PACIENCIA, DOCENA, CAOILI RULE INTERNATIONAL CHESS

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—International Master Enrique Paciencia, Woman National Master Jedara Docena and Woman International Master Arianne Bo Caoili emerged winners in two International Chess Championships—Singapore and London.

The Tacloban, Leyte native Paciencia, who virtually capture the coveted title on Monday settled a draw with fellow IM Lim Yee-Weng of Malaysia in the ninth and final round yesterday to finished unbeaten 7.5 points on six wins and three draws in the Commonwealth Open dubbed as Singapore International Chess Festival 2009 at the Singapore Scouts Association in Singapore.

The pride of Tagbilaran, Bohol Docena, on the other hand toppled Jung Young Hoon of Korea in the final canto to dominate the Singapore Challengers section also with unbeaten record of 8.0 points on seven wins and two draws.

Paolo Bersamina drew his final match against countryman Mari Joseph Turqueza to finish into a tie for 2^nd to 3^rd placers with Rezon Yanuar of India after tallying identical 7.0 points apiece. Rezon clobbered fellow Indian ace Gokhale Raghunandan V .

The Filipino campaign here in Singapore Chess Festival is supported by NCFP president/ chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

In London, Fil-Aussie Woman International Master Arianne Bo Caoili continued her winning run after beating Woman Fide Master Sabrina Chevannes of England to virtually clinch the prestigious title and raise her total 7.0 points in eight outings going to the final round yesterday.

Sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the 10 player’s field round-robin Women’s Invitational tournament dubbed as London Chess Classic event being held at the Olympia Conference Center, Kensington in London.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.