Sevillano, Pason shine in Paknaan chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Kyle Sevillano and Allan Pason shared the spotlight after winning one gold and bronze apiece in the Paknaan Chessfest 2013 over the weekend at the Paknaan National High School gym in Mandaue City.

Sevillano ruled the mixed open division, an event for the non-masters, with 6.0 points after the 7-round Swiss system competition. He suffered his lone defeat at the hands of Cephas Seguisabal in the fourth round.  

Godfrey Villamor and Pason occupied the next two spots with 5.5 points each, while the fourth to 10th placers were Vicmil Pepito, Dione Minoza, Carlito Flores, Leo Cortez, Samuel Tinio, Isagani Luna  and Kraig Quinain.

Sevillano, however, missed a double victory after producing only 4.5 points, good for a third place finish in the juniors open dominated by Pason, who had 5.0 points. Felix Shaun Balbona copped the second place honors with 4.5 points.

Rounding up the top 10 cast in the juniors class were John Francis Balbona, Vic Glysen Derotas, Claro Diego, Aldritz and Christian Pondoyo, Aireen Robillos and Diomedes Diano.

Derotas, on the other hand, grabbed part of the limelight after emerging as the top female junior player.

The top performers of the two-day tilt organized by Kagawad Willy Semblante and Eden Diano received cash prizes from Paknaan’s Sangguniang Kabataan. — (FREEMAN)