MANILA, Philippines – After a successful chess clinic, FIDE Master Christopher Castellano and International Master Ronald Bancod will travel to Asia in pursuit of higher titles and more honor for our country.
The brightest prospects of Philippine chess will be leaving on Saturday to join the 3rd Mini Penang Chess Open 2023 to be held on April 24 to 28 at the Methodist Boys School ACS Union in Penang, Malaysia.
The duo gave a free chess clinic in Infanta, Quezon last April 8 and and another at Olongapo City last April 16 together with National Master Marlon Bernardino which aims to discover future chess talents at the grassroots level who might become masters boosting our national pride.
“We hope to perform well and gain some Elo rating points in Penang, Malaysia,” said Castellano, the 2017 Thailand Rapid Champion. ” I am grateful that my long-time friend and trainer IM Ronald Bancod assisted me in this valiant endeavour.” added Castellano, one of the top players of PCAP’s Magic Mandaluyong Tigers.
Castellano, who honed his chess skills under the guidance of late Asia’s First International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso. It shall be recalled that he also won numerous tournaments in the past in Malaysia.
Castellano, a University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music graduate student is the top chess teacher at Life Academy International School and White Knights Chess Club.
Backed up by the sportsman, Raymond Linsangan, Mr. Simeon Co, and Atty. Nikki De Vega, FM Castellano, and IM Bancod are set to compete in UAE, Thailand, and Singapore before concluding their campaign with a stint at the Malaysian Open Chess Festival on the way home. – Marlon Bernardino
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