Short walking tall

His name is Nigel Short but he’s arguably walking tall after he captured the Piaya Network Negros International chess crown  at the Ikthus Osborn Hall in Bacolod City last Thursday.  GM short of England beat GM Srinath Narayanan of India in the final round to finish with 8 points and pocketed the $3,000 champions purse and a glass trophy.  It’s been sometime since a  big tournament was held in the country. I met Nigel Short in 1992 when he led England together with  GM John Speelman to the  World Chess Olympics held in Manila.  In fact,  I have a photo of Short as he  battles former world champion Vishy Anand, also of India.  In 1992, I was appointed by then PSC chair Cecil Hechanova to be the physical conditioning coach of the National Chess team that included GM Eugene  Torre and then IM Joey Antonio.  Incidentally, Antonio was also in Bacolod.  Joey ended up tied for fourth with six points with IM Tran Minh Thang of  Vietnam, Narayanan and Pinoy IMs Oliver Dimakiling and Kevin Steven Yap of Cebu City Cebuano  Ted Montoyo also joined the event.

World seniors

Speaking of Torre and Antonio, the two grandmasters will represent the  Philippines in the 2017 World Seniors Chess Championship set in Acqui Terme, Italy next month.  Torre  65, recently ruled the Asian Seniors Chess Championship in New Zealand.  Antonio, a 13-time National champion will compete in the 55 and over age category.

Elvisaya  at  IEC

As I was packing my bags  for a little  rest in Iloilo and Bacolod and while nursing a bad colds, realtor Ric Inting of Land Asia called. Ric said I can’t say no anymore as my name is in the program of the 25th Land Asia 25th Anniversary bash at the International Eucharistic Center.  I told Ric I have a fever and “pagaw” but Ric won’t even accept my medical certificate.  Ric said I’ll be serenading 10 pretty contestants of the Miss Land Asia beauty contest.  Like a true trouper, I was at the center and performed to the big  turn-out. Songbird Apple Abarquez also performed.  Ric, you’ve come a long way. Next stop will be in Bacolod City where Elvisaya will perform in the Uytiepo Grand Reunion.  Elvisaya will render “Rock a Hula Baby” with sibling Chiquit Armonio (a certified dancer) doing the hula- hula. Aloha!

Did you know?

Dennis Weaver, better known as the 1970 TV cowboy cop McCloud, came sixth in the 1948 US Olympic decathlon trials.

Joe Davis, one of the greatest snooker players, only had one eye.

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner 1976 Montreal Olympics decathlon champion, revealed in her memoir, “The Secrets of  my Life” she has taken the final step to becoming a woman, gender-reassignment  surgery. She said her penis had no “special gift ”or use and she was tired of tucking the damn thing all the time.”