Samantila reigns in nat'l open chess

MANILA, Philippines - Daryl Samantila defeated Jefferson Manzanero in the sixth round then drew with Franz Barreto in the final round to capture the men’s crown in the National Open Chess Championships at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence in Mindanao Ave., Quezon City recently.

The 12-year-old Samantila from Tonsuya, Malabon finished with six points as he edged Barreto and Jerad Docena for top honors in the event which also served as part of the elimination tournament for the squad vying in this year’s Olympiad.

Barreto nipped Docena in the tiebreak to clinch the runner-up honors. Both wound up with 5.5 points.

Andrew Casiano beat John Margarito while Charles Abuzo toppled Joshua Tan to place fourth and fifth, respectively, with five points.

The other qualifiers for the semifinals, to be held in Tagaytay City, were Jesus Lising, Jose Castro, Viergen Ruaya, Giovanni Mejia, Juancho Caunte, Ryan Magtabog, Ritchie Evangelista and Jefferson Mansanero.

In women’s play, Akiko Suede split the point with Shania Mendoza in the sixth round then beat Krissa Abasolo in the final round to clinch the title with 5.5 points.

Bernadette Galas actually ended up with 5.5 points after a final round draw but Suede took the crown with a superior tiebreak score.

Gladys Romero and Mikee Suede drew their last game to finish fourth and fifth, respectively, while Jacquilyn Sales and Mendoza took the last two spots in the semifinals.