Cebuano NM Elwin Retanal missed back-to-back titles, but made sure he doesn’t go home empty-handed as he landed first runner-up in the Mati Open Chess Tournament recently at the Emmanuel Pelaez Gym in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
Retanal finished just half a point away from overall winner Paolo Prado.
Retanal was actually tied with Brene Parreno and Gerald Cavan, but got the higher placing due to a superior tie-break output.
The fifth to 12th placers were Reynaldo Gempeno, Jay Bolicatin, Adrian Dimakiling, NM Abdullah Bin Rawahah Unding, Gil Rodis, NM Prospero Cruz, Eric Fernandez, Arnel Aton and NM Cendric Magno. —Caecent No-ot Magsumbol