(225) TOP 4 IN THE SEMI-FINALS

BEEN IN PALAU FOR A FEW WEEKS
Jose Celiz, right, has been to Palau for only a few weeks. Just in time to join the 2011 Rapid Chess tourney to replace the vacationing Jojo Escapatoria. He defeated erstwhile Palau number 1 chess player Menandro Manuel, left, in his first game. Menandro is playing with Mohmamad Manik Hossain, whom he beats easily. Tito Cabunagan is watching on the sideline. WELCOME TO PALAU, JOSE !!!
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)




TOP 4 IN THE SEMI-FINALS

THE PALAU Royal Resort's employees division of the current 2011 Rapid Chess tournament is in full swing with the return from vacation of Ferdie Altea.

Joel Gabris also played his first 3 games, losing the first one to Ferdinand 'Bong' Gutierrez. He won his 2nd game against Randy 'Buhawi' Sioson and in their 2nd game, Joel committed a touch move 'violation' by touching his queen and put it on a square where it will be captured without compensation.

BUT... he hadn't let go off the piece yet. Randy complained and Joel put it to the square he first intended to put.

According to the FIDE Laws of Chess, unless a piece has been off the hand of a moving player, he can still change it to wherever legal moves it can go.

Upon learning this information, the two decided to play another game.

Altea won his first 2 games against neophyte Dan Roldan.

In other completed matches, Rey Alenain scored a sweep over Sioson.

This version of tournament is giving the top 4 finishers the semi-final slots with the top seed (No. 1) facing No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3.

The winning duo will play for the championship with the champion getting a gift certificate of dinner for 2 at PRR and the 2nd place, lunch for 2 at PRR.

Rudel Roxas is still leading the field with Elizalde Madrinan, Jeffrey Negrillo, Gutierrez, Miguel Gancayco, Altea, Joeman Alerta and Erick Ventinilla still have mathematical chance to make it to the top 4 spots.

Players are requested to play all their games agains Miguel and Rey Alenain as Miguel will be having a vacation and Rey will be leaving Palau for good on April 19.

The Palau Chess Federation is thankful to Toti Abundo, Deputy President of Asian Chess Federation for giving Swiss Manager software to PCF and Papua New Guinea Chess Federation.

Swiss Manager is the official tool being used by World Chess Federation (FIDE) in their official tournaments around the world.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 13 & 15
Volume 20
Issue 14
April 04, 2011
Issue 14