Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ageless Fernandez wins '06 Iligan Open
By Lynde Salgados
FOR National Master Ernesto Fernandez, it seems that a booming career in chess begins when one is already literally his prime.
This, after the 40-something native of Pagadian City won his second Open title in Mindanao in just a span of two months.
Fresh from pocketing the P100,000 champion's purse in the 3rd Pichay Memorial Cup in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, the ageless Fernandez took the 2006 Iligan Open by storm, displaying anew his menacing form to rule the three-day event, which ended Sunday at the Lai Lai Garden Restaurant in Iligan City.
Fernandez, who defeated NM Rustum Tolentino in the eight and final round, actually tied with Carlo Rosaupan at 7 points each, but the former prevailed via superior tiebreak points to claim the Mayor Lawrence Cruz Cup.
"Sa chess naman talaga eh hindi ako naniniwala na hindrance `yong age natin. Walang bata at matanda sa pagalingan pagdating sa larong chess," said last year's champion Dr. Jenny Mayor of Quiapo, Manila who failed to crack the money circle this time around.
The good news, however, belongs to Tagoloan Mayor Yevgeny "Bambi" Emano whose wards (Rosaupan and Nelman Lagutin) for the Oct. 26-28 inter-province tourney finished second and fourth, respectively, in the Iligan chessfest with Misor's Johnnel Balquin landing at third place.
Cebuano International Master Barlo Nadera, who committed to play board one for Tagoloan Tarantula, also emerged champion in the recent Mixed Masters Rapid Open in Manila bankrolled by NCFP chair, Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
"Certainly there are many strong teams to compete in the inter-province pero at least morale-booster na kaayo nga nag-succeed ang mga prospects sa Tagoloan in individual events nga among gi-apilan," Lagutin told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Rosaupan won his last-round assignment against NM Roger Verganio while Balquin--who suffered his lone defeat at the hands of Rosaupan--triumphed over local bet Carlito Daclan.
Also making it to the top-10 list are Gensan's Ferdinand Leysa, Verganio, Tolentino, Davao's Jimmy Dano, Manila's Christopher Castellano and Daclan.
National arbiter Jun Cuizon said the Iligan Open drew the participation of 62 top-notch pawnpushers throughout Region 10.
(September 27, 2006 issue)
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