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Monday, July 10, 2006
GM Paragua in simultaneous display here today
By Lynde Salgados
LOCAL chess enthusiasts get the chance to test the mettle of RP's first Super Grandmaster Mark Paragua in a simultaneous display scheduled here this afternoon (3 pm) at the Provincial Capitol Chess Park.
Among the participants of the just-held Ozamis National Open, Paragua arrived in the City of Golden Friendship on Wednesday night alongside bosom buddy National Master Rustum Tolentino, himself a native of Cagayan de Oro and an alumnus of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS).
"Trading pieces with the country's highest rated player is such an honor for every chess lover from all corners in the Philippine archipelago. His presence alone will surely heighten chess interest and development in this Northern part of Mindanao," said Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno who warmly welcomed Paragua's courtesy call at his office yesterday in the company of Misor Press department head Maricel Casiño Rivera, Provincial Capitol Chess Park president Lorimer "Memen" Moreno, and fellow PCCP officials Rudy Mayuman and Domingo Oga.
The 22-year-old Paragua, who replaced Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre as board one player of the Philippine men's team, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro the number of boards he'd be pouring energy in an exhibition games will not matter to him.
"The more players to come and try to beat me the better," Paragua said in jest.
Twice a qualifier of Fide's world championship cycle apart from being a former 14-under world rapid champion and triple gold medallist in the 2005 South East Asian Games, Paragua also conducted simul games in Ozamis and Dipolog and may take a swing to Valencia City, Bukidnon on Sunday to do the same.
"Sa ganitong paraan eh nakakatulong tayong ma-promote ang chess sa countryside areas. Nakikita ko ring miy magagaling na mga manlalaro sa probinsiya na hindi lang nabibigyan ng break," he said.
Paragua did not also discount the possibility of playing for Misor team in the 2006 inter-province chess team championship Misamis Oriental might be hosting this coming September.
"Malalakas naman ang mga players dito. Kahit dalawang koponan eh puwedeng mabuo para lalaban sa mabibigat na mga teams," said Paragua, even citing Tolentino, Johnnel Balquin, Christian Arroyo, Bryan Jose and National Masters Levi Mercado and Roger Verganio among the best local prospects for the inter chess teams rivalries.
(July 10, 2006 issue)
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