Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · Philippines
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Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion

Porto Santo Island, Portugal ---Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion.

The 66-year-old Mangubat, the pride of Minglanilla, Cebu topped the Rapid tournament at the 32nd FIDE World Senior Chess Championship on Saturday at the Hotel Baleira in Porto Santo Island, Portugal here.

Mangubat, whose stint here is being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by its chairman Richard Bachmann, commissioner Edward Hayco, commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Cong. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro "Al" Tengco, Victoria Sports Club, Nova Wellness Store and Minglanilla, Cebu Mayor Rajiv Enad, tallied 4.5 points in six outings to clinch the title in the 65 over category.

International Master Aitkazy Baimurzin and Marat Primetov of Kazakhstan notched 4.0 points apiece to settle for second and third places.

Last Friday, Mangubat also won the bronze medal in the Blitz event of the FIDE World Senior 65 over category.

International Master Chito Danilo Garma, in the meantime won the 50 and above category of the Blitz competition.

"I m really happy with my performance today. Winning the Rapid event is so much meaning to me. Aside from winning the bronze medal in the Blitz competition," said Mangubat.

Other member of the Philippine team are International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Coach Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (Marlon Bernardino).

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