Abellana, 14, emerges in Lapu Chess Tournament

LAPU-Lapu City’s newest chess prodigy Ariel Abellana slowly made his presence felt as he won the Lapu-Lapu City Chess Tournament held in Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday.

Abellana, a 14-year-old junior from St. Alphonsus Catholic School, bested the 30-player field as he scored a surprise over top-seed Erwin Ababat in the first round, then settled to a draw with Philippine Air Force Sgt. Amado Olea, the 2009 champion, in the final round to finish with 5.5 points.

Abellana shared the top honors with his older brother Arnyl, who also had 5.5 points.

However, the title went to Ariel since he had the superior tie break points at 25.5, while Arnyl had 20 and Olea who also had 5.5 points settled for third place with his 18 tie break points.

Ariel earlier won the Lapu-Lapu City Homecoming Tournament last month.

Alvin Rigodon placed fourth, Cepca president Jojo Muralla finished 5th, Nilo Bonganciso at 6th place, Ramil Resuera placed 7th and Weynard Labastida, Norman Martin Olayvar and Jun Olis completed the top 10 finishers.

The winners received cash prizes provided by the chess players of Benito Ebuen Air Base’s 205th Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force led by Capt. Renie Aureo, Sgt. Amado Olea and organized by the Lapu-Lapu Chess Club.