GM Mariano is chess player of the month

Grandmaster Nelson Mariano II was named as the first-ever "Chess Player of the Month" of the newly formed Chess Journalists Association of the Philippines (CJAP). CJAP said in a press statement released on Saturday that Mariano, a former Asian junior champion, was chosen for the honor after finishing in a four-way tie for second place with three Vietnamese players in the recent Asian Zone 3.3 chess championships held in Vietnam. That second place finish was enough for Mariano to be the Philippines' top finisher in the tournament. Mariano actually was looking for a better finish but lost in the four-player playoff. Composed of editors and sportswriters covering the chess beat, the CJAP is headed by Ed Andaya of People's Tonight. The other CJAP officers are Roy Luarca of Philippine Inquirer and Dante Navarro of Philippine Star, vice presidents; Arman Armero of Standard Today, secretary; Joey Villar of Philippine Star, treasurer; Dani Simon of Police Files, auditor; and Noli Cruz of Manila Bulletin/Tempo and Cristine Moncada of Malaya, PROs. The formal induction of CJAP officers is scheduled on February 12 at the National Press Club with National Chess Federation of the Philippines president and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay as guest of honor.- GMANews.TV