(1247) KAREN LEE TO ISTANBUL (TBN-June 27, 2011)

CYRIL AND TITO -- No. 3 and No. 4
     Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr., right, and Tito Cabunagan will finish the 2011 Rapid Chess tilt at Palau Royal Resort at 3rd and 4th place respectively after the non-played games will all be declared as draws. They trailed Menandro Manuel and Roberto Hernandez with 7 points and 6 points respectively. The dinner/lunch for 2 coupons for them will be given by Palau Royal Resort GM (General Manager) Isao Takahashi together with the winner of another Rapid Chess tilt for PRR employees only.     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


            KAREN LEE TO ISTANBUL  

 

AFTER Palau top woman chess player Angie Parrado committed to come to 2012 Istanbul World Chess Olympiad, another 3 neophyte women chess players have shown interest to join the bandwagon.

                A week prior to the start of 2011 Palau National Chess Championship (June 26), Karen Lee, Ann Acebron and Jenalyn Ortiz were guests at the Breeze Bar of Palau Royal Resort where Roberto Hernandez is playing keyboard music from 9-11pm.

                The lady trio is treating a former Filipino worker in Palau who is now working in New York. He likes singing live sing along with Roberto. When they got tired of singing, Roberto asked the 3 ladies if they play chess. Upon knowing that they know the fundamentals of chess, Roberto offered them slots for the forming of Palau Women’s Team to 2012 World Chess Olympiad to be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

                Roberto saw a glow in their eyes about the offer. But when he mentioned to them that they need to prepare some amount of money for airfare, they are now hesitant. They became interested again when the guy offered some assistance for their airfare.

                Roberto suggested that they participate in the ongoing Palau National Chess Championship in June 26-Sept. 25 so that they will earn international ratings and that their names will be listed in www.fide.com where it can be viewed all around the world.

                The venues of the event – Beken’s Store, Palau Royal Resort and Bethlehem Park seem to be okay for them. They need a ride if it would be held at PRR. They reside near Angie’s place so they can have a ride with Angie in going to PRR.

                The confirmed participants are Roberto Hernandez, Menandro Manuel, Cyril Montel, Jr., Paquito Suringa, Jr., Angie Parrado, Mohammad Manik Hossain, Jeff Balbalosa, Rudel Roxas, Bernard Garcia, Dennis Gonzales, Gonzalo Escapatoria, Jr., Edwin Acuyan, Tito Cabunagan and more latecomers and inactive like Manuel ‘Jun’ Mahor, Jr. and Jimboy de Jesus.

                If the 3 ladies are not yet familiar with chess notations, Roberto will teach them before they start their very first games. If they are late in registering, they need to play as many games as they can to catch up. The tournament will be a single round-robin event limited to 9, 12, 15 or 18 players on a first come, first serve basis.

                The number of participants will depend on how many FIDE rated players are joining. If Cyril Montel, Jr., Menandro Manuel, Roberto Hernandez, Manuel Mahor, Jr. and Bernard Garcia will join, a maximum of 15 players can join. One third of the players must be FIDE rated. If Suringa, Jr. will make it, maximum of 18 players can participate.

                The time control is the same time control of Chess Olympiads, to familiarize the players about it—90 minutes to make 40 moves and 30 minutes more to finish the game with 30 seconds increment starting from move 1.

                 Solution to last week's puzzle:

                 This week's puzzle: White to move and mates in 3

                                                          (Solution next issue)

Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez

                   Tia Belau Newspaper

                   Pages 12 & 13

                   Volume 20

                   Issue 26

                   June 27, 2011

                  Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)

                  The Beginning of Chess in Palau

                  By Roberto Hernandez

                  To be published as a book in the future

                  The History of Chess in Palau

                   By Roberto Hernandez

                   June 09, 2002 --June 27, 2011

               

(1176) CYRIL 3-0; TITO 4-0; AKRAM 2-0 (TBN-Onct. 26-Nov. 01, 2009)

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
             Tia Belau Newspaper
             Pages 13-14
             Volume 19
             October 26 -- November

(995) LAST 2 WEEKS OF 2011 PNCC (TBN-Sept. 19, 2011)

MOST WATCHED PNCC GAME.
At least 11 people watched this game between Mohammad Manik Hossain and 11-year old Goerge Anzawa, his first official game of 2011 PNCC on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Beken's Store and General Merchandise.

