GOVPH

Filipino places 6th in Asian Seniors Chess Championships

18 August 2024, Ulaanbaatar – While admittedly a “later-comer” in the sport professionally, a Filipino recently made waves in an international chess tournament held in Mongolia.

Jose Efren Bagamasbad placed 6th in the recently concluded Asian Seniors Championships held Ulaanbaatar on 09-19 August 2024.

Mr. Bagamasbad, 67, competed in the 65-year-old-and-above category.

The Asian Chess Championships are held annually, with two categories: the 50-64 year-old category and the one with players 65 years old and above.

It is not the first time Mr. Bagamasbad competed in the Asian Seniors Chess Championships; He earned the title of “International Master” when it was held in New Zealand in 2022, while he was champion when it was held in the Philippines last year.

Chess started out as a hobby for Mr. Bagamasbad, he said when he spoke with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, which covers the Philippines’ diplomatic relations with Mongolia.

Philippine Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz congratulated the Filipino chess player. “Efren’s triumph is proof of the importance of pursuing one’s passions, because there can be no limits if we put our minds to it,” the Ambassador said.

While he started playing chess as early as 8 years old, it was his studies that his father wanted him to focus on. Eventually, he would earn a Chemical Engineering degree in 1979.

“Chess was a hobby of mine during that time,” he said.

With his day job, he would be able to join his first international tournament only in 1990, and only because it was held in Manila. He reached the finals of the Far East Chess Open, earning him the title of “National Master.”

He would join another international tournament in 2006, one that was held in Malaysia – by then he was already retired.

He may have started late, but it is all worth it for Mr. Bagamasbad, as he now gets to play a sport that has long been his passion.

In November this year, he hopes to compete in the World Senior Championships in Portugal (30)