Sunday, 02 August 2026 · Philippines
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FM Nelson Villanueva wins Malaysia chess standard tournament

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

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

"I'm happy that I was able to perform well,"said Villanueva, whose stint was being supported La Carlota City, Negros Occidental Mayor Rex R. Jalandoon.

"I feel proud, I was able to give my best," added Villanueva, 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.

"Congratulation Fide Master Nelson Villanueva! You made the country proud," said Bayanihan Chess Club secretary-general 1996 Philippine Junior Champion Fide Master Robert Suelo Jr., a close confidante of Villanueva.

The former Rizal Technological University (RTU) Mandaluyong City standout Villanueva scored victories over Vagesan Sinnatambi of Malaysia in the first round, Muhd Faris Aminuddin of Malaysia in the second round, Muhd Afdal Noor Azman of Malaysia in the third round, National Master Leonardo Alidani of the Philippines in the fourth round, Muhd Syakir Shazmeer Azhar of Malaysia in the fifth round, Sarmadoli Siringo-ringo of Indonesia in the sixth round and Irwandi of Indonesia in the seventh round.

Another Filipino entry National Master Leonardo Alidano finished in a tie for second to third places together with Muhd Afdal Noor Azman of Malaysia. both tallied 5.5 points apiece.-Marlon Bernardino-

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