(Photo by: Adele Anzawa)


LAST 2 WEEKS OF 2011 PNCC              

GEORGE ANZAWA, the 11-year old son of Adele Anzawa, played his first competitive chess game against Mohammad Manik Hossain on Sunday, September 11 at Beken's Store.

Manik has to squeeze every ounce of his resources to outwit George in a game watched by at least 11 people in what looked like a championship match.

Next to Manik's list of opponent is Angie Parrado, who matched her strong finish in the 2010-2011 Palau National Chess Championship where she scored 4 points in her last 5 games.

She is finishing strong again after upsetting Bernard Garcia 2 weeks ago. Angie prevailed over Manik and scored another victory over George in rapid time control. Angie's match with venue host Gene Pastrana was postponed until next Sunday.

Tito Cabunagan lets a half point slips away when Gene managed to draw a losing position with both kings left on the board. It's the 2nd drawn game for Gene and 2 losses.

The 3rd draw was awarded when Jeff Balbalosa didn't show up and left for vacation on Tuesday, September 13. His 5 remaining games against Gene, Jeffrey Negrillo, George, Elpidio Manaligod and Edwin Acuyan were all declared draws.

Gonzalo 'Jojo' Escapatoria, Jr. scored another stunning victory over Jose Celiz to climb into contention for the 5th-8th spot. He trapped Jose's queen that leads to Jose's downfall and 3rd setbacks.

Tutii Joe Chilton dropped by for a while at the tournament site and offered a classroom of Palau Community College on weekends to be one of the venues of the 2011 PNCC.

He read the news about the Palau Royal Resort's memorandum of not allowing outsiders anymore to play official games there.

That's a good offer for the improvement of chess in Palau. Thank you so much, Joe.

Roberto Hernandez is trying to pursue Dennis Gonzales, Ann Acebron and Karen Lee to play at least 2 more games to have a total of 5 games played so that all of their remaining games will not be defaulted.

Dennis has not played a single game against rated opponents: Cyril, Menandro, Roberto, Gene, Bernard, Paquito and Elpidio.

It will be automatic losses to those players for Dennis if he can't finish at least 5 games. Ann needs to play at least one game and Karen, 2 games. Their match is declared a draw.

George came to PRR with her mom Adele to practice chess with available players on Friday afternoon. He played some practice games with Hernandez writing their moves for review.

Hernandez taught him some endgame basics and strategies until Rudel Roxas is available. They played their official game and George suffered another loss when he overlooked a mate in 2 moves by Roxas.

An hour later, he blundered away his queen against PRR Rapid Chess champion Ferdinand 'Bong' Gutierrez and lost one more.

Hernandez gave him some pointers that he should bear in mind: IN CHESS, THE SLOWER YOU MOVE, THE FASTER YOU'LL LEARN.

Another tip is: before making a move, try to write down first your move on the score sheet, think for a while and when he thinks that his move is not strong enough, then erase the move. ***(It is not allowed now internationally but it's allowed in Palau)***

This is to make him more cautious, which is the standard characteristic of today's seasoned masters.

Elpidio Manaligod will finally play this Sunday according to Tito Cabunagan when they met. Elpidio also paid to Tito his registration fee of $10.00.

Another busy Sunday is anticipated with a possible match up of the following: Roberto vs. Manik; Elpidio vs. anybody available; George vs. Ann; Karen vs. George; Paquito vs. Jose; Angie vs. Gene. On Saturday, George vs. Jose Celiz at 1:00 pm is set up and Jose vs. Manik at 2:00 pm.

Latest results of Saturday's game: George finally scored his first full point by outwitting Jeffrey Negrillo of PRR but was beaten in return by Palau's top chess player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. Venue host Gene Pastrana also got his first whole point by trouncing Negrillo.

Paquito Suringa, Jr. scored another win over higher rated player than him in Pastrana and continues his hold to the top 5 contention.

