Paragua wins Pangasinan tourney

Mark Paragua, the 25 years old world simul record holder wanna be, just added one more title to show off before his attempt at breaking the world record later this year. Mark captured the Gov. Espino Rapid chess tournament. Mark should win one or two more tournaments to add to his credibility and his competency before the date of the simul. By mid-November, it's wise if he'll skipped from participating in any tournaments for his preparation. Report by NM Marlon Bernardino:

GM PARAGUA BEATS NM PASCUA; TOPS GOV. ESPINO CHESS; POCKETS P10,000

GM Mark Callano Paragua turned back National Master (NM) Haridas Pascua in the seventh and final round to snare the title and the top prize of P10,000 in the inaugural Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup Open Rapid Chess Championships at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan, held over the weekend.

The Tondo, Manila born Paragua, the 2003 Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled athlete prevailed with the white pieces after 40 moves of Reti Opening to finish undefeated in the two-day (October 24 and 25) tournament with a total 6.5 points on account of six wins and a draw, organized by Menard Pulido, the founder/ Vice President, Pangasinan Chess Association; Vice President-NAPCA Northern Luzon, Vice President PACE Northern Luzon and Coordinator of NCFP in Pangasinan.

After winning the first three rounds against the local player here in Pangasinan, Paragua subdued NM Allan Macalla in the fourth, drew with fellow GM Rogelio “Joey”Antonio Jr., in the fifth, then toppled Dick Gicain in the sixth before beating NM Pascua in the seventh round enroute to the championship’s trophy.