Barcenilla earns third GM norm

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino International Master Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. won over Georgian GM Zviad Izoria to earn his third and final GM norm in the recently concluded Copper State International Chess Championship held May 29-June 3 in Mesa, Arizona.

The former San Sebastian College standout, playing white, prevailed after 31 moves of a King’s Indian Defense, according to the United States Chess Federation website.

Barcenilla, now based in Chandler, Arizona, finished with seven points after 10 games of play in the event won by Uzbek GM Timur Gareev with eight points. Gareev dashed IM Daniel Fernandez’s own hopes for a GM norm with the final round victory after 29 moves of a Queen’s Pawn Game.

IM Alex Lenderman, 19, brought downed IM Levon Altounian to earn a GM norm, his first after 41 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense. He finished with 7.5 points.

Barcenilla is to join the elite circle of Filipino GMs, including Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio, Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano II, Mark Paragua, Wesley So, Darwin Laylo, Jayson Gonzales, John Paul Gomez, Joseph Sanchez and the late Rosendo Balinas Jr.

Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), congratulated Barcenilla for his feat.

“I’m proud and happy to announce that we have a new grandmaster in Banjo,” said Pichay.