Source: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
           Tia Belau Newspaper
           Pages 9-10 
           Volume 20   
           Issue 38   
           September 19, 2011

(750) PALAU CHESS TEAM ITINERARY (Manila-London-Oslo-Tromso and Tromso-Oslo-Doha-Manila)

(747) SCAM EMAIL FROM IVAN NESTEROV (Oct. 22, 2011)

BRIAN JONES DURING THE 2009 OCEANIA ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
     Oceania Zonal and OCC President Brian Jones, right, is one of the recipient of an explanation about the scam email from Russian Ivan Nesterov. In this photo, 1st runner-up James Morris, 3rd from right, is receiving his FIDE Master title from IO Graeme Gardiner, 3rd from left. Morris is now an IM. Others in the photo are IM George Xie, 2nd from right, IA Charles Zworestine and Hilda of Fiji.
                                  (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


     SCAM EMAIL FROM RUSSIAN
   IVAN NESTEROV (Oct. 22, 2011)

FIDE General Secretary Ignatius Leong received an email from Ivan Nesterov stating the following:
  

-----Original Message-----
From: Иван Нестеров [mailto:ivannest2008@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2011 8:09 PM
To: office@fide.com
Subject: Сomplaint of Palau

Respected leadership FIDE!
Your organization is committed to put chess into the Republic of Palau. As a
representative of this republic I ask you in every possible way to
accelerate this process. Otherwise, it means the failure to your obligations
with respect to Palau.
Waiting for the quickest response.
Sincerely, Mr. Nesterov.

From: Ignatius Leong ignatiusleong@pacific.net.sg
To: 'David Jarrett' <jarrett@fide.com>; 'FIDE Secretariat' <office@fide.com>; AUS Brian Jones <chessaus@chessaustralia.com.au>; PAL Roberto Hernandez <robert_flor31154@yahoo.com>; PAL Roberto Hernandez <robert.flor31154@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2011 1:34 PM
Subject: RE: Сomplaint of Palau

Dear Brian, Roberto,

Please elaborate.

Regards,
Ignatius

From: Roberto Hernandez [mailto:robert_flor31154@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 2:33 PM
To: Ignatius Leong
Subject: Re: Сomplaint of Palau

Dear Mr. Leong,

   I have never heard of this guy. It seems that he has no information whatsoever of what or where is Palau. He didn't even mention how he became a representative of Palau.

  I think this is one of scam that people use to gain attention. We are not even sure if he's Russian. Everybody can make an account in internet using anybody's name. I guess he uses a Russian name to get more attention because Russia is very popular in chess. Just 6 days ago, I've got an email from a Ukrainian guy asking to send him promo materials, souvenirs with logo (pens, stickers, etc). More than a year ago, another Russian who collects pins asked me to send to him.

   There are about 2 or more Russian GMs applying as coach/trainer of Palau Chess Team for Torino, Italy Olympiad, Dresden Germany Olympiad and lately Khanty-Mansiysk Olympiad. Of course, I didn't entertain those because we don't have the resources for it.

   Three years ago, there's a European father of a promising young girl who wants to apply his daughter as player of Palau for the youth championships in Turkey if we will provide her and him with accommodation/airfare/salary. Maybe one of these mentioned people have the guts to send such an email to you.

   I'm sorry for the inconvenience that it caused you and FIDE.

   Thank you very much for putting this to my attention.

Best regards,

Roberto A. Hernandez

Musician, Palau Royal Resort

Private Tutor, Piano; keyboard; guitar; chess

Chairman, Knights and Rooks Chess Club (Palau)

Secretary/Treasurer, Palau Chess Federation

Permanent Delegate to FIDE, Palau Chess Federation

Chess Columnist, Tia Belau Newspaper

President, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ

                 4th Watch (Palau Locale) 2008-2010

Ignatius Leong

To 'David Jarrett''FIDE Secretariat'AUS Brian JonesMePAL Roberto Hernandez

Oct 31, 2011

Dear Brian, Roberto,

Please elaborate.

Regards,
Ignatius


-----Original Message-----
From: David Jarrett [mailto:jarrett@fide.com]
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 8:34 PM
To: 'Ignatius Leong'; 'FIDE Secretariat'
Subject: RE: Сomplaint of Palau

Dear Ignatius

I asked the same thing of Nigel.  He did not know.  Seems strange to have a
Russian name in Palau!!

