Nava, Abelgas, Turqueza earn IM title norms in Pacquiao Asian Chess; Docena shines
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 May 2013
Manila -- Roderick Nava of Carmona, Cavite has won the IM title by virtue of his excellent showing at the recent $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship that ended last Sunday at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.
Backed up by Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola and Cavite 5th district Rep. Roy Loyola, Nava is looking forward for the coveted grandmaster title status. With 3 "Male" IM norms under his belt, Nava will become an IM (male) title holder in the September FIDE list.
Nava earned his first IM norm after beating FM Bao Quang of Vietnam in 42 moves of an English Opening going to the final round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit in Danang, Vietnam in 2008. Nava breached the 2400 mark five years ago.
Like Nava, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute Chess Coach Roel Abelgas (current Elo rating of 2269) and V. Luna Chess Club mainstay Mari Joseph Turqueza (current Elo rating of 2280) also got their 2 IM norms in $100,000 Manny Pacquiao Cup Asian Continental Chess Championship.
Asian Chess Federation (ACF) deputy vice president Casto "Toti Abundo" said that Abelgas and Turqueza will need to improve their current ELO rating to 2400 this year to become a full-fledged International Master (IM).
Abelgas got his 1st IM norm during the PSC Chess Cup International last January while Turqueza captured his 1st IM norm in the Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championship last January in Tagaytay City.
15-year-old Jerad Docena of Spare and Strike Bangkal, Makati, on the other hand also won 2 IM norms in Pacquiao Asian Chess. He needed 1 IM norm and increase his rating to 2400 for the full-pledge IM title.
"This is really a good year for Phlippine chess. Wesley (So), Oliver (Dimakiling) and Mark (Paragua) already advanced in the main draw of World Cup. Then may mga player tayo na nakakuha ng title norms. Gaya nina Roderick (Nava), Roel (Abelgas), Mari Joseph (Turqueza) and 15-year-old Jerad (Docena)," said NCFP Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. -Marlon Bernardino-
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