Silliman University board one skipper Junaico Segismar emerged victorious in the Open category of the recently-concluded 2011 Tawo-Tawo Open Chess 2011 held at the Integrated Business Center, Bayawan City.
Segismar prevailed over Cebuano Master Eden Diano in the crucial penultimate round, to clinch the much-coveted first prize with a score card of five wins, two draws, and no losses or a total of six points in the grueling seven-round Swiss system tournament.
A full-point behind the champion are National Master Eden Diano, Joey Dela Cruz (Nueva Ecija; now Bayawan-based), and National Master Ryan Trajera (Dumaguete).
A pack of four players followed with 4.5 points each: Romualdo Catequista (Sibulan), Gemon Tolentino (Dumaguete), Jeffrey Alcantara (Tanjay), and Jun Tunogbanua (Bayawan). Karl Sameon and Ernesto Villacampa tied in the 9th and10th places with four points.
In the 20 & Under category, Steve Ursua (Tanjay) remained undefeated to capture the top spot. While Kirby Piñero (Dumaguete) and Vincent Baleña followed in the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively. Other special prizes were also awarded to Bayawanons while the youngest player award went to eight-year old Alfonzo Louis Olendo.
The top placers received handsome cash prizes and trophies, while the 5th to10th placers got consolation prizes. The tournament was managed by Benjor Benjamin, Cromwell and Cromnick Aniñon, and Jude Cabangal as event coordinator. (Negros Club 64 PR)