(811) WATCH OUT FOR MARCIAL SANTANDER (TBN-Oct. 20, 2014)

DARK HORSE OF 2014 PNCC

                     Marcial Santander, sitting at middle, will try his mettle against Palau FIDE rated players in this year’s PNCC. He attended the Gospel concert of Pastor Sammy Bagcat in Sept. 7 at Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4^th Watch) and met Roberto Hernandez there. He asked to join in the 2014 PNCC to recover his top form.                (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)


             WATCH OUT FOR
         MARCIAL SANTANDER
 

 It’s final now that the 2014 Palau National Chess Championship will start on Nov. 16, 2014 and will conclude on Jan. 18, 2015. The format and time control were published already last issue.

                Last Sunday, Oct. 12, some players showed up and paid their registration/membership fee to Palau Chess Federation Treasurer Dennis Gonzales. Those who paid will be issued receipt and ID later which is good for the whole year of 2015.

                The first newcomer to pay both is Marcial Santander of Hallmark Hotel (formerly Marina). He practiced rapid chess with fellow newcomer Felix Oling of Palau Royal Resort. Those other players who practice are Elpidio Manaligod, who gave Roberto Hernandez good chess matches where Elpidio won 2 games in a row. When Roberto changes the strategy and defense, he won the rest of the games.

                Tito Cabunagan also practices rapid chess with Felix while an unknown newcomer tested Roberto and lost a rook early. He still hung on but resigned a few moves later.

                The last few games were blitz chess with Paquito Suringa, Jr., Cyril Tomas Montel, Jr. and Roberto till 6:30 pm when it’s getting dark.

                On their way back to PRR, Felix told Roberto how good Marcial is. There is rustiness in his games but Felix can feel the potential. Marcial said to Roberto that he played varsity chess games in the school in Philippines. It will take just a few games for him to regain his top form. WATCH OUT FOR MARCIAL!

                The Oceania Chess Confederation held a meeting at Rica Hotel in Tromso, Norway on Aug. 13, 2014. The attendees were Paul Spiller (Chair), Gary Bekker (Aus), Jan Berglund (Palau), Roberto Hernandez (Palau), Virgilio de Asa (Fiji), Joselito Marcos (PNG) and Leonid Sandler (Aus).

                Apologies from Brian Jones, Jamie Kenmure, Hilton Bennett, Bob Gibbons, Kerry Stead, Gary Wastell, Kevin Bonham, Leon Ryan and Shaun Press.

                Mr. Paul Spiller was elected new President of Oceania Zone 3.6 because Brian Jones will step down after the Tromso Chess Olympiad. The date of 2015 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship is slated on July 03-09, 2015 at Norths Chess Club in North Sydney. Dr. de Asa will step down also as president of Fiji Chess Federation and he recommended Leon Ryan or Joselito Marcos to replace him on the executive board at the next OCC meeting in Auckland, New Zealand in Jan. 2015.

Dr. de Asa reported that 19 Fijian players received qualifications including 3 FIDE Instructor (FI), 3 National Instructor (NI) and 13 Developmental Instructor (DI). In particular Calvin Prasad received the FI and FA and Gloria Sukhu the FA and Ni qualification. Their Fijian rep player Kieran Lyons also completed an FA training course in Tromso together with Roberto, Jeffrey Balbalosa and Leon Ryan.

               Roberto also reported that Palau now has 1 FI, 6 NI, 7 DI and an FA after Eric Ksau Whipps completed and passed an FA course in UAE during the World Youth Chess Championship.

                Mr. Spiller would like the member federations to forward to him their 4-year developmental plans. Fiji and Guam did so. And finally, Roberto would like to have assistance with coaching e.g. a visit by a GM for 3 months in preparation for the next Olympiad.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 4146: 1. …Qxa2+!! 2. Rxa2 Rxa2+ 3. Kg1 or Kh1 Rd1 mate. Congrats to Neph Macasaet for solving this puzzle. He’s back!

