A Decisive Victory Changes the Standings
OZAMIZ CITY- Chakraborty's breakthrough came during his fifth-round encounter against Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina. The Indian grandmaster secured the important victory in their top-board matchup, moving ahead of the competition and claiming the solo lead. The result placed him in a strong position as the championship entered its remaining rounds. His performance also drew attention to the growing international character of the chess event.
International Chess Talent Meets in Ozamiz
The Misamis Occidental Philippines International Chess Championship is a nine-round Swiss-system tournament held at AMORAP in Ozamiz City from November 11 to 16, 2026. The official tournament records list competitors representing several chess federations, including India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and North Macedonia. Among the notable participants are Grandmasters Evgeny Romanov, Vignesh N R, Nguyen Duc Hoa, and Daniel Quizon. With a standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, the competition demands sustained concentration and careful calculation.
The Battle Continues Beyond the Fifth Round
Although Chakraborty gained the advantage in the standings, the championship was not yet decided after five rounds. With four rounds remaining, competing grandmasters and international masters still had opportunities to challenge his position. Every subsequent pairing would carry importance as players worked to improve their scores and secure stronger final rankings. For Ozamiz City, hosting an international chess competition offers an opportunity to welcome distinguished players and showcase the city's place in the regional sporting calendar.
