Von Steven Aquino wins De Gracia Memorial Chess Tournament

Von Steven Aquino scored another convincing tournament victory by capturing the 2nd De Gracia Memorial Chess Tournament last December 12-13, 2009. This year ending tournament of the Antique Chess Society is held in honor of the late Mrs. Juanita G. De Gracia. Von Steven Aquino scored 6.5 points in this 7-round Swiss System event. Seceond place went to Joselito Castro with 5.5 points. Tied in third to fourth places were Miguel Descalzo and Nick Contreras with 5 points. Rhian Namoc was the best female player while the best 12-Under players were Dominic Gille and Charlie Villaflor. 34 players participated.

De Gracia cup on December 12-13, 2009

The 2nd De Gracia Cup will be held on December 12-13, 2009. This tournament is open to all interested players. It will be a 7 round Swiss event. Play starts at 9:00 a.m. of December 12 at Alex and Al Cafe and Snackhouse. For more information please visit Alex and Al Cafe and Snackhouse or contact 09183700353.

Antique thrilled by GM So's triumph over Kamsky

The Antique chess players rejoiced over GM Wesley So's triumphed over GM Vassily Ivanchuk and GM Gata Kamsky in the ongoing Chess World Cup. Following the games live in the internet, the chess players rejoiced when the draw was agreed with Kamsky in their second game. Thus GM So will now be in the round of 16 in this knockout format. Congratulations GM Wesley So!!!

Aquino wins 1st Hector Frangue Open Chess

Von Steven Aquino scored back to back wins this November by capturing the 1st SP Hector Frangue Open Chess Tournament held November 28-29, 2009 at the Alex and Al Cafe and Snackhouse, Sibalom, Antique. Tied for second place were 13 year old Lou Vincent Baculna and veteran player Edwin Leabriz. Top elementary performers were Dominic Gille and Joycie Tiongco. A total of 22 players participated in this 5- round swiss system event,

The tournament is sponsored by Antique Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hector Francue. A young and idealistic lawyer from Caluya, Antique, SP Hector Frangue recognizes the importance of Chess especially to the youth. Chess helps in the mental developoment and character of a person. SP Frangue vowed to support chess especially in Antique

Von Steven Aquino wins November 2009 Open Chess Tournament

Von Steven Aquino wins the just concluded November 2009 Edition of the Monthly Open Chess Tournament held at Alex and Al Cafe and Snackhouse, Sibalom, Antique. He scored a perfect 5 points in this five round Swiss system tournament. He defeated Miguel Descalzo, Nelson Trayfalgar, and Arnel Amar in the third to fifth round respectively. Nelson Trayfalgar Jr. got second place with four points. Edwin Leabriz got third place with 3.5 points. Joselito Castro, Deonato Petinglay, and Arnel Amar tied for fourth to sixth place. Best elementary performers were Teny Sandoy and Joycee Tiongco. 19 players participated.

Flaviano Atienza wins Under 12 Chess Tournament

11 year old Flaviano Atienza wins the October leg of the quarterly 12 Under Chess Tournament held last October 31, 2009 at the Alex and Al cafe and Snackhouse, Sibalom Antique. The highly confident Atienza won all his games in this five round event.

Defending champion Vea Alyssa Amedo came in second. Third place was Elementary District Meet Champion Joycee M. Tiongco, 10 years old, of Brgy. Imparayan, Sibalom Antique. The next tournament will be on the last week of January 2010.

After more than a year of holding these tournaments, tremendous improvements have been obeserved on playing strengths of these youngsters. A year ago they were merely 'patsy' players. Now, one of them is playing on the strength of a college varsity player! More youngsters have also shown interests in chess as compared to previous years. Natural talent is important but it takes constant practice to really excel in chess.

Open Chess Tournament on November 7-8

The November Edition of the monthly Open Chess Tournament will be on November 7-8, 2009 at the Alex and Al Cafe and Snackhouse, Sibalom, Antique. This will be played on a 5-round, Swiss system, one hour play to finish format. Play starts at 9:30 a.m. of November 7. No registration fee is required.