Regards

David

-----Original Message-----
From: Ignatius Leong [mailto:ignatiusleong@pacific.net.sg]
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 3:31 PM
To: 'FIDE Secretariat'
Subject: RE: Сomplaint of Palau

Who is Nesterov?

Bernard Garcia

To Me

Nov 2, 2011

Hi,

It is scam, FIDE should only respond to registered representative to avoid wasting time.

-Bernard

From: Roberto Hernandez <robert_flor31154@yahoo.com>
To: Menandro Manuel <boyge73@yahoo.com>; Cyril Tomas Almitante-Montel <bhong_montil@yahoo.com>; Tito Cabunagan <t2@ppuc.com>; Tutii Joe Chilton <tutiic@gmail.com>; Gene Pastrana <genepastrana@yahoo.com>; Bernard Garcia <bernardbgarcia@yahoo.com>; "jose@ppuc.com" <jose@ppuc.com>; Jeff Balbalosa <cyjeffb@yahoo.com>; Paquito Pax Suringa Jr <paquitosuringajr@yahoo.com>; Jeffrey Negrillo <jdl_negr@yahoo.com>; Dennis Gonzales <denz_153@yahoo.com>; "adele777@btinternet.com" <adele777@btinternet.com>
Cc: Tito Cabunagan <cabunagantito@yahoo.com>; "manikmohammad75@yahoo.com" <manikmohammad75@yahoo.com>; Jojo Escapatoria <gescapatoriajr@yahoo.com>; "gigi_parrado@yahoo.com" <gigi_parrado@yahoo.com>; "edwin_acuyan71@yahoo.com" <edwin_acuyan71@yahoo.com>; "potpot_426@yahoo.com" <potpot_426@yahoo.com>; "bongbong_17@yahoo.com" <bongbong_17@yahoo.com>; "manny_nedic@yahoo.com" <manny_nedic@yahoo.com>; Jerry Sermeno <black_hawk_desolate@yahoo.com>; Elizalde Madrinan <elizaldemadrinan@yahoo.com>; Ferdie Altea <ferdie_ust92@yahoo.com>; marlon bernardino <marlon.bernardino2008@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 5:08 PM
Subject: Fw: Сomplaint of Palau

 Source: History of Chess In Palau

             By Roberto Hernandez

             October 2011

(267) HALF POINT SLIPS AWAY

CHESS AND MUSIC PART 3
THE PAST --Chess and Music: Perfect Combination by Roberto Hernandez
THE PRESENT -- Chess and Music Part 2 --Mohammad Manik Hossain and Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr. have combined chess and music which produced good results.
THE FUTURE -- Chess and Music Part 3 -- Ethan Nate Meyar, grandson of Palau President Johnson Toribiong, combining piano, guitar and chess-- the result will be worth watching.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)




             HALF POINT SLIPS AWAY

BERNARD GARCIA, I. T. Manager at Palau Pacific Resort, played his first game of 2011 Palau National Chess Championship against Mohammad Manik Hossain on Saturday, July 30 at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1 at 1:00 pm.

It was a good game with Manik ahead in the exchange (a rook for a knight) but Garcia got 2 exra pawns in return and his king is more secure than the exposed king of Manik.

Garcia offered a draw after a 2-move repetition. He informed Manik that if he will make the 3rd repetition of moves, their game will be automatically drawn.

Manik deviated from the 3rd move repetition draw and said to Garcia, " I will beat you" but lost instead in a marathon 73-move of Sicilian Defence.

Top seed Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. came just a few minutes after Manik had resigned.The next game is supposed to be Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr. vs. Garcia but Pax suggested to have Garcia play vs. Cyril and he will play against Angie Parrado who is on her way to the tournament site.

Bernard borrowed all the original score sheets of all games of the current tourney to study the games of the players especially the rated ones.

His game vs. Cyril didn't happen as he left without saying anything.

Last Sunday, July 24, Roberto Hernandez played an official game against venue host Gene Pastrana, who is still very rusty for being inactive for more than a year. He lost in just 24 moves of Caro-Khan Defence.

