The chess team of Barangay Banilad edged out the title-favorite SU Stallions in the last round to claim the recently- concluded 2nd Mayor Sagarbarria Chess Cup — Dumaguete Fiesta Open Team Tournament held at Quezon Park.
The team from Banilad was composed of Engr. Arnold Somoza, Ramon Sonjaco, Hector Agustin, and Nilo Sayre.
The Stallions, bannered by recent Buglasan champion Rudell Siglos and varsity players Patrick Chua, Quiro Mariñas, and Kyle Sygaco, settled for 2nd; while Tanjay City’s Team Lakay with National Master Rolzon Roullo at the helm, finished at 3rd spot. Team Lakay likewise featured Jerome Quilantang and USC Cebu’s top board Vincent Baleña.
At 4th place was Team Manjuyod composed of Leopoldo Ortega and Renevic Verbo, reinforced by high-rated players Egay Conjuico and Evan Tampi.
The One Negros Region selection, led by master-caliber Ted Ian Montoyo, settled at 5th place, featuring youthful players like AJ Lim from La Salle, John Bautista from West Negros University, and Sara Francine Olendo from Don Bosco.
The local government unit of Bais City claimed the consolation team award. Don Bosco Greywolves won the Best Team Uniform award; while Silliman University received the Biggest Delegation trophy.
Individual board champion awards went to NM Roullo, Siglos, Bautista, and Sayre.
Special awards went to Silliman’s Hannah Anqui as Top Woman, Engr. Carlito Soriano as Top Senior, Quiro Mariñas as Top Collegiate, John Bautista as Top Junior Male, Sara Francine Olendo as Top Junior Female, Tanjay’s Melchor Cabrera as Top Club Executive, Don Bosco’s Alfonzo Louis Olendo as Batang Pinoy awardee, Ivan Jerich Paalisbo of ABC Learning Center as Top Kiddie, Eleazar Jabalde of Cantil-e as Outstanding Barangay player, Barangay Banilad as Top Barangay team awardee, Zamboanguita’s Kim Kairan as Most Improved, Bais City’s Rod Arje Tingig as Promising Player, Nathaniel Alcoran as the Youngest Participant, Siquijor’s Abelardo Gomez as the Senior Citizen awardee, and the duo of Julius Cataylo of New Renie’s and Philip Vilos of Siaton as Outstanding PWD players.
A four-man board tournament record of 40 teams, or 160 players in this Negros Island region-wide competition participated in the event that saw the presence of Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria during the awarding ceremonies, together with City Sports Director Ike Villaflores, Negros Club 64 president Ret. Capt. Hilbert Arinaza, and Junob Barangay Capt. Isagani Bana as Tournament director. (Florendo Zamora)
