In the Top 100

We are asked by the NSWCA president, Bill Gletsos, if Mark Paragua is, in fact, in the top 100. After all, Paragua's rating is 2618 - equal 99th place with Atalik and Istratescu. Naturally, we can only agree with Mr Gletsos' eagle eyes!

And so, I must correct myself. Paragua is definitely in the top 100 and not in 101st place. Mr Gletsos has the thanks of an entire nation for his attention to detail.

Meanwhile, the Manila Standard reports that Paragua is now gunning for the Top 50 by April - FIDE's next rating release. To that end, the young Pinoy GM will play in a series of events abroad. According to aforementioned paper, the list of tournaments include: "Moscow Open on Jan. 29-Feb. 6; the Aeroflot Open on Feb. 8-16, which will be held both in Moscow, Russia; the International Open Tournament Ciudad de Morelia on Feb. 20-28; the French Team Championships between April and May in France; the Spanish Team Championships between August and September and the German Team Championships between October and December".

For Pinoy readers, here is the link. I apologise to English speakers in advance if you cannot read the Tagalog portions.