DB Bangkok joins PCAP

by: NM Winston Joseph Silva

      Team Manager-DB Bangkok

Capitalizing on a great opportunity to show their wares in a very formidable league, not to mention the golden chance to stay active during these difficult times, Double Bishop Bangkok says YES!. Such is the group’s answer to the very cordial invitation of Atty. Paul Elauria for the Thailand-based players to join the 3rd season of the esteemed Professional Chess Association of the Philippines or PCAP for brevity.

DB Bangkok’s 11-player roster is an all-GM squad, ops! how I wish hahaha. Truth be told, the team is a mixture of youth and veteran chess players. Leading the charge are the gritty FIDE Masters, an NM, a WFM, and a prodigious CM.

To give you a front-row glimpse of the line-up, FM Thanadon Kulpruethanon (2278) who had been playing top board for the Thai national team in recent years is the highest-rated player in the fold with YouTuber and recently recording artist! FM Deniel Causo who doubles as a playing coach for the group just a point shy with an Elo of 2277. FM Poompong Wiwatanadate, a former Olympiad player is the 3rd FM in the gang. NM Rolly Parondo Jr. (2201) who also served as the team’s graphic artist is surely a great addition too.  Not to be outdone, the distaff side is led by the very dependable  WFM Manunthon Atikankhotchasee alternating with youthful Natrada Kaewwattha for the ladies board.

CM Prin Laohawirapap (2125) who recently made headlines when he beat a GM in the Zonals heads a stellar cast of youthful members, to wit; Chawit Asavasaetakul (1933), Shin Jingjang (1801), and Pisut Prayoonthamrongthiti (1683). Most of these youth players have carried the Thai flag in various international events. All four are prized students of FM Causo aka “Biyaherong Coach”, and if I may add, are very handsome lads too, hahaha.

Rounding up the list is the very formidable both in play and physically! (his great physique would give you second thoughts of refusing his draw offer) is Peter Darby(1869) a regular and a veteran fixture of big events (as a player and organizer!).

The team is very thankful for the solid support by some parents of their youthful members.

On behalf of the team, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for this wonderful privilege of being a part of PCAP headed by Chairman Michael Angelo O. Chua, board members; Dr. Ariel Potot, Atty. Arnel Batungbakal, Atty. Allen Escudero, and President and Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria.