GM Paragua takes home 11th US overall chess title

Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua extended his winning streak in the United States as he emerged as the overall champion in the recently held New York June Action Grand Prix.

Paragua defeated American International Master (IM) Jay Bonin in the 4th round then proceeded to a draw with Russian International Master (IM) Ildar Salakhutdinov in the 5th and final round to secure the overall win at the Marshall Chess Club in New York on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

Paragua beat Isaac Barayev, Vladimir Polyakin and Leif Pressman in the first 3 rounds. He finished unbeaten with 4.5 points on account of 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 outings.

It was Paragua's 11th straight title in the US following his triumphs in the 10 Grand Prix Points Tonight (June 3), New York May Open (May 29 to 30), Original 4 rated Games Tonight (May 27 ), Prove Your Point (May 22), May Marshall Masters (May 18), Marshall Sunday Action (May 9), Marshall Chess Challenge, Saturday Game 60 (May 5), Marshall Chess Challenge April Grand Prix (April 24 to 25), Original 4 rated Games Tonight ( April 15), and Original 4 rated Games Tonight (April 8).

The victorious Filipino GM is currently preparing for the 38th Annual World Open Chess Championships slated from June 29 to July 5 at the Valley Forge Convention Center Scanticon and Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

The US event offers a projected prize fund of $250,000, with a $175,000 minimum guaranteed purse in the weeklong event.

Meanwhile, another Filipino entry at the New York June Action Grand Prix International Master (IM) Renato Naranja wound up in a tie for 14th to 25th placers in the huge group of 2.5 pointers in the 38 players’ field.

The New Jersey-based Naranja lost to American Michael Hehir in the final round.

Paragua’s stint at the New York June Action Grand Prix was supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president and chairman Prospero Pichay, Jr., Filway Marketings Inc. chief executive officer and president Hector “Chito” Tagaysay, and New York Immigration lawyer Geronimo "Gerry' Albano.