Ferdinand Gutierrez, who replaced Jenalyn Ortiz, played his first 3 games and lost all to Jeff Balbalosa, Jeffrey Negrillo and Pax.

He missed 2 strong moves against Negrillo and suffered a humiliating defeat that usually occurs to neophyte players.

Manik came to PRR on Wed. July 27, for a match with Edwin Acuyan but a sudden change of schedule prevented Edwin to play his first game.

Manik played one official game instead against Negrillo and scored his 2nd win. Negrillo is behind by a mere pawn in a difficult rook and pawns endgame.

He blundered away his pawn and rook and resigned immediately after realizing his mistake.

Pax overlooked a faster win over Angie Parrado on the 31st move but still managed to squeeze a whole point after an extra 19 moves of their Giocco Piano clash.

Pax is now at 4th place with a 4-2-1 win-loss-draw record. Menandro 'Boy' Manuel is on a 3-week vacation and still leading the field with 7-1-1 slate followed by Tito Cabunagan (5-1-1), Cyril (4-0-2), Pax, and followed by the surprising trio of Balbalosa at 4-6-0 card, Jose Celiz at 3-1-1 and Rudel Roxas (3-3-1).

Hernandez is at 50% after that win over Pastrana at 3-3-0.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
             Tia Belau Newspaper
             Pages 12 & 15
             Volume 20
             Issue 31
             August 01, 2011

(261) GARCIA, MERCADO, PAX SHARE LEAD WITH ELPI AND JUN

SPORTING GESTURE
Bernard Garcia, left, of Palau Pacific Resort, shakes hand with Craig Dittrich before the start of their second round qualifying round held on Sunday, September 06 at D. J. Cruz General Merchandise premises. Garcia prevailed to set up a match of unbeaten players in the 3rd round against Jun Mahor, farthest in the middle.
INSET:
MARIO RAMOS -- He's back.
ROMEO CABALLES -- 3 games in one day.
JIMBOY DE JESUS -- Very slim chance to make it.

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

GARCIA, MERCADO, PAX SHARE
LEAD WITH ELPI AND JUNE

NEWCOMER Bernard Garcia, I.T. Manager of Palau Pacific Resort, joined the other 4 players with an identical 2-0 win-loss slate in the resumption of 2009 Palau National Chess Championship qualifying round held at D. J. Cruz General Merchandise premises.

Garcia survived a quality disadvantage (2 bishops and a rook against 2 rooks and a bishop) when Craig Dittrich missed a better defence to Garcia's onslaught.

Craig's passive ...h5 move resulted in a loss of 2 pawns and a shattered kingside formation despite having consumed 8 minutes for that one move, the longest so far.

The qualifying players don't take advantage of the very long time control. Some games were finished with almost 2 hours left to both players!

Prior to his match against Craig, Bernard crushed Romeo Caballes, a cook at Furusato Restaurant, in 31 moves of Bishop Opening.

Craig was given a default win over Zaldy Necia who set up the match with Bernard. Craig said that with the current situation, he can't play in the qualifying rounds.

If he makes it to the finals and somehow he'll leave Palau, his position will be taken by the 9th placer in that final standings.

In a special game held on Thursday evening of September 03, Michael Mercado trounced Jose Misael de Jesus in 52 moves of French Defence.

Jimboy suffered another setback by bowing to Caballes in 46 moves of another Bishop Opening.

On his 3rd round game vs. Mohammad Manik Hossain, Jimboy failed to cluster a crucial win and was upset by Manik in another Bishop Opening clash that virtually ousted him from getting international ranking.

Caballes played his 3rd round game of the day against Val Vidar of Palau Pacific Resort and prevailed in their Giocco Piano encounter.

In a special game held at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1 on Labor Day Monday September 07, Paquito 'Pax' Suringa, Jr. joined the unbeaten rank by nipping Andres 'Aying' Mestizo II in 37 moves of Queen's Pawn Opening.

It seems that 'home court' advantage is at their side as all matches held at PRR were won by its players--Jaime Guevarra and Pax.

Maybe it has an effect as Jaime lost his match against Michael Mercado in their French Defence clash at D. J. Cruz General Merchandise on the evening of September 08.

