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Monday, January 16, 2006
Chavez on the offensive in 2nd Balingasag Open Chessfest
* Camaman-an's `Karambola King' holds NM Mercado, Frias to unexpected draws
BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental -- Vietnam spirit is here.
Like what the young Vietnamese invaders did in the last Sea Games chess competition in Tagaytay City, Cagayan de Oro's own version of the world's wonder boys created a noise halfway of the 2nd Balingasag Open chess championship here.
Leading the siege are Antonio Chavez Jr., 15, and Lennon Hart Salgados, 12, known as the pioneering pupils of Fighting Chess Defenders (FCD) who both hail from the coastal area of Barangay Bonbon. Their chess campaign here was noteworthy.
Right after Chavez took the starch out from one of his FCD mentors in Candidate Master Johnnel Balquin in the third round, it was Salgados' turn to stun the tough field of veterans when he scored his first victory against a strong National Master Roger Verganio, board 1 player of Misamis Oriental for so many years.
"Oh my God, the boys had beaten the men!! What a revelation!" exclaimed Esmar Estrella, consultant of the Governor's Office at the Provincial Capitol, who immediately sped to his native land--to catch up the unfolding drama--upon learning the development?
"I think it's now a start of another era in as far as Cagayan de Oro chess is concerned. Kita nga mga tigulang na mo-alalay na lang sa mga bata kay ila karon nga panahon," added one of the local chess group's benefactors in also showing his deep appreciation.
Both of the youngsters' victories against the early title favorites were marked with superlative combination and subtle tactical maneuvering of pieces.
In fact, the white-wielding Chavez got wobbled in the opening stage by Balquin's Sicilian Paulsen defense that cost him a pawn in the Queenside. But when complication arose in the middlegame, it was Chavez who ended up executing a masterpiece finish that had some of the kibitzers in the playing hall lavishly pronouncing the word BEAUTIFUL!
"Makabalo na g'yong bataa kay nakasamad na man sa ako. Naa na gyoy idea iyang ang mga tira," said Balquin who used to work with fellow FCD mentors Jaime Frias and Sun.Star sports editor Lynde Salgados in giving chess training and lecture to kids for free. Balquin, however, was not alone.
Avoiding his pet Stonewall defense with white in favor of the equally-solid Colle System, NM Verganio was shocked by the 12-year-old Salgados' spectacular Knight sacrifice, followed by a series of tactical blows that left the former conqueror of late Filipino Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas pondering too long for his counter play. But like Balquin, Verganio also failed to survive the onslaught.
"But it's a good news kay gakalipay sab ko anang bata nga makapilde og dagko kay at least naa tay makita nga gaka-develop na gyod atong chess dinhi," Verganio told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Chavez, who strung up four-straight wins against Bert Paradero, Silverio Abasolo, Balquin and Jan Vincent Cayaba will face Salgados on top board duel in Round 5.
Salgados was just half a point behind Chavez in the lead after he won over William Reintegreado, Leo Dinglasan and Verganio and a draw with the venerable Pando Guiwan in the second round.
Alfredo Rapanot Jr., the other 15-year-old sensation from Barangay Macanhan, also made his presence felt when he beat Frias, former National Shell Active junior finalist, in the fourth round.
The "drawing power" of a virtual unknown from Barangay Camaman-an in the person of "Karambola King" Michael Ariba victimized Frias also.
Playing in his first ever chess tournament upon the prodding of his ever-kind sponsor, the 50-something Ariba--betterly known "Sa-el" in local billiard community--provided the shockwaves in the opening round when he also held National Master Levi Mercado to a draw.
"Mora'g bangag-bangag ra man `to sa tunga," said Ariba when asked of his opening strategy used against the Fide-rated master Mercado.
On a brighter note, however, Ariba said he managed to reach a winning position against the top-seeded bet in Balingasag.
"Pero dili lang gyod maabot sa akong kwenta ang sumpay nga linya pagpadaug kay unsaon...billiard man gyod akong main event," Ariba said.
Also left contending for around P10,000 in total cash prizes, aside from Chavez and Salgados, are Balquin, Mercado, Abasolo, Jokorn Maestrado, Cayaba and Bryan Jose, reigning Shell Active national junior champion.
Tournament director Totong Salcedo and chief arbiter Jun Cuizon said that even a late-round collapse couldn't stop Chavez and Salgados from making it to the prize circle.
"Sure na sila sa top junior ug top kiddy. Makapakurat gyod sa Cagayan de Oro chess ilang gibuhat kay very impressive," said Cuizon, who was just being conferred of his National Arbiter title.
(January 16, 2006 issue)
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