Guzman captures 2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open Standard Challenger title

By Marlon Bernardino

BANGKOK, Thailand — Filipino wood pusher John Paul De Guzman emerged as a champion of the 2nd Bangkok Summer International Chess Open Standard Challenger after prevailing on tie-breaks at the Royal Benja Hotel here on Sunday, August 2.

De Guzman, a Finance Outcome Owner at Sandstone Technology Philippines, finished tied for first place with Canada's Michael Karl Rohland with 7.5 points after nine rounds in the Standard event, played under a 90-minute time control with a 30-second increment per move. Organized by Nick Cholapat Chongstitwattana of Big Rook Chess Academy, the tournament saw De Guzman claim the title by virtue of superior tiebreak points, while Rohland settled for second place.

"Enjoying the sweet taste of victory. All the hard work finally paid off," said De Guzman, the pride of Iloilo City.

The victory added another milestone to De Guzman's growing international résumé. He previously won the Singapore Challenger Section in 2024 and finished runner-up in the Bangkok Challenger in 2025.

A group of seven players finished with 7.0 points, namely Russia's Nikolay Gutsulyak, Filipinos Lorenzo Aaron Cantela, Jerick Faeldonia, Carl Zirex Sato and James Infiesto, along with Thailand's Jarunpol Sajjapornthep.

Meanwhile, John Franz De Asis, Woman National Master Antonella Berthe Racasa, Rhoven Roi Castil, Ivan Resti Garcia, Malaysia's Yusof Kamaluddin, Giecel Pacubat, National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., Jeremi Nodon of Japan, and Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza all scored 6.5 points.

Special category awardees included Faeldonia (Top Junior), Sajjapornthep (Top Senior), Racasa (Top Lady), and Castil (Top Unrated). Sato, Infiesto, De Asis, and Mendoza also received special awards in recognition of their performances, with Mendoza representing the Philippine Paralympic Chess Team.

De Asis, an active member of the Ang Dios Gugma Community and a pride of Amaia Scapes in San Jose, Iloilo, commended the tournament organizers.

"Congratulations to the organizing committee on a fantastic job. Their hard work, excellent planning, and dedication made the tournament a huge success," he said.