Paragua biggest gainer in PH-FIDE ranking
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/10/2011 5:40 PM Updated as of 03/10/2011 9:13 PM

So, Antonio remain on top

MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua is the biggest gainer in the latest Philippine-World Chess Federation (PH-FIDE) rankings for the month of March.

Paragua, the 1998 Disneyland France World Rapid Under-14 champ, collected 26 points to hike his 2521 ELO rating to 2547.

The ELO rating of the New York-based Bulakeño went up because of his performances in several tournaments in the US chess circuit.

Paragua now occupies the No. 3 spot in the PH-FIDE rankings, behind GM’s Wesley So and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, who remained at No.1 and 2 spots, respectively.

So now has an ELO rating of 2667 while the 12-time RP Open champ Antonio has 2589, the highest rating he got in his career.

So is expected to break the 2700 ELO mark before the end of the year. Antonio himself is aiming to break the 2600 ELO barrier.

Paragua’s best ELO rating is 2621 in April 2008. So, meanwhile, reached the 2674 rating in July 2010.

Other Pinoy chessers with top rankings include GM John Paul Gomez (2538), GM Roland Salvador (2532), GM Darwin Laylo (2516), GM Joseph Sanchez (2513), IM Oliver Barbosa (2506), GM Eugene Torre (2495) and IM Richard Bitoon (2480).

According to NCFP President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., the Philippines climbed at No. 29 in the World Federation rankings.

“Aim natin na mag-Top 10 sa buong mundo 5 years from now,” said Pichay.

Russia remains the top country in the world of chess.

GM Viswanathan Anand of India and GM Magnus Carlsen of Norway occupied the No.1 and 2 spots in terms of world player rankings.

Anand has an ELO rating of 2817 while Calrsen has 2815.

GM Judit Polgar of Hungrary is the top female player with 2686.

So is ranked at No. 4 in the Top 20 Junior Boys. – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

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