SARDINIA, ITALY---Filipino Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad bags the 65-and-over title crown en route to a Grandmaster norm and an outright International Master title at the conclusion of the 2022 Asian Seniors Championships held from October 15 to 21 at the Auckland Rose Park Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.
Still an active tournament player at 66, Bagamasbad emerged unscathed with 6 wins and 3 draws for 7.5 points that gave the top player of PCAP's Laguna Heroes the 65-and-over division crown plus the coveted gold medal.
“I’m very happy to win again, especially in an international tournament like this Asian Seniors with One Grandmaster norm and an outright International Master title. Maagang Pasko ito (This is an early Christmas gift),” said Bagamasbad, who pocketed the top prize of $350 plus free single room and food at the 2023 World Seniors Chess Championships.
Miles Patterson of Australia finished with 7.0 points for the silver medal plus IM norm while Fide Master Robert W Smith of New Zealand wound up third with 6.5 points for the bronze.
Robert Racasa, acknowledge God Father of Philippine Memory and long-time supporter and close confidante of Bagamasbad had something to say to the latest achievement of the latter's "Congratulations to the newest International Master of the Philippines IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad for bagging the 2022 Asian Seniors Chess Championships in Aukland, New Zealand. Nagbunga yung mga pinaghirapan natin."
Meanwhile, International Master Gary Lane of Australia dominated the 50-and-over division crown with 8.0 points in nine outings.
He also got a Grandmaster norm for his effort aside the gold medal.
Another Filipino entry and Singapore based Fide Master Arlan Cabe came in second with 7.0 points for the silver plus International Master norm.
Fide Master Alexei Kulashko of New Zealand settled for third with 6.0 points for the bronze medal.
Woman Fide Master Vivian Smith of New Zealand (in the over-65 category) and Candidate Master Helen Milligan of New Zealand (50-and-over) won the top Woman awards, respectively.
Other Pinoy woodpushers who participated in this week-long event were CM Benjamin Lim, Nunilon Fulo III and Ceferino "Jun" Isaac, all based in New Zealand.-Marlon Bernardino-
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