              This week’s puzzle No. 4147: Black to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 10

             Volume 23

             Issue 84

             October 20, 2014 

(784) PALAU WILL BID TO HOST 2017 OCEANIA ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP (TBN-Sept. 15, 2014)

AWESOME THREESOME
    

The threesome and handsome, from left, CM Joselito Marcos, IA and former Oceania Zone President Gary Bekker and Roberto Hernandez, have contributed immeasurable time, efforts, technical and financial contributions to the success of developing chess in Oceania Zone. This photo was taken at Rica Hotel in Norway, where the sun doesn’t set. The 3,000 participants of 2014 World Chess Olympiad never experience darkness in their 15 days stay!    (Photo by Roberto Hernandez - taken by Rica Hotel employee)


  PALAU WILL BID TO HOST 2017
        OCEANIA ZONAL CHESS
             CHAMPIONSHIP

 

                IN THE 2010 questionnaire that the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has sent to Roberto Hernandez, Secretary/Treasurer of Palau Chess Federation, one of the questions there is “What are your plans in the next 4 years?” One of Roberto’s answers is “To host the 2015 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship.”

                It’s not possible for Palau to host it next year because it will be held again in Australia (Sydney) in July 2015. The OZCC is being held alternatively in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, where Roberto was invited by Fiji Chess Federation President Dr. Virgilio de Asa, to attend the 2007 OZCC. Nobody can afford the airfare of $2,750.00 even though Paul Spiller of New Zealand donated his $100.00 cash prize in the 2006 inaugural Palau Invitational Chess Championship, for the sole representative of Palau to Fiji OZCC.

Roberto was able to attend the 2009 OZCC in Gold Coast, Australia because its President then, Mr. Gary Bekker, provided Roberto with airfare subsidy of $500.00. The excess of about $300.00 was shouldered by Mr. Bekker from his own pocket.

The 2011 OZCC was held in Rotorua, New Zealand in January 25-31, 2011 with Roberto and Tito Cabunagan planning to participate. A few weeks before the event, Tito withdrew. Mohammad Manik Hossain is willing to replace him but the shortness of time prevented Roberto and Manik to go even with $300.00 travel subsidy for each of them from Mr. Spiller. Only Joselito Marcos of PNG made it.

In the 2013 OZCC in Fiji again, CM Bernardo Garcia and cancer survivor Paz Ngiratechekii tried to participate but didn’t made it also.

                During to Closing Ceremony of the 2014 World Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway, Roberto Hernandez and Paul Spiller of New Zealand-- the newly elected Oceania Zone President, have sit beside each other on the bus going back to their hotels. It was then that Mr. Spiller confirmed that CM Kurt Meier died of heart attack while playing on the last and final day of the Chess Olympiad. The organizers have given Mr. Meier a victory in his unfinished game against Alain Patience Niyibizi of Rwanda.

                During their conversation, Roberto mentioned to Paul that maybe Palau can host the 2017 OZCC. A shine in Paul’s eyes supported fully the idea. He said the Sheik of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi is donating $5,000.00 as cash prizes for every OZCC. There is also a travel fund of $500.00 each from 2 reps from Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, Guam, New Zealand and Australia.

                Mr. Spiller is expecting 25 players from those countries to participate. He said Roberto have to find a good hotel that will accommodate the players and free use of tournament venue. The first hotel that comes to Roberto’s mind is the Island Paradise Resort Club where the 2014 Micronesian Open was held and the place was used for free. If they can give discounts to the players and free use again of the place, it will be a good promotion for both parties.

                In the 2015 OZCC in Australia, Mr. Spiller is requesting Roberto and a woman player to participate with travel subsidy and accommodation for only 2 players from Palau. It will be also the perfect time to confirm Palau’s bid to host the 2017 OZCC. PCF President Erick Ksau Surangel Whipps will also be invited to convince the organizers that Palau is ready for this occasion.

Those players who want to go (CM Bernardo Garcia, Jose Celiz, Tito Cabunagan, Jeff Balbalosa, Dennis Gonzales, Paz Ngiratechekii, Angie Parrado, Baby Edna Mission), must plan this early to pay for their own airfares and accommodation like what CM Joselito Marcos did in 2009.

                Palau has gone high-tech now (although halfway) with the purchase of 3 digital chessboards and 15 chess clocks that’s have been using now in Olympiads and other international events.

                Those digital chessboards will be used only by top 6 players of Palau. It’s in the process now of testing it for maximum results and will enhance the quality of plays of Palau chess players.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle: 1. Nf6+! gxf6 2. Qg4+ Kh7 3. Rh1 mate.

               This week’s puzzle: White to move and mates in 3 (Solution next issue)

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez

             Tia Belau Newspaper

             Page 10

             Volume 23

             Issue 74

             September 15, 2014 

(231) FIJI CHESS FEDERATION PRESIDENT IS A DOCTOR

FIJI CHESS FEDERATION PRESIDENT
IS A DOCTOR

FIJI WILL host the 2007 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship in May 5-12 at Nadi. The event is the first step for World Chess Championship cycle.

This is the second time that Fiji will host this prestigious event and its federation's president is a doctor, Virgilio de Asa.

The doctor wrote an email letter to Roberto Hernandez, Chairman of Knights and Rooks Chess Club and Secretary/Treasurer of Palau Chess Federation that read as follows:
Hi, Roberto, Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for having Palau Chess Federation affiliated as one of the newest member of FIDE and as such member of Oceania Chess Federation.
I was attending the General Assembly in Turin, Italy when there was a big scramble for your proxy, which you had initially given to Australia via Gary Bekker (the Right Move camp), until Campo confided to me that he eventually got your proxy (that's chess politics).
On a personal note, I have always supported Campo and his ticket because of FIDE's assistance to Fiji chess through CACDEC.
On another note, I heard that you successfully organized the 2006 Palau Invitational Chess Championship and I would like to extend an invitation to Palau Chess Federation to send your best-placed local player to compete in the 2007 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship which will be held in Nadi, Fiji from May 5 to 12.
As member of Oceania, your official rep will be entitled to hotel accomodation in a 5-star hotel resort during the duration of the event plus full breakfast and free entry fee.
Airline travel will not be covered.
Regards, Dr. Virgilio de Asa, President, Fiji Chess Federation and Chairman, Organizing Committee.

All the top 10 Palau chess players can't afford the $2,750.00 round trip airfare from Palau to Fiji.

Number 8 Morton Sawaichi can only afford $800.00 to $1,000.00 while number 4 Roberto Hernandez can only raise $800.00.

Palau Chess Federation Chairman Francis 'Sno' Temaungil was offered to represent Palau in Fiji if he can raise the amount needed.

In good response, he said he can raise that amount but he don't like to play because he is not yet good enough to be competitive and endorse his friend, Palau's first National Master Manny Nedic.

If things materialize, Palau will be able to send for the first time a player a player to represent Palau in international tournament.

Palau is now rated 148th out of 150 member countries of World Chess Federation (FIDE) with 6 players now getting international rankings because of their strong performance in the 2006 Palau Invitational Chess Championship held at Palau Royal Resort and Palasia Hotel from August 31 to September 04, 2006.

Their names and ratings can be seen on the internet www.fide.com Click in Country top and stats.


WESLEY SO, 13, PHILIPPINES CHESS CHAMPION!
WE HAVE seldom seen a more collected and more mature 13-year-old than Wesley So. Two years ago, nothing from his attitude over the board announced the momentum still to come: tranquil, relaxed and almost sleeping at the chessboard.

Yet most of his opponents were fated to find out the lethality injected in the moves of this young man who just accomplished some major achievements: International Master (IM) Norms, first Grandmaster (GM) Norm and winning Philippines National Champion title.

He was asked, "From your perspective, how was it for you during the Philippine National Chess Championship?" He replied, "At first, I was not sure if things were going well for me, since I have encountered a lot of formidable opponents, that is why a happy surprise for me and I thank God for it".

He said his father William is very helpful. He introduced the game to him and always inquiring for tournaments.

His mother is very caring too. Michael Carino was one of his earliest trainers. However, lately, he had no serious sparring partner. There was no chess in his school.

However, it (St. Francis de Assisi College System Bacoor, Cavite) is supportive, considering his schedule and sports activities.

How did he achieve the IM Title? He joined several international tournaments beginning last May 2006 and got his IM norms from 8th Dubai Chess Open, San Marino Open and Malaysian Open respectively.

He prepares for tournaments by practicing 4 hours a day.He studies and analyzes the games in the updated software/materials provided by Mr. Regie Tee.

Of the past and present players that he likes the most, Gary Kasparov is his favorite. His goal in thel near future is to achieve his GM title as soon as possible.

