Bagamasbad keeps Asian Srs. crown, nears GM title

MANILA, Philippines — For 67-year-old Filipino woodpusher Efren Bagamasbad, age shouldn’t matter in pursuing a dream.

And yesterday, the International Master from Talisay, Camarines Sur inched closer to becoming a Grandmaster after successfully defending his Asian Seniors Chess Championships title at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Bagamasbad drew with top seed Randolph Schain of Cambodia in 21 moves of a French Defense to not only virtually clinch the crown but also to claim his second GM norm after ruling this same tournament in Auckland, New Zealand a year ago.

Bagamasbad, who will play Kazakhstan’s Tueubek Demezhanov in the ninth and final round, has seven points, or 1.5 points ahead of the chase pack in this 17-player field for chessers 65 years old and above.

“Nag offer sya ng draw, tinanggap ko naman kasi virtual champion na ako going to the last round (today) at nakuha na natin ang second GM norm,” said Bagamasbad, who will fly after this tournament to Terracina, Italy for the World Championships unfurling Oct. 24.

Over in the 50-above category, another Filipino IM Chito Garma crushed Helen Milligan of New Zealand to retain top spot after eight rounds with seven points. He’s a draw away from ruling the event.