Philippines, 03 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


PH bet Cantela bags chess gold in Malaysia


PhilBoxing.com


MANILA---CONSIDERED as a promising chess talent since seven years old, General Trias, Cavite's National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela finally shine as the brightest star for Team Philippines in the ongoing Malaysian Chess Festival 2023 at the Cititel Midvalley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Barangay San Juan Uno pride Cantela emerged as the shining star for the Philippines when he scored a win and draw in the last two rounds to nail the title and the gold medal in the Open 16-under class with 5.5 points out of a possible six dubbed as 12th Dato' Tan Chin Nam Foundation Open Rapid Age-Group Chess Championship last Sunday, August 27.

He defeated countryman Christian Mendoza in the penultimate round and split the point with Ishaan Quan Tze Navaratnam of Malaysia in the sixth and final round en route to the crowning glory.
Cantela also defeated Jaishivan Sivanesan Paranam of Malaysia in the first round, Zhen Sean Ong of Malaysia in the second round, Yu Hang Koay of Malaysia in the third round and compatriot Kaye Lalaine Regidor in the fourth round.

Mendoza of Antipolo City, Rizal Province settled second for the silver while Regidor of Santa Rosa City, Laguna wound up third for the bronze to complete PH domination.

The 15-year-old Cantela, a Grade 11 student of Far Eastern University-Diliman also won a silver medal at the SMS Deen Merdeka Open Rapid Team Chess Championship 2023 last Friday and Saturday, August 25-26.

Cantela's exceptional performance not only earned him a silver medal in Board 1 but also showcased his unwavering ambition to become the country's newest Fide Master.

Representing the ASEAN Chess Academy U16 Big Boys Team, Cantela completed the 9-round Swiss system tilt with the highest score of 8.0 points to grab the runner-up honor.

Cantela opened his campaign with a win over WCM Jia-Tien Chua of Malaysia then followed it with victories over Wei Jun Peong of Malaysia, Chen Xi Koh of Malaysia, WFM Qurota`ain Khadijah of Iran, IM Chee-Meng Jimmy Liew of Malaysia, Shan Wen Tin of Malaysia, Thamil chelvan Poovendtiran of Malaysia and Guo Hao Ng of Malaysia.

His only loss was at the hands of Zhe Kang Law of Malaysia in the seventh round.

Cantela is set to compete in the World Youth Chess Championships to be held on November 12 to 25 in Montesilvano, Italy.

He is also scheduled to play in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open Rapid Chess Championships on September 30 at the second floor Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.

Cantela, under the suoervision of Atty. Jesseboy Remulla Grepo - City Councilor of Gen. Trias, aims to raise his standard rating of 1864 to more than 2000 this year. He is also on track to earn the prestigious titles of FIDE Master and International Master in the near future.

The young and promising chess player also thanked his parents for their support.

“Big thanks to my family and the people who helped me," said National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela, who learn the rudiment of chess at the age of six.

"We knew it was a tough journey for you, but every step is now well worth it." said his father Kevin Cantela.

“We are very proud of you. Your mama and I are happy for all your achievements,” he added.-Marlon Bernardino-


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Allan Villanueva vs. Jyl Wright Headlines Peter Maniatis Event in Melbourne Oct. 3
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BUSTAMANTE AND JONES NAMED CAPTAINS FOR REYES CUP 2025
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson Joins BoltBetz as Strategic Investor and Promotional Partner to Usher in a New Era of Cashless Gaming
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
    , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • TKO and Zuffa Boxing sign streaming agreement with Paramount
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Boxing Ephemera, Pacquiao’s Mouthguard, and the Meaning of It All
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • A turning point for global sport: IBA President Umar Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr join forces
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Rosia captures PBF super fly title
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Tancontians starred 2025 Sports Heroes Night
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • “Thrilla” guest list
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 28 Sep 2025
  • Why Do So Many Boxers Play eGames?
    , Sun, 28 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.