Dableo win propels AFP-A to chess title

International Master Ronald Dableo downed National Master John Paul Gomez on the top board as Armed Forces of the Philippines-A trounced SCA-Cabuyao, 2.5-1.5, Thursday night to rule the inaugural Pichay Chess Challenge at the Celebrity Sports Plaza.

Dableo, last year’s Asian Zonal champion, drew support from FIDE Master Rico Salimbagat, who beat NM Rolando Andador on board 2, and David Alorta, who halved the point with Alfredo Paez on board 4 to clinch the top purse for AFP-A worth P200,000 in the event held in honor of Surigao del Sur representative Prospero Pichay.

Allan Cantonjos accounted for the lone victory for SCA, which nipped Tagaytay-A for a berth in the finals behind Gomez’ stunning victory over GM Joey Antonio. Cantonjos defeated Dino Ballecer as SCA-Cabuyao settled for second place worth P100,000.

Antonio bounced back from that stinging semifinal loss by stopping 12-year-old FM Wesley So as Tagaytay-A prevailed over Tagaytay-B, 3-1, to claim third place honors.

Ilann Perez provided the other win by edging Allan Macala on board 4 while IM Chito Garma and Jerry Areque capped the rout by splitting the point with Edmundo Gatus and Truman Hernaez on boards 2 and 3, respectively.

Tagaytay-A pocketed P40,000 while Tagaytay-B took home P18,000 in this event which staked a total cash prize of P500,000.