GM MARK PARAGUA TOPS JULY EDITION OF MARSHALL CHESS

FILIPINO Grandmaster Mark Paragua defeated American International Master Justin Sarkar in the fourth and final round to rules the just ended July edition of Marshall Grand Prix in New York, over the weekend.

Paragua, who beat Eve Litvak and Michael Bodek in the first two roundds before settling a draw with Leif Pressman finished undefeated with 3.5 points on account of three wins and a draw, the same output of co-champion American GM Michael Rohde whom Paragua beat in the tie break points for the title.

The 2003 Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete Paragua, playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. whose stint here is backed up by New York immigration lawyer Geronimo “Gerry” Albano and Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/President Hector “Chito” Tagaysay is fresh from an over-all 17th place in the World Open Chess Championships (Open category) in Pennsylvania  last July 5 and second place in the blitz competition and followed 3rd place finish in the 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight in New York last July 8.

Last July 5 also in the World Open Chess Championships Under 1200 section, Mary Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua, wife of GM Mark share the top honors with fellow 8.5 pointers Vietnamese Tram Pham.

Dacayo-Paragua, former University of the Philippines (UP) bet and Tram Pham, both received US$3,232.50 for sharing the top honors in the event jointly organized by husband and wife tandem Bill and Brenda Goichberg of the Continental Chess Association (CCA).

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO