(121) Jerry Sermeno Returns, Dealt Menandro His First Loss

JERRY MAKES PNCC MORE INTERESTING
Menandro Manuel, left, lost his first game of the tourney to Jerry Sermeno, who is making a grand comeback to competitive chess. Watching their game is Jeff Balbalosa, who is suggesting the return of Angie Parrado. Welcome back, guys!!!                                                                 (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


                      JERRY SERMENO RETURNS;
              DEALT MENANDRO HIS FIRST LOSS

THE LIMITED to 15 participants 2010-2011 Palau National Chess Championship is now intact with the return of Jerry Sermeno to active chess. He will replace the slot made vacant by Amante Caballero's withdrawal in December last year.

This was confirmed by Dennis Gonzales upon borrowing Ivan II Chess Computer from Roberto Hernandez at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1 where all the games are played.

Dennis and Jerry will play as many games as they can on Sunday to catch up. Dennis has played only one game so far because he took a vacation in mid-December. He won over Mohammad Manik Hossain on Nov. 24.

Manik will play Palau's top player Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. on Sunday also from 11:00 am. At stake is a case of soda for all staff living at Dorm 1 if Manik will beat Cyril. Manik's record is 7 wins against 5 losses.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE EMAIL OF GARY BEKKER, FORMER OCEANIA ZONE PRESIDENT: "Dear Gentlemen, it is certainly a shame that Palau will not be represented at this year's Oceania Zonal Chess Championship. One thing I am still very proud of achieving during my tenure as Oceania Zonal President was the increased participation of smaller Oceania chess federations each year, even if that meant offering personal sponsorship to assist with travel expenses. Thank you for offering what assistance you have to Roberto and Mohammad. Hopefully they can form a full team for the 2012 World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul. Jamie, have you have any luck securing any sponsorship or support for the Palau Chess Federation through your contacts? Perhaps you can set up a Palau Chess Team fund now, and seek support from the Philippine community? Anthony, will anybody from the Solomon compete in the Oceania Zonal? If not, is there a chance of organizing another Solomon Islands international this year, similar to the one we ran together in 2009? I'm sure I can encourage a few FIDE rated players to take part. All the best for the Oceania Zonal Chess Championships! Warmest regards, Gary Bekker".

In the last game of Sunday, Jan. 9, Cyril clobbered Ferdinand 'Bong' Gutierrez in 39 moves of Caro-Kahn Defence. It was the 3rd consecutive win for Cyril after losing his first round match to Tito.

Latest results of Sunday's games (Jan. 16): Cyril nipped Manik in 39 moves of Giocco Piano. The one case of soda goes pfft! Manik was asked if he will buy half case if he will drew his game but a draw is also not possible.

Jeff Balbalosa suffered another setback after losing to Hernandez in 29 moves of Sicilian Defence when Jeff lost a whole piece (a knight) on the 7th move. He lost his 6th straight to Tito in 32 moves of King's Pawn Opening.

Before his game with Hernandez, he mentioned that one of the pioneer lady chess player in Palau, Angie Parrado, would like to join if there is still available slot for her. Two hours later, Hernandez decided to give priority to pioneer players.

He talked to Manik, Tito and Jeff about the possibility of replacing Masum Billah, who is on vacation and will be back on Feb. 7 where it is impossible for him to play 2 games every day to catch up as he has played only one game so far, a loss to Manik.

When it was decided by the group, that win by Manik will be carried over in his favor. So Angie will start with a loss already. Available players are requested to play with her even on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. She is working now with Jeff Balbalosa at Surangel & Sons.

Jerry Sermeno played his first game against Jeffrey Negrillo and prevailed in 38 moves of Queen's Gambit Accepted. Dennis Gonzales played his first game after his vacation and lost to Menandro Manuel in 44 moves of Queen's Pawn Opening. It was Manuel's 8th straight win.

Dennis bounced back from a loss and outplayed Jeff Negrillo in just 15 moves of Sicilian Defence, the shortest game so far in the tournament.

The last game of the day was the upset of Sermeno to Manuel in 44 moves of Sicilian Defence. A crowd is watching the return of Jerry Sermeno and the applause was given to him for making this tournament more interesting.

Manuel under-estimated his opponent as he didn't play against him before in 2004 Open. Jerry didn't qualify in Class A division.

A night match was set for Dennis and Tito on Monday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 pm so that Dennis can catch up. The possible match up against Hernandez is not possible on Wednesday night.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper 
               Volume 20 
               Issue 2 
              Page 10-11
              January 10, 2011