FM Mark Jay Bacojo wins the PSC - NCFP Men's Selection Chess Championship Grand Finals 2024
The PSC - NCFP Men's Selection Chess Championship Grand Finals was a riveting 13-round robin tournament characterized by intense strategy, skill, and sportsmanship. In a dramatic finale, FM Mark Jay Bacojo drew with IM Michael Concio Jr, both players have identical 9/13 points. FM Bacojo emerged victorious over IM Concio, clinching the championship through superior tiebreak in most number of win games with 7 wins than Concio's 5 wins making the triumph all the more impressive.
FM Mark Jay Bacojo, demonstrating exceptional prowess throughout the competition, managed to hold his nerve against some of the most formidable competitors in the tournament. His games were marked by strategic finesse and calculated risks, traits that have become synonymous with his playing style.
IM Michael Concio Jr, no stranger to the spotlight, put forth a commendable performance as well. His matches were a masterclass in tactical depth and aggressive play. Concio’s ability to recover from precarious positions and innovate on the board made him a formidable adversary.
Throughout the tournament, Bacojo's strategic vision, determination, experience and unwavering composure were evident in his tournament. Let's see some of his brilliant games in the tournament.
In Round 1, In the diagram above FM Bacojo played the nice move 22...Nf3+!, (If 23. Qxf3 Qxe1+, if 23. gxf3 Bxh3!) the game continued 23. Kf1 Nxe1 24. Bxe8 Bd4 0-1
In Round 3, In the diagram above, FM Bacojo played the nice move 51...Rb1, in a complex rook endgame, the rook belong behind the passed whether your own or opponent's pawn and converted to win
In Round 5, In the diagram above, FM Bacojo played the nice move 77...Rxe5!, converting into easire R+2P vs R endgame and win the game.
In the diagram above, Lim played 20. Ba5? miscalculated the tactical fireworks after 21...Qxa5 22. Rxc4 d5! 23. Rc2 (If 23. Rh4 g5! -+) Qxa4 -+ and win the game.
The results after round 13
The Final Standing after 13 rounds.
Bacojo’s victory at the grand finals not only enhances his reputation but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players in the region. The success story of the championship reflects the continual progress and growth of chess within the Philippines, bolstered by events designed to highlight and nurture outstanding talent.
In the end, the PSC - NCFP Men's Selection Chess Championship Grand Finals will be remembered for its thrilling gameplay, its display of mental acuity, and the sportsmanship exhibited by its players. FM Mark Jay Bacojo's win illustrates the essence of competitive chess—where strategy, resilience, and occasionally, the finest of margins, determine excellence.
Chess has always been more than just a game to us; it is a journey of self-discovery, a test of character, and a source of endless fascination and joy.
Thanks for reading and good luck to our chess and life journey.
by Coach Gerald Ferriol