PH blitz master to compete in AQ Prime Stream tournament

Joel Delfin is one of the country’s top chess players. He does not have a chess title yet but his compatriots call him “blitz national master” because of his speed and fast thinking.

Delfin, however, aims to get a legitimate title and improve his chess ratings.

After a strong performance at the Tarrasch Knight Chess Club tournament in Makati City, Delfin is set to compete at the AQ Prime Stream FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament on July 1-2.

The tournament is open to all players and will be played at the Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City.

Joel Delfin CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 

The event is supported by AQ Prime proprietor and president Atty. Aldwin Alegre under the auspices of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Delfin is also set to compete in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open Chess Tournament on September 30, 2023 at the Open Kitchen Food Hall in Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.

Delfin is undergoing rigid training with Fide Master Carlos Edgardo Garma, Benjie Bercadez and Richard Cornell Manzano.

“He is working hard to achieve his goals,” added Manzano, who is also a famous chess blogger in the Philippines.

“He’s really fast and his moves in the blitz game are accurate.”

The AQ Prime Stream FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament, meanwhile, has two divisions — the 2001 to 2399 FIDE standard rating and the 2000 and below — which offer P10,000 each for the champion.

In the tournament, Delfin will pit minds with International Masters Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Angelo Abundo Young, Chito Garma, Ricardo de Guzman, Barlo Nadera, Ronald Bancod, Chris Ramayrat, WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, Fide Masters Christian Mark Daluz, Noel dela Cruz, Adrian Ros Pacis, Christopher Castellano and Benjie Bercadez.