FM Villanueva Wins Malaysia Classical tournament

By Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines – FIDE Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva of the Philippines topped the standard event of the 2nd CMC Chess Club Classical Swiss Below 2400 tournament last June 5, 2023, held at the MesaMall Nilai, Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia.

The La Carlota City, Negros Occidental native Villanueva scored a perfect 7.0 points to claim the top honors after the seven-round event.

“I am happy that I was able to perform well. I felt proud, I was able to give my best,” said Villanueva, whose stint here is being supported La Carlota City, Negros Occidental Mayor Rex R. Jalandoon.

The Malaysia victory came at the heels of finishing co-champion in the Big Rook Chess Festival 2023 Standard Open tournament being held at the Thomson Hotel Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand last May 4-7, 2023.

The former Rizal Technological University (RTU) Mandaluyong City varsity player scored victories over Vagesan Sinnatambi of Malaysia in the first round followed by wins over Muhd Faris Aminuddin of Malaysia, Muhd Afdal Noor Azman of Malaysia, compatriot National Master Leonardo Alidani, Muhd Syakir Shazmeer Azhar of Malaysia, Sarmadoli Siringo-ringo of Indonesia, and Irwandi of Indonesia respectively.

Alidani, meanwhile tied for the second to third places with Muhd Afdal Noor Azman of Malaysia with 5.5 points apiece.

About The Author

Rommel Manlosa

Former Senior Sportswriter of SunStar Cebu. Also a former PSC consultant for media affairs for the Visayas. Boxing and basketball analyst with varied experience in radio broadcasting and motocross events annotating. Also an organizer of various sporting events.

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