By Angel Joyce C. Basa

After bagging the bronze medal and securing a Grandmaster (GM) norm, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Woodpusher and International Chess Federation (FIDE) International Master (IM) Mark Jay Bacojo boasted Filipino and FEU pride in the Russian Chess Crown Standard A held last February 19 to 26 in Moscow, Russia.

“To achieve a GM norm in Russia, a country with such a deep and rich chess history, is something I will never forget. I am very happy not just for myself, but because I was able to bring this prestigious achievement to FEU and to my beloved country. It proves that Filipino chess players can compete and succeed on the world stage,” he shared in an interview with FEU Advocate.

With a new title and a podium cap, Bacojo earned an overall rating of 85.8 points and a 2,633 performance rating.

In the 10th round of the tourney, the green-and-gold chesser sophomore went up against Russian FIDE Master Stanislav Bukreev in a 70-move match in the Queen’s Pawn duel to earn the GM norm.

Before the penultimate round, Bacojo impressed the league by gaining 83.8 rating points and a performance rating of 2,667.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s chess Rookie of the Year shared that becoming a GM has always been his goal, aiming to use this experience to boost FEU in the league.

“My ultimate goal during my time here at FEU is to become a Grandmaster. In the UAAP, I want to use this experience to perform at my best and help the team dominate. I’m ready to prove that FEU is a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

The FIDE IM added that this milestone will serve as a motivator for the Morayta-based squad in building a championship-worthy team.

“This achievement is a milestone, not the final destination. We will continue to give our best effort in every game. More importantly, we will double down on our training, because that is [how] championships are truly built,” Bacojo stated.

The Tamaraw Woodpushers concluded Season 88 with a silver finish in the men’s chess tourney, where Bacojo captured a gold medal on Board 1.

The Russian Chess Crown Standard A is a high-class international chess tournament with a 10-round Swiss-system format joined by players rated 2,050 and above from across the globe.

(Photo courtesy of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines Facebook page)