Faeldonia stuns Chinese-Taipei rival, grabs share of lead in Bangkok Summer Chess Open

BANGKOK, Thailand — Filipino teen sensation Jerick Faeldonia impressively opened his campaign, defeating Bang Fu-Yeh of Chinese Taipei to seize an early share of the lead in the 2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open on Wednesday, July 29, at the Royal Benja Hotel.

Playing with the black pieces, the 17-year-old Faeldonia outclassed his opponent in just 28 moves using the Sicilian Defense, Kann Variation, to improve to a perfect 3.0 points after three rounds.

“I hope I can hold the momentum,” said Faeldonia, a Grade 11 student at Arellano University and a certified Arena International Master.

Faeldonia is tied for the lead with fellow Filipinos National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., Lorenzo Aaron Cantela, John Paul de Guzman, Ivan Resti Garcia, and Don Julio Ezekiel Turla.

Also sharing the top spot with 3.0 points are Thailand's Jarunpol Sajapornthep, Chawakorn Maetavittayakorn, Gavin Siridanupath, and Proudpitcha Suthiponpaisarn; Vietnam's Nguyen Hoang Vi and Nguyen Sy Le; and India's Prakash Satyam.

The Philippine contingent's participation in the tournament is backed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman and President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Theo Panga, Governors Trina Firmalo-Fabic and Luis “Chavit” Singson, Mayors Jon Jon Ferrer, Alex Advincula, and Menchie Abalos, Vice Mayors Jonas Labuguen, Anthony Suva, and Gian Sotto, Representatives Ony Ferrer and Kiko Barzaga, Barangay Chairman Christopher Cheng, and international billiards and snooker champion Marlon Manalo.

(Marlon Bernardino)