Sevillano claims Deep Blue chess plum

CEBU, Philippines – Kyle Sevillano bagged the inaugural title of the 1st Deep Blue Chess Tournament last Sunday at the Deep Blue Woodpusher's Café at SM City Cebu.

Sevillano garnered a total of 6.5 points for the coveted victory besting among 44 participants. He fended off Junry Romero in the last round.

The rest of the top four finishers had identical points of 5.5 but the rank was determined through the Buccholz tiebreaker.

Diego Claro got 36 points to occupy the second place while Marq Balbona with 33 and Raymund Abella 30.5 settled for the third and fourth places, respectively.

Claro, on the other hand, outsmarted Balbona in the final round.

The top scorers in the girls were Arlene Robillos and the eight-year-old youngest chess player Vic Glysen Derotas, who accumulated five points apiece.

The three-time Milo Little Olympics Most Outstanding Athlete, Derotas defeated Efren Tonolite.

The tournament followed the seven rounds Swiss system format with a time control of 20 minutes each player.

Aside from getting trophies, the champion also went home with a chess set and a chess book while the second had chess set and the third received a chess book.

The tournament was supported by Aboitizland Inc., Atty. Jongjong Melendez and Carlos Tan of VIS-MIN Marketing. (THE FREEMAN)