CEBU, Philippines — Veteran player Anthony Makinano proved that he is still a force to reckon with in the local chess scene after emerging as champion of the 1st Pisay Alumni Open Chess Tournament over the weekend at the Events Place of Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
After sweeping his first eight matches, Makinano needed only a quick draw with eventual third placer Dennis Navales in the ninth and final round to clinch the title with the highest output of 8.5 points.
The former national champion pocketed P10,000 for topping the one-day tilt organized by US-based Cebuano Woman National Master Susan Itaas and her fellow Pisayian (Philippine International Alumni Foundation, Inc.) from PSHS Batch 1976 and Batch 1979 in partnership with the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) headed by its longtime president Engr. Jerry Maratas.
Seven players finished with identical 7.5 points but NM Rogelio Enriquez went on to claim the P5,000 second prize courtesy of a higher tiebreak output.
Navales, the vice president of Bulacao Chess Club, was third followed by NM Rommel Ganzon and Chris Aldritz Pondoyo at fourth and fifth, respectively.
Michael Renz Canonoy, Diego Abraham Caparino and NM Mario Mangubat occupied the sixth to eight spots.
Genesis Mateo Borromeo, Jervy Villarin, NM Leonardo Alidani, Isagani Luna Jr., and Bell Ortiz rounded up the top 13 with 7.0 points each.
Enriquez and Mangubat got an additional incentive as the best Cepcan A and senior players.
The other top performers in their respective categories were Edwin Bacaron (Cepcan B), Glydel Janine Rodrigo (female and girls Under 14), Reduard Contai (boys U14), and Triton Blue Ares Garcia and Adina Vera Kwan (U10). — (FREEMAN)