Honoring with Pride and Profound Sadness the Passing of Chess Champion, FIDE Master Sander Severino

Photo from Sander Severino’s Facebook

It is with pride and profound sadness that we honor the passing of FIDE Master Sander Severino, a Filipino chess champion whose achievements brought honor to the country and inspiration to many.

A FIDE Master, Severino earned the distinction of world chess champion after winning the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) Online World Championship in 2020. He went unbeaten with eight wins and one draw, topping the field and besting five-time champion International Master Igor Yarmonov of Ukraine.

His passing comes just weeks after another sterling performance—this time on the regional stage—where he delivered an outstanding showing at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, bringing home three gold medals and one silver.

Beyond medals and titles, Sander Severino’s legacy is one of discipline, courage, and excellence. He showed what is possible when talent meets perseverance, and his story will continue to encourage athletes, chess players, and Filipinos everywhere—especially within the PWD community—to pursue greatness.