International Masters Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Chito Garma emerged as champions in their respective divisions at the 12th Asian Senior Chess Championship, which concluded on Saturday, October 21st, at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City.
In the 65-years-old-and-above division, Bagamasbad secured the top spot after drawing with Kazakhstan’s Tuleubek Demezhanov in the ninth and final round, playing an English Opening. Garma, a two-time Olympian, claimed victory in the 50-above class after a draw against Joseph Ebenezer of India in their Guico Piano duel.
Bagamasbad’s triumph is particularly significant as it serves as a morale boost before his departure on Monday, October 23rd, to compete in the 2023 World Seniors Chess Championships, set to take place from October 24th to November 6th in Terrasini, Italy. He aims to achieve his third and final Grandmaster norm in this upcoming tournament.
Both Bagamasbad and Garma finished with 7.5 points, consisting of six wins and three draws.
In the 65-over division, IM Aitkazy Baimurzin of Kazakhstan secured second place with 7.0 points, while National Master Mario Mangubat of the Philippines took the bronze with 6.5 points.
Meanwhile, in the 50-over division, FM Rudin Hamdani of Indonesia finished second with 7.0 points, followed by GM Joey Antonio of the Philippines, who claimed the bronze with 6.5 points.
In other events, FIDE Master Adrian Ros Pacis and Antonio emerged victorious in the blitz side event in the 65-over and 50-over divisions, respectively.
