PHL LADY WOODPUSHERS TO COMPETE IN US CHESS CIRCUIT
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 10 Oct 2014
THAILAND-- A lady chesser ace Maria Ellaine Manalo Refugio is fresh from winning Chess4thai Main Event 2014 last August 31 at the Cha-Da Hotel here in Bangkok, Thailand.
She emerged overall top women player in this international chess competitions in Thailand that attracted over 150 participants from seven different countries (Philippines, Thailand, Macedonia, India, China, Japan and Korea).
This time Refugio who hails from Baco, Oriental Mindoro had a bigger dream, to pocket the top prize $7,000 and coveted United States Chess Master.
"Handang-handa na ako sa chess tournament sa Amerika sa Las Vegas sa Disyembre," said the 30-year-old Refugio, who is consistently training under the watchful eye of former 2-time olympian and Doha Asian Games bet Woman Fide Master Jedara Docena.
The 24th annual North American Open Chess Championship which offers Prizes of $120,000 based on 600 paid entries, $90,000 minimum guaranteed set on December 26 to 29 at the at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Refugio is set to play in the Under 2300 section, also at stake is the United States Chess Master aside the top prize of $7,000.
"Malaking tulong po sa maintenance ng ama ko pong may sakit yung mapapanalunan ko po," Refugio told to this writer that his father got a mild stroke in 1983.
The Marikina-Quezon City based Refugio's local and international tournament are supported by Marikina mayor Del de Guzman and congressman Romero "Miro" Quimbo, Bulacan board member Michael Fermin and Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong Barangay captain and former international billiard and snooker champion Marlon Manalo.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026