Joel Flor will be given a default win over Necia. The Tutii Joe Chilton vs. Flavin Andres match, to be played at PRR Dormitory 1 on the eve of September 07, was not played and it was declared a draw to set up the ----- 3rd round pairings as follows:

1. Garcia vs. Jun Mahor 2. Elpidio Malaligod vs. Michael Mercado 3. Tito Cabunagan vs. Mario Ramos 4. Masum Billah vs. Andres Mestizo II 5. Joel Flor vs. Jamie Guevarra 6. Pax Suringa vs. Craig Dittrich 7. Elizalde Madrinan vs. Flavin Andres 8. Tutii Joe Chilton vs. Zaldy Necia

If Necia will not show up again this week, Tutii Joe will win by default.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
            Tia Belau Newspaper
            Pages 13 & 15
            Volume 18
            Issue 37
            September 14-20, 2009

(260) ENJOYING MY CHESS PRIZE WITH WIFE (PHOTOS)

After finishing 3rd in the 2009 Palau National Chess Championship, my prize of a trophy and $10.00 was traded to the gift certificate of Brunch for 2 at Palau Pacific Resort to Bernard Garcia's 4th place's prize. He said he's already fed off with the food at PPR and he prefers a chess trophy and donated the $10.00 cash prize to Palau Chess Federation.
GOOD DEAL! My wife likes the gift certificate than trophy which I have a lot already.









This is also to celebrate a belated Valentine's Day with style!








Coincidentally, our friends American couple Blaire and Scotty with their son Kia are also having lunch and swimming at PRR next to our table.
























Source: Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
             The Beginning of Chess in Palau
             By Roberto Hernandez
             To be published as a book in the future

(259) DEADLINE FOR MANIK

RARE EXPERIENCE OF BEING AT OLYMPIAD
A photo like this is an inspiration to aspiring chess players who are dreaming of playing in an Olympiad. The Philippine team here blanked South Korea 4-0 in the first round. If given a chance, grab the opportunity! No hesitation! It might not come again the second time. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)



                 DEADLINE FOR MANIK

THE organizers of 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey has given all participating countries to submit to them the final composition of each country’s team members and their position.

In an email to Palau Chess Team Captain Jamie Kenmure, the accommodation organizer stated:

“Dear Chess Friends, We would like to kindly inform you for the undefined flight details of some countries which should send us the details via online system or by mail to the organizers till 10^th August otherwise we will cancel your applications.

P. S. Also about the photos (with specific size) please send them as soon as possible (till 10^thAugust) for not to trouble as your accreditation cards will be prepared before your arrival.

Kind regards, IO Melih SAGIT Accommodation Office 40^th Chess Olympiad Istanbul 2012

Jamie emailed Roberto Hernandez about this that states:

“Hi Roberto, As the email I sent you that I received, I am a little annoyed about this threat from the organizers and I know that the Bermuda Chess Federation is as well.

I will need to know about Manik’s situation no later by 8^th of August as I have to inform the organizers by the 10^th of August otherwise they will cancel our booking for hotels and this threat has been made to Olympiad Teams participating.

That’s why Bermuda Chess Federations are annoyed as the team hasn’t even booked their flights yet.

Yours, Jamie Kenmure.

Menandro Manuel had visited the Istanbul website and found out that the Palau Chess team is booked at the Adela Hotel which is 3 kilometers away from the Olympiad venue.

Hernandez was able to contact Mohammad Manik Hossain about his current situation. He said Uchel Tmetchul and his family has come back to Palau from Hawaii but he didn’t get his permission yet because he’s gone again to Guam this time.

Hernandez firmly said to him that if he can’t confirm by the 8^th of August, then he has to forget all about participating in 2012 World Chess Olympiad and any other future chess events. This is his last chance to get committed fully and without hesitation. Not everybody is given this once-in-a-lifetime chance to represent a country in an Olympiad of Chess.

Hernandez finally convinced Manik to get committed. His first priority is to get the approval of Uchel—nothing else! From there, Hernandez will work really hard for his papers/documents in obtaining Turkish visa.

He also advised Manik not to worry about extra trips to other European countries after the Olympiad. His ultimate goal at this time is to be in Istanbul and everything will flow smoothly from there.

