United States-based Grandmasters Mark Paragua, Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and International Master Paulo Bersamina showed why they are three of the top Filipino woodpushers at present after a 1-2-3 finish in the online GM and Atty. Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Death Anniversary Memorial Chess Tournament last weekend at lichess.org.
The New York-based Paragua took the title with 17.5 points out of a possible 21 to go home with P10,000 plus PH Agila t-shirt. Chandler, Arizona Barcenilla ended up with 16.5 points to receive P4,500 plus PH Agila t-shirt. The pride of Pasay City Bersamina finished with 16 points to bring home P3,000 plus PH Agila t-shirt.
Rodriguez, Rizal resident Chester Neil Reyes, meantime tallied a similar 16 points and got P1,500 for fourth place.
“ I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support that has been shown to me in my professional chess career. I will forever be grateful,” said the 1998 World Rapid Under-14 champion Disneyland, Paris, France champion Paragua who won all Balinas online event in this time of pandemic.
These include GM Balinas Memorial Chess last July 19, the 81st Birthday Celebration of Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas last August 22 and the 79th Birthday Celebration of GM and Atty. Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. last September 6.
“Lastly, I’m thankful to Dr. Joe Balinas and Engr. Antonio Balinas for supporting PH online chess tournament in this time of pandemic and especially to God who gave my skills and talent,” said the amiable Paragua.
The one-day event was sponsored by Bethesda, Maryland, USA-based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas and his older brother engineer Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas. It attracted 569 wood pushers worldwide. It was organized by Bayanihan Chess Club headed by AGM Marlon Bernardino and Genghis K. Imperial.
All games were aired live thru YouTube channel of Arena Grandmaster Voltaire Marc Paraguya as well Jolina Icao Youtube channel.
Final Standings: (Top 20 of 569 participants) 17.5 points, GM Mark Paragua; 16.5, GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr.; 16, IM Paulo Bersamina, Chester Neil Reyes; 15.5, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia; 15, Vince Angelo Medina, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Karl Ochoa, Mark Daluz, NM Bob Jones Liwagon, Eric Labog Jr., IM John Marvin Miciano; 14.5, NM Merben Roque, Ellan Asuela, FM Randy Segarra, FM Deniel Causo, Kyle Ochoa, Ederwin Estavillo; 14, Sherwin Tiu, FM Dino Ballecer.