National Master Marlon Bernardino reigned supreme in the 2nd edition of the IIEE-Bayanihan-Greenfield District (IBGD) Blitz Chess Tournament dubbed as Single Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SIKAT) held over the weekend at the Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.
Bernardino, who is also a veteran sportswriter and radio commentator, bested 21 other participants in the face-to-face chess tournament supported by Greenfield District Retail Marketing Officer Dawn Suzette Aguila, Marketing Coordinator Joana Sison, Philippine Sports Expo President/CEO Michael Herrera, Rotary Club of Bacoor City President Sunrise Mary France Lodronio, Mr. Encio Santos , Mr. Jason Rojo, Mr. Noli Sangil Cruz and Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez.
“I am happy for winning the IIEE-Bayanihan-Greenfield District (IBGD) Blitz Chess Tournament dubbed as Single Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SIKAT) last Friday. I wish that my luck would remain the same in my next international tournament,” said the 47-year-old Bernardino, who is set to compete in the Laos International Chess Open 2024 to be held on September 1 to 7 at the Vientiane Chess Centre, Vientiane, Laos.
The 1st edition of the IBGD SiKAT was won by FM Noel Dela Cruz last July 29 at the IIEE Building in Cubao. The 3rd Edition is slated for Aug. 30 at EDSA Pavillion Mall. IBGD SiKAT format is 6 minutes for white and 5 minutes for black without increment. The white piece is a must-win situation while the black only needs a draw to win to advance to the next round. The pairing setup is not by rating seeding but by random shuffling using the Challenge System.
The winners of this IBDG SiKAT will be featured in the battle of champions in December during the Philippine Sports Expo. The tournament is free registration and the pot prize for donors is split 70-30% for the champion and runner-up.
Free chess clinic to kids was rendered by NM Bernardino, NM Alcodia and CM Genghis Imperial and other chess players while a free simultaneous games was also done by NM Bernardino.
The IBGD event was graced by the President of the Philippine Sports Expo Michael Herrera and the President of the Rotary Club of Bacoor City Sunrise Mary France Lodronio and Encio Santos. IBDG events and free consultations will be held every Friday at EDSA Pavillion Mall from 10 am to evening.
The ceremonial signing for the exposition of the 100th year of Philippine Sports on Dec. 12 to 15, 2024 at Parqal Mall Aseana City, Pasay City was also held in the presence of Philippine Sports Expo President Herrera, Rotary President Lodronio, Former IIEE National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez represented both the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) and the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) for and on behalf of PTC-IRC Chairman Romulo Agatep and Chief arbiter/sportswriter NM Bernardino.
