Filipino Louie Salvador reigns supreme in Thailand's FIDE Standard Chess Tournament

Filipino woodpusher Louie Salvador emerged as champion of the Rooky Mini -Open 2025 Standard Open Chess Championship (FIDE rated) at the Forum Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand held last April 4 to 7,2025.

Salvador finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with 6 points on account of 5 wins and 2 draws to clinch the title and the Thai Baht 10,000 cash prizes.

He defeated Muhammad Wildan of Indonesia in the first round, Yuta Abe of Japan in the second round, Zhengcheng Liu of China in the third round, FIDE Master Alexander Chernyavsky of Russia in the fourth round, and Arsens Batashevs of Latvia in the fifth round.

He split the points with FIDE Master Arif Rahman Saragih of Indonesia in the sixth round and countryman Remark Bartolome in the seventh and final round.

Actually, Salvador and Batashevs, both tallied 6 points apiece, however, the former (Salvador) took the title with superior tie break points.

"Thank you Lord for the victory. Thank you to my family and my friends. Thank you to everyone. Thank you for all your support" said the Quezon City resident Salvador, who is currently based in Bangkok work as a chess teacher.

Salvador is a former San Sebastian College standout under the wings of multi-titled coach National Master Homer Cunanan.

Second from left, Filipino Louie Salvador.