His won game that brough him the biggest joy was his last round in the National Open Championship against IM Richard Bitoon because he qualified for the Zonal.

Many youngster of his age are now looking up for a player like him and his advise for such aspiring players is to work hard and enjoy what you are doing.

He plans to continue schooling and finish his studies -- Business Management.

His favorite food is Chinese food and his other hobbies are reading books, watching TV, listening to music and playing counterstrike.

His current FIDE rating is 2451 and his achievements in 2006 were: 4th place in Singapore Masters; Philippines Champion; 6th place at GMA President Cup; Champion of Calvia, Spain Bltiz Under 16; Malaysian Open Under 16 Champion; San Marino Open Under 16 Champion; played in Calvia Chess Olympiad and the youngest Philippine Olympiad member ever.


Source: Fiji Chess Federation President is a doctor
By Roberto Hernandez
Island Times Newspaper
Friday the 13th
April 13, 2007

(227) CHESS AT 2015 PACIFIC GAMES

LOBBYISTS (JOSELITO AND SHAUN)
Joselito Marcos, left, and Shaun Press, middle, of Papua New Guinea are asked to lobby the PNG Organizing Committee to include Chess as one of the optional sports in the 2015 Pacific Games. New Zealand's Paul Spiller, right, had a controversial game vs. Lito at the 2009 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship. (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)




CHESS AT 2015 PACIFIC GAMES

THERE IS a great possibility that chess might be included in the 2015 Pacific Games to be held in Papua New Guinea.

In his email to Brian Jones, the Oceania Chess Confederation (OCC) President, Dr. Virgilio de Asa noted the following:

Brian, you should be working/liasing quickly with your contacts in Samoa, Tonga or New Caledonia. We need to identify another Pacific regional country who is willing to organize themselves and form a national chess federation just like what Guam Echecs did and on advice affiliated with their NOC.
As Mr. Blas, president of Guam NOC has mentioned, the Pacific Games Council will have its AGM in August 2011 and will need at least 3 months notice to forward its Agenda to all its members. So we have until early May to work this thing out.
The current president of Pacific Games Council is Vidhya Lakhan, preseident of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) who is also the patron of Fiji Chess Federation. I can assure you of his support once we've got the required number of six countries in the Pacific community.
We also need a strong support from our OCC members in the Pacific --Palau, Solomons and particularly PNG since the 2015 Pacific Games will be held there. Joselito and Shaun should help lobby the PNG Organizing Committe to include Chess as one of the optional sports in the Games (once we've got the magic number).
You've mentioned that Gary with OCC funding is planning to organize an Invitational Tournament in New Caledonia, any definite timetable? Regards, Virgilio (President, Fiji Chess Federation).

That email is in response to Brian's email to Leon Ryan of Guam Echecs that says:

Dear Leon, I was pleased to note your recent correspondence with Dr. Virgilio de Asa. We would be pleased to welcome Guam Echecs (Island Chess) as an associate member of Oceania Chess Confederation (OCC).
Additional information is available at our website www.oceaniachess.com I look forward to you joining us from 1 January 2012 and hope to see you and your players in Fiji if not before.
Details of the Queenstown tournament are available at http://www.newzealand.chess.co.nz
The OCC meeting will probably take pace on Saturday 21 January 2012. Please send news or details of your Executive Board if possible.
Also, do you have any contact with USCF or submit games for rating? I note that GM Ray Robson was born in Guam!
Please do not hesistate to contact me if we can assist in any way. Best wishes, Brian Jones --President, FIDE Zone 3.6 (Oceania)

In the resumption of 2011 Rapid Chess tournament at Palau Royal Resort Dormitory 1, Ferdie Altea remains as the only unbeaten player after scoring another sweep off Miguel Gancayco, who had a vacation on April 08.

Rudel Roxas, Elizalde Madrinan, Jeffrey Negrillo, Ferdinand Gutierrez are still leading the race for top 4 finishers who will make it to the semifinals.

There are no games played on Sunday, April 03 as Mohammad Manik Hossain has to leave before 3:00 pm for work and no players arrived. Manik arrived at 11:30 but Celiz arrived with Tito Cabunagan at 1:45 and Manik had left already.

Tito and Jose just practice blitz chess while waiting for other players.


Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
Pages 12 & 15
Volume 20'
Issue 15
April 11, 2011