Chess4thai Main Event 2013

NM Ric Portugalera of the Philippines ruled the recently concluded Chess4thai Main Event last September 21, 2013 at the Bangkok Trade and Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Portugalera scored 5.5 points in the 7-round rapid chess event in a tie with another Filipino, Jimson Bitoon who scored the same number of points. However, Bitoon had to settle for second place due to lower tie-breaks.

Tied from 3rd to 4th were Tupfah Khumnorkaew of Thailand and top-rated Henry Calacday of the Philippines who each scored 4.5 points. Also tied from 5th to 6th with 4 points each were Akshaj Balasubramanian of India and Poompong Wiwatanadate of Thailand. The complete results can be viewed at http://chess4thai.info/tour1/cme2013/result/ . 

With the win, Portugalera made it two in a row for the Philippines as the Chess4thai Main Event 2012 was also won by another Filipino. Results of last year's tournament can be viewed at http://chess4thai.info/tour1/me2012/ . 

Here is the game of Ric in round 5 against top rated Chess4thai player Henry Calacday of the Philippines: