Varsity coach Rudell Siglos wrested the championship trophy in the Masters Chess Invitational Category, while Teolito Carbonel from Lazi, Siquijor dominated the Challengers’ Open Category held in Brgy. Camanjac.
The 2016 local chess calendar ushered in a highly-anticipated Masters showdown among the best and highest-rated chess players in the Province.
Joining Siglos in the podium were Adrian dela Cruz who placed 2nd and National Master Rolzon Roullo at 3rd spot.
Other Masters participants were Edgardo Conjuico, Bernabe Tagulo, Ivan Tampi, Wilmier Barron, and Jeffrey Alcantara who was awarded the Outstanding PWD medal.
In the Challengers Category, Carbonel went undefeated to secure his first major title, and an automatic slot to the Masters event next year.
Runner-up honors went to former top board John Vandam Gutib. At 3rd spot was veteran player Fernando Salon, 4th place went to former varsity Juno Davad, while Jimrold Romano from Sibulan and Nilo Sayre from Banilad shared 5th place.
Top Woman award went to Sara Francine Olendo, Top Junior went to Quiro John Mariñas, Top Executive Player was won by Valencia’s Arnel Sapuan, Batang Pinoy award went to Alfonzo Louis Olendo, Outstanding Senior player went to Engr. Carlito Soriano, Top Kiddie award was won by Rey Anthony Divinagracia from Sibulan, Top Female went to Jemaica Leizel Lopez, Top 8&Under was awarded to Nathaniel Lance Orlina, Top 1700&Below was snared by Juanito Renacia, Most Improved citation was given to Bernard Garcia from Manjuyod, Most Promising Player award went to Gabriel Mikhail Alcala, Top Camanjac player was awarded to Carlito Ybio, Outstanding Provincial Player award went to Sibulan’s Tony Abiera, while Rocky dela Peña received the Earliest Registrant special prize.
Sixty players participated in the Challengers Open with participants even coming from Siquijor, Cebu, Dawis, Siaton and nearby municipalities and cities in the Province and a lone foreign entry, Michael Lamb.
Next scheduled tournament would be the Eya’s Enterprises sponsored Inter-School Age-Group tournament on Jan. 16-17 at Barangay Bantayan.
The event was a joint effort by the Brgy. Camanjac Council headed by Brgy. Capt. Bartolome Aranas, and the Camanjac Chess Enthusiasts Society with its officers Mart Olendo, Engr. Rodelio Solon, Carlito Ybio, Roberto Vasquez and Anthony Gelacio.
Negros Club 64 President Ret. Capt. Hilbert Arinaza and chess coordinator Florendo Zamora of the Negros Oriental Sports Development Program graced the opening and awarding ceremonies. (PR)
