66-year-old Pinoy chess player bags title in 2022 Asian Senior Chess Championship

A 66-year-old Filipino chess player bagged the title in the 2022 Asian Senior Chess Championship held in Auckland, New Zealand.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras," Jose Efren Bagamasbad became the country's newest International Master with his achievement.

Bagamasbad, who hails from Talisay, Camarines Norte, said he traveled 48 hours due to a delayed flight before the competition.

"Talagang kulang na kulang ang tulog ko during that time. Wala akong maisip, parang salag lang ako nang salag sa mga binabatong atake ng kalaban ko," he said.

("I lacked sleep during that time. I couldn't think of anything, I was just parrying the attacks hurled by my opponent.")

Following his win, Bagamasbad also copped third place in the New Zealand Open.

The senior woodpusher said he wanted to join the competitions back in 2021, but he could not due to the pandemic. But he did not give up and trained himself so he can be ready when the opportunity comes.

"Ang panalo ay wala sa edad, nasa tira 'yan. Kung kailangan mo ng magandang tira, kailangan mo ng training. 'Yung training, hindi yan magde-depend sa coach, hindi 'yan magde-depend sa teacher, nasa player 'yan," he said.

("Victory doesn't depend on your age, it's on your move. If you need a good move, you need training. Training doesn't depend on the coach, it doesn't depend on the teacher, it's on the player.")

With the International Master in the bag, Bagamasbad is now aiming for the Grandmaster title. He also hopes to pass on his skills to his granddaughter.

—MGP, GMA News