Philippines Achieves Historic Sweep in ASEAN Para Games Chess Competition
The Philippines showcased exceptional prowess at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games chess tournament, held at Rajabhat University in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The national team delivered one of its most impressive para chess campaigns to date, amassing a remarkable total of 12 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across various categories and formats.
Dominant Blitz Performance Leads to Medal Sweep
In a stunning display of skill and strategy, the Philippine team executed a complete sweep of the medals in the blitz team event for the physically impaired men's category. Arena Grand Master Henry Roger Lopez from Panabo City played a pivotal role in this achievement, joining forces with teammates to secure gold, silver, and bronze positions.
"We had a better performance this time. We did a sweep in the blitz event," Lopez remarked in an interview with SunStar Davao, highlighting the team's surge during the final competitions. This performance contributed significantly to the overall medal count, which fell just one gold short of the team's 2023 ASEAN Para Games total of 13 golds, seven silvers, and 15 bronzes earned in Cambodia.
Key Players Deliver Outstanding Results
Lopez, competing in the physically impaired men's category, was instrumental in the Philippines' success. His contributions included:
- Two team gold medals in standard and blitz play alongside Sander Severino and Jasper Rom
- A team silver medal in rapid play
- An individual silver medal in blitz, where he notably defeated the entire Indonesian contingent
"I got silver in the blitz individual, wiping out the whole Indonesian contingent," Lopez stated. "I'm happy with our team and my performance."
The Philippines relied heavily on the consistent performances of Sander Severino and Darry Bernardo, who anchored medal runs across all three time controls: standard, rapid, and blitz. Severino dominated the physically impaired men's division, securing three individual gold medals and leading the team to gold in standard and blitz events. Bernardo matched this excellence in the B2 men's category, sweeping individual golds in all three formats and contributing to a clean sweep of team golds with Arman Subaste and Menandro Redor.
Filipina Chess Players Shine in Women's Categories
The success extended to the women's events, where Filipino athletes delivered crucial medals. Kyla Jane Langue captured gold in individual blitz B1 women, along with silver and bronze finishes in standard and rapid play. Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza added to the medal tally with performances in all three formats, including a silver in rapid physically impaired women and bronze finishes in standard and team events.
Overcoming Rivalry with Indonesia
Indonesia emerged once again as the Philippines' primary challenger, particularly in the physically impaired men's events. Lopez emphasized the significance of overcoming this rivalry, stating, "Indonesia is our closest rival in chess in the physically impaired men's category. Beating them all is a feat." This competitive dynamic added an extra layer of satisfaction to the Philippine team's victories.
In summary, the Philippines concluded the tournament with an impressive distribution of medals: four golds in standard, three in rapid, and five in blitz events. This comprehensive performance underscores the depth of talent and dedication within the Philippine para chess community, marking a memorable chapter in the nation's sports history.