IT’S YOUR MOVE, MANIK! YOUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

If Manik will not make it, Jamie will have Elizabeth Manuel listed as player and Head of Delegation. With some consequences regarding with Elizabeth as a player, Menandro Manuel and Bernard Garcia commented about the worries of Jamie that Elizabeth might not be allowed to play because she is not a resident of Palau.

But she has been to Palau 3 times already and her passport will prove this. Unlike in the case of Mr. Jan Berglund in Russia, where he could not produce a Palau stamp that he’s been to Palau at least once, to be allowed to play with Roberto and Tito Cabunagan for Palau team in 2010 World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

Tia Belau Newspaper

Pages 13 & 15

Volume 21

Issue 53

August 06, 2012

(252) TOP SEEDS PREVAIL, MERCADO ESCAPES WITH A DRAW

ALL BUT ONE

Group picture of all participants (except one observer) in the qualifying round of 2009 Palau National Chess Championship. From left, Romeo Caballes, Mohammad Manik Hossain, Mario Ramos (partly hidden), Gene Pastrana, Val Vidar, Ken Pastrana, Bernard Garcia, observer, Jun Mahor, Panfilo Pepito, Jr. and Jimboy de Jesus.

I N S E T :

JOEL FLOR -- Will be invited to Pax Cup (Class A)

Elizalde Madrinan -- Still rusty

ANDRES 'AYING' MESTIZO II -- Class B Favorite

(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

TOP SEEDS PREVAIL;

MERCADO ESCAPES WITH A DRAW

THE FIRST game of 2009 Palau National Chess Championship finals was between Jun Mahor and Michael Mercado, the only unbeaten player in the qualifying round.

On his 30th move, Mahor spent 12 minutes but still missed a forced mate in 5 moves with a neat rook sacrifice.

Instead, he gobbled a pawn on d6 that allowed Mercado to counter with a rook sacrifice of his own to escape with a draw after 34 moves of Bishop Opening and stayed undefeated.

The 4 top seeds of Palau NCC were present in the opening day of the finals but only 2 of them played.

Top seed Menandro 'Boy' Manuel (FIDE rating 1942) outlasted Romeo Caballes in 56 moves of Sicilian Defence.

Manuel hang on to his one-pawn advantage and skillfully outmaneuvered Caballes in a bishop-of-the-same-color endgame.

Fourth seed Roberto Hernandez clobbered Elpidio Manaligod in 58 moves of Pirc Defence in the 3rd game on Sunday, October 04 at D. J. Cruz General Merchandise premises.

Hernandez used his skills and cautious play to avoid a repeat of his first encounter with Elpi last year at the 2008 Palau National Chess Championship where he luckily salvaged a draw.

Their last 7 moves were not written with Hernandez barely making it on time to work as musician of Palau Royal Resort starting at 6:00 pm.

Second seed Cyril Montel, Jr. and 3rd seed Gene Pastrana didn't play with Cyril practicing chess with Class B player Panfilo Pepito, Jr., who refused to play against Mario Ramos.

He said that because of schedule conflict, he's withdrawing from the tournament. Hernandez explained to him that Palau has the most flexible chess schedule in the world to accomodate ALL players regardless of their schedules.

He lost by default to Ramos but won 2 betting games against Cyril (2 soda). It's possible that Pepito will be replaced by Gene's youngest son, Ken, who volunteered to take the place of Val Vidar for 3 weeks.

Vidar's house in the Philippines was burned during typhoon Ketsana, (locally named 'Ondoy' in Philippines).

Another finalist showed up on Sunday but didn't play a game likewise. Craig Dittrich just practiced blitz chess with Pastrana and sized up the other finalists.

The lone female participant Kristen Senajon didn't make it despite the assurance from her mother that she will play at least one game.

Palau Royal Resort's pastry chef Jaime Guevarra went to the tournament site on Saturday afternoon for a possible showdown with anybody at Class B.

The only available player was Jose Misael de Jesus but they just practiced speed chess.

Guevarra don't have a Sunday off the whole year. Class B players are requested to play with him at PRR or at the tournament site on different days.

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

Tia Belau Newspaper

Pages 13 & 15

Volume 18

Issue 41

October 12-18, 2009