Paragua rules GOKAK blitz chess-for-a-cause

Final standings:

5.0 points – GM Mark Paragua, WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales, Rolly Parondo Jr., IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia; 4.5 points – IM Barlo Nadera, Norvin Gravillo

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster Mark Paragua beat National Master Alcon John Datu in the fifth and final round Friday to rule the Chess for a Cause: Sixth Gathering of Knights and Kings Inc. blitz chess tournament at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School in Quezon City.

The win hiked Paragua’s tally to 5.0 points, the same output of Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales, non-master Rolly Parondo Jr. and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia, whom he beat in the tiebreak.

All the top four winners received token prizes from Fianchetto Realty Devt Corp. president Eugene Torre, banker Alex Marquez and Fide Development Instructor Dari Castro of the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation.

They donated their cash prizes to the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation and Fianchetto Realty Devt Corp. to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

“This certainly is the biggest and meaningful chess tournament I have participated in because the prizes I won are big and it’s going to be a big help to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda in  Eastern and Central Visayas,” said Paragua.

Paragua will soon serve as consultant of the sports office of Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“I am excited to teach chess on the grassroots and to the youth of Quezon City,”said Paragua.

IM Barlo Nadera and another non-master Norvin Gravillo of Manila were tied at fifth to sixth places with 4.5 points each.

Category winners were NM Elias Lao (top senior), Samson Lim of Quezon City and Luffe Magdalaga of General Trias, Cavite (top non masters) and WIM Bernadette Galas of Makati City (top women).

Meanwhile, Jester Sistoza of Makati finished  with five points to top the kiddies 14-under bracket. Second with 4.5 points were  John Philip Oncita of Makati  and Dale Bernado of Angeles.

Chief arbiter was international arbiter Gene Poliarco, who was  assisted by candidate master Richard dela Cruz and national arbiter Raul Cruz. NCFP executive director Jayson Gonzales was guest of honor in the tournament.