Alex Milagrosa, ‘Chinese killer’ of PH chess, dies at 62

Alex Milagrosa, who gained fame by defeating 3 strong Chinese players in the 1989 Far East Bank-Philippine Open, died after he fell and hit his head in the bathroom of his sister’s home on Monday, August 31. He was 62. 

“He went to the comfort room and then he felt dizzy and fell on a hard spot,” said his sister Fermina in a text message to Rappler. “We asked for help hoping he could survive but when we brought him to the hospital, he was gone.”

His body lies in state at 305 Lavender Building, Eusebio Bliss, 4 Kaayusan Village, Manggahan, Pasig. Burial is set at 1 pm Sunday, said Fermina.

The Bohol-born Milagrosa, the third of 10 children, had been the coach of the FEU high school chess team for 15 years.

So ended the life of one of the most colorful of the country’s national masters. His reputation was cemented following wins over the top Chinese trio of Ye Jiangchuan, Ye Rongguang and Deng Kong Liang – which earned him the nickname the “Chinese killer” – in the 1989 Far East Bank-Philippine Open. 

Already feared for his whiplash attacks in chess clubs, a bigger audience was treated to his slashing style in the 1989 event.

Of his victory over Ye Jiangchuan, one of China’s top players, Chess Asia wrote: “One of the most brilliant games of the tournament. If there is a brilliancy prize, this should have gotten it. Milagrosa’s conduct of the game from the opening to the culmination of the attack is quite exemplary.”

Milagrosa’s conquests took place a few days after China defeated the Philippines, 13.5-10.5, in an eight-board match, the winner of which qualified to the World Team Championship.

There were some who shook their heads in dismay that Milagrosa should have been inserted in the team match, seeing how superb were his wins.

Philippine chess legend Eugene Torre said Milagrosa could create attacking chances or pressure against a position.

“He was capable of upsets against anybody,” said Torre.

Jayson Gonzales, FEU’s head coach, said Milagrosa was “one of my idols in the attack.” 

“He would show me some of his games and explain how he broke up the opponent’s positions,” said Gonzales. 

His attacking skills were honed from hours of playing all-night blitz matches in his youth. Milagrosa’s openings were limited to the Sicilian Defense and King’s Indian Defense, but he knew them inside and out.

Milagrosa also amused chess players for singing popular tunes – his favorites were those by Tom Jones, Michael Bolton and James Ingram – after a game or even during the awarding ceremonies. And he would attack the high notes as easily as finding the clincher in an attacking position. – Rappler.com