Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · Philippines
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CEBUANO GM JOSEPH SANCHEZ TIED FOR 6TH PLACE IN CANNES CHESS TOURNEY

Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Joseph Sanchez defeated Italian International Master (IM) Gabriel Battaglini in the 9th and final round of the 27th International Chess Winter in Cannes, France yesterday.

The Cebuano-Paris based Sanchez finished in a tie for sixth to tenth places in the tournament.

Sanchez tallied 6.0 points. He earned tenth place honors with a lower tie break points against sixth-placer GM Vladimir Dobrov of Russia, seventh-placer IM Alexander Donchenko of Germany, eight-placers IM Roberto Mogranzini and ninth-placers GM Michelle Godena of Italy.

IM Kore Akshayraj of India beat Donchenko in the final round to bring home the title with 7.5 points, half-point ahead with second-placer GM Ruben Felgaer of Argentina and third-placer GM Eltaj Safarli of Azerbaijan, both tallied 7.0 points apiece. Tied for fourth to fifth placers with 6.5 points each are IM Axel Rombaldoni of Italy and GM Viorel Iordachescu of Moldova.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero ?Butch? Pichay Jr. and NCFP Committee Chairman for Grassroots Development and Promotions Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares of Bayan Muna lauded Cebuano GM Sanchez top 10 finish. ?Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayan made it to the top 10," he added. -Marlon Bernardino-

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