4 GMs top Gov. Espino’s chess tourney
THEY came, saw and conquered.
Four well-known chess grandmasters of the Philippines and all members of the national squad displayed their international-level skills against the less-experienced locals and dominated the First Gov. Espino’s Cup Open Rapid Chess Tournament, finishing in a 1-2-3-4 fashion in the open division.
GM Mark Paragua topped the competition, garnering a total of 6.5 points to pocket the P10,000 prize. His fellow grandmasters Ronald Dableo and Darwin Laylo came in a close second with six points apiece to tie for second and third places, while Rogelio Antonio, who had the highest norm of the tournament with an ELO rating of 2483, landed fourth with 5.5 points.
A total of 92 contestants participated in the event held on October 24-25 at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen.
In the Under 16 division, with 30 participants, Romy Fagon triumphed convincingly, collecting seven points. Raynand Francisco got 5.5 points to land second and Ernie Toledo with five points was in third place.
In the Under 12 category, with 33 contestants, Heirry Manaloto topped with 6.5 points. Giovanni Mejia and Hanna Coleen Andrada, earning 5.5 points each, shared second and third places.
Organized by the Pangasinan Chess Association, the two-day tourney was sponsored by the provincial government headed by governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. It was by directed by chess specialist Fa Meinard Pulido and under the supervision of well-known wood-pusher Fa Teddy Sarmiento.—JAG, Jr.
