ShareThis
July 16, 2010
NEW YORK —
A fresh breath in a foreign country while triumphantly accomplishing his mission, Filipino GM Mark Paragua defeated American International Master (AIM) Justin Sarkar in the fourth and final round to rule the just ended July edition of Marshall Grand Prix in New York.
Paragua beat Eve Litvak and Michael Bodek in the first two rounds before settling a draw with Leif Pressman to finish undefeated with 3.5 points on account of three wins and a draw — the same output of cochampion American GM Michael Rohde whom Paragua beat in the tie break points for the title.
Paragua, the 2003 Southeast Asian Games’ most bemedalled athlete playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. is backed up by New York immigration lawyer Geronimo “Gerry” Albano and Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/President Hector “Chito” Tagaysay. He placed 17th overall in the World Open Chess Championships (Open category) in Pennsylvania last July 5 and second place in the blitz competition, followed by third place finish in the 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight in New York last July 8, according to Philippine IM Marlon Bernardino.
Last July 5 also in the World Open Chess Championships Under 1200 section, Mary Christine Joyce Dacayo-Paragua, wife of GM Mark shared top honors with fellow 8.5 pointer Vietnamese Tram Pham, added.
Dacayo-Paragua, former University of the Philippines (UP) bet, and Tram Pham received US$ 3,232.50 each for sharing the top honors in the event jointly organized by husband and wife tandem Bill and Brenda Goichberg of the Continental Chess Association (CCA).