The Chess Master Center recently celebrated the inauguration of its clubhouse in Dumaguete City.
Officiating the ribbon cutting ceremony were retired Judge Rosendo Bandal Jr., founding president, and Dr. Hope Maxino-Bandal.
The inauguration was highlighted by a 15-minute seven-round rapid chess tournament, and raffle of souvenir items. The tournament had open and age group categories.
In the open category, chess veteran Gemon Tolentino emerged champion after a tie-break with Teolito Carbonel, Juno Davad, Noel Bernil, and Bernabe Tagulo Jr. who obtained identical scores of six points. Jerome Quilantang was in sixth place.
David James Balvestamin topped the under-18 age category. Raphael Iyas, Isaiah Von Marana, Cee Jay Inoveno, Frits Dwyre Elopre, and Angelo Neo Ege secured second to sixth places, respectively.
In the under-13 age category, Neol Bernil Jr. was consistent in topping the field. Markley Partosa and Zeus Mael Bernil settled for second and third places. Tyler Francisco, Arzel Lee Partosa, and Joseph Piñero landed fourth, fifth and six places in succession.
Jesus Barenio, Keizha Nicole Marana and Markjhel Partosa, were the Top Senior, Top Female, and Youngest Player awardees, respectively. The winners were awarded cash prizes, chess books, and Chess Master Center caps.
Chess Master Center was established in 2002, and had organized numerous major chess tournaments, like the University Games, the Governor’s Cup, Negros Oriental Chess Championship, the Dumaguete City Mayor’s Cup, and the Dumaguete City Chess Championship. (PR)
