Filipino triumphs as champion of the 6th ZOR Chess Championship 2023 in Dubai

Santiago German, a 20-year-old Filipino chess prodigy, emerged victorious at the prestigious 6th ZOR Chess Championship 2023, held last April 29 in association with the Consulate of Uzbekistan in Dubai. German’s outstanding performance and strategic brilliance secured his well-deserved title as the champion of this thrilling international chess tournament.

Santiago German, the son of Dubai-based businessman Lito German and his wife Ditas, currently resides partially in the UAE, where his parents are based, as well as in the UK, where he is an undergraduate student at the University of Warwick. As an international player, Santiago possesses both FIDE and ECF ratings, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the game.

(From left to right) Chief Arbiter Abdouli Majed Ali, 1st Place Champion Santiago German, ZOR Dubai Co-Owner Mr Mirzo Hafizov, and Grandmaster Kayumov Sergey

While pursuing his studies, German actively participates in various chess leagues, including the Coventry League and the Birmingham League. At present, he is flourishing under the tutelage of renowned Chess Grandmaster Saidali Iuldachev, multiple winner of the Uzbekistani Chess Championship and the personal coach of many notable Grandmasters such Nordibek Abdusattorov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov.

German’s journey in the chess world started relatively late at the age of 14, when he founded the Chess Club at the American International School of Jeddah during his time living in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, he has already managed to establish his place in the winner’s circle having emerged triumphant in several tournaments throughout the United Kingdom, including first place at the Coventry Rapidplay in December 2021, a second-place finish at the Major Section at the 44th Kidlington Chess Tournament in Oxford in February 2023, and in the same month, he also emerged as the champion of the Major Section for the Coventry Open Tournament. Including his win at the 6th ZOR Chess Championship 2023, all of German’s  victories come with undefeated records. 

“It is an immense honor and privilege to represent the Philippines in chess tournaments, as our country has produced some truly exceptional Grandmasters,” German noted. “I am thankful to all my coaches, and most especially the Filipinos who supported me all throughout this competition. By God’s grace, I hope to win more trophies for the country, as I make my way up the international ladder,” he concluded. 

ADVT.