver Barbosa, Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo and Richard Bitoon will be seeing action in the 3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 scheduled on March 19 to 24 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa earned a spot in the prestigious World Chess Cup after finishing fifth overall in the 11th Asian Continental Individual Chess Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

?We?ll be up against strong and more seasoned players in this tournament and I hope my luck continues there. Right now, I?m in deep preparation, doing more practice games with my fellow GMs,? said Barbosa, who also topped the Invitational Masters tournament early this year. ?It?s also a good opportunity to hone my skills as part of my build up for the World Chess Cup,? added Barbosa.

"We hope to do well in this event," said the 12-time national open champion Antonio who hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

The Bulacan pride Paragua, on the other hand, also expressed readiness to compete against some of the world?s best GMs in the event which offers $30,000 cash prize. The champion getting the lion share of $10,000.

?It?s one of the most challenging tournaments for us because all of the best GMs are expected to be there. We?ll just play one game at a time. Every round is important,? Paragua said.

Joining them are IM Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City, FM David Elorta of Manila, FM Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem, Pangasinan, FM Paulo Bersamina of Pasay City, NM Stewart Manaog of Quezon City, NM Nelson Mendoza of Bacolod City and journeyman Jimson Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu.

GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam (2709) and GM Ferenc Berkes of Hungrary (ELO 2702), are the top two seed in the said tournament, the only players with an ELO 2700 plus, equivalent of so called Hydra GM.

The Filipino woodpushers Vietnam campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Grass Roots Development Program Head and Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-


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

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
    Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
    Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
    By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
    Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
    Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Dumadag holds chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
    By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
    By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
    Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
    By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025