Filipino International Master (IM) Chito Danilo Garma has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the World Senior Blitz Chess Champion. Hailing from Sampaloc, Manila, the 60-year-old Garma secured the gold medal in the blitz category of the FIDE World Senior Chess Championship held at Hotel Baleira on November 22 in Portugal.
Garma’s impressive performance, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman Richard Bachmann, Commissioners Edward Hayco and Olivia “Bong” Coo, along with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, included eight victories and one loss in the tournament. The event followed a three-minute plus two-second increment time control format.
He defeated notable opponents such as Marat Primbetov (Kazakhstan), IM Ilgar Bajarani (Azerbaijan), IM Devaki Prasad (India), FM Richard Vedder (Netherlands), IM Aitkazy Baimurzin (Kazakhstan), IM Silvia Alexieva (France), IM Stefan Loeffler (Germany), and FM Pablo Alexander Ruiz Aguilar (Colombia). His only loss came in the fifth round against FM Victor Plotkin of Canada.
FM Joachim Wallner of Austria earned the silver medal, while FM Plotkin settled for bronze. Both finished with 7.0 points.
“I am very happy with my victories. It’s an early Christmas gift to me. Thank God for the blessings,” Garma said. He extended his gratitude to the PSC, NCFP leadership under Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., GM Jayson Gonzales, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, PAGCOR, and private supporters like Nova Wellness Store and Victoria Sports Club.
In the 65+ category, Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat from Minglanilla, Cebu, also delivered a strong performance, securing the bronze medal with 5.5 points. Mangubat, 66, expressed his joy, saying, “It was a tough match. I thank God for this achievement.” His participation was supported by Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, PSC, NCFP, and PAGCOR.
Another Filipino entry, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, finished the tournament with 4.0 points.
PH delegation head and coach Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. remains optimistic about the team’s performance in the Standard time control event, with five rounds remaining.
In the ongoing Standard event, Garma (3.5/6) will face FM Rudolf Meesen of Germany in the 50+ category’s seventh round, while Mangubat (3/6) will take on IM Daniel Rivera of Uruguay in the 65+ category. Bagamasbad (3/6) will play IM Nicolas Giffard of France.
