Filipino chess player Darry Bernardo secured a crucial victory on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, propelling him into a tie for the top spot at the ongoing 3rd Asian Chess Championship for players with disabilities.
Bernardo's Win Forges Three-Way Lead
Bernardo, a native of Pampanga, defeated his fellow countryman Felix Aguilera in the third round of the tournament. This win brought his total score to 2.5 points, matching the tallies of two other leaders: Israel Peligro of the Philippines and Alimzhan Ayapov of Kazakhstan.
"I hope to perform well in this event and gain some Elo rating points," Bernardo stated, highlighting his dual goals for the championship. His path to the top included a draw in the second round against arena grand master (AGM) Henry Roger Lopez from Panabo City.
Intense Battles in Men's and Women's Divisions
The competition remains fierce across all categories. Co-leader Israel Peligro earned his points by edging out Uzbekistan's Axadxon Kimsanboyev and then splitting a point with Kazakhstan's Ayapov. "I hope to sustain my momentum," Peligro said. Ayapov had earlier scored a victory over Menandro Redor.
Meanwhile, AGM Henry Roger Lopez recorded his second consecutive draw, this time against Arman Subaste. This result places him at the head of a group of players with two points each, which includes Kimsanboyev, FM Sirojiddin Zaynidinov of Uzbekistan, Subaste, and Azizbek Safarov, also from Uzbekistan.
In the women's division, the Philippines' Kyla Jane Langue and Vietnam's Thi Hong Nguyen share the lead with a perfect three points apiece. Langue defeated Ma. Katrina Mangawang in the third round, adding to her second-round win over Kazakhstan's Natalya Gorokhova. Thi Hong Nguyen overcame Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza and had previously beaten Aiganym Kambarova of Kazakhstan.
Prestigious Event with Direct FIDE Titles at Stake
The championship is a major event in the para-sports calendar, organized by the Tagaytay Chess Club in cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Para Chess Association. It is held under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The stakes are high for the competitors, as champions will receive direct FIDE titles and trophies. Furthermore, the top three finishers in each category—including divisions for the visually, physically, and hearing-impaired—will be awarded medals.
The tournament showcases not only strategic brilliance but also the remarkable spirit and determination of athletes from across Asia.
