Thursday, 30 July 2026 · Philippines
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Filipino NM Robert Arellano rules Solas Charity Rapid Tournament Open chess tilt in Ireland

Manila---Seasoned woodpusher and National Master (NM) Robert Arellano emerged as the champion in the Solas Charity Rapid Chess Tournament Open last Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the Solas Garden Centre Portarlington, Laois in Ireland.

NM Arellano, who plays for the IIEE-PSME-Quezon City Simba's Tribe in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), pocketed the championship trophy for ruling the tournament which fielded over 50 woodpushers.

He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition (rapid time control of 15 minutes plus 10 seconds increment).

NM Arellano defeated Jain Tushar, Niki Mullins, Korneliusz Bartczak in the first and third rounds, respectively.

He split the points with Mustakim-Ul Haque in the fourth round.

Then he beat FIDE Master Rory Quinn in the fifth round, Vitaliy Salmin in the sixth round and Darun Govindaraju in the seventh and final round.

“I am truly humbled and honored to represent our country in this prestigious event here in Ireland," said Arellano, an OFW engineer in Ireland. "I would like to dedicate my victory to my countrymen," added Arellano, one of the top players of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) Chessmasters chess club.

IIEE National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez congratulates Engineer Arellano for his latest success in the International arena.

“This is a very good year for waving the Philippine banner in the international arena. These championship trophies are hard-earned and well deserved,” said Engr. Alvarez, nephew of the late Senator Heherson Alvarez.

“Once again, the Philippines has shown that it is not far behind the chess leaders in chess competitions. Huge congratulations to National Master and Engineer Robert Arellano," last word of Engr. Alvarez.-Marlon Bernardino-

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