YOUNG chess players outside Cagayan de Oro have surprisingly dominated the Chessmoms CDO’s 1st Inter-School Inviutational Chess Tournament concluded recently at the 2nd floor Green Lane of Limketkai Mall here.

The tandem of El Salvador City bets John Dale Salabsab and Keith Adrian Ilar led the onslaught against their top rivals from the City of Gold.

Salabsab needed just a draw in the final round opposite Kyla Dalagan of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental to rule the high school division for Grade 7-12.

This, as the equally-talented Ilar did the same in his last round assignment versus Khent Lawrence Canas, also of Tagoloan, to impose his will in the elementary category for Grade 4-6.

Balingoan pride Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz, meanwhile, edged out Mary Janella Tan of Kimaya, Jasaan for the top prize in the elementary’s Grade 1-3 level of the rapid tourney that drew a total number of 140 participants.

For their feats, Salabsab and second-running Ashlanie Pandi of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) received P1,300 and P1,000 plus trophy and medal, respectively. While third-placer Dalagan and fourth-finisher Ruelle “Tawing” Canino of Kauswagan Elementary School got P700 and P500 each.

Grade 4-6 top 3 winners Ilar, Canas and Mary Stephanie Dacut of West City Central School were awarded P1,000 (and trophy), P700 and P500 plus medals, in that order.

Grade 1-3 top 3 performers Vera Cruz, Tan and Paulo Efren Castino were also given P1,000, P700 and P500 apiece.

“Consistent ang development especially sa taga El Salvador kay permi gyod sila ga top dinhe.

And its a challenge for the local chess trainers in Cagayan de Oro,” said tournament coordinator Randolph Dalauta.

Here’s the complete results:

High School Final Standing

Champ: Salabsab, John Dale - El Salvador

2nd place: Pandi, Ashlanie - MOGCHS

3rd place: Dalagan, Kyla - Tagoloan

4th Place: Canino, Ruelle - Kauswagan Elem. Sch.

5th Place: Canino, Rhea Jean - MOGCHS

6th place: Romanda, Paul Andrew - MOGCHS

7th Place: Getubig, Lyn - Tagoloan Central Sch.

8th Place: Bagonoc, Juan Ryu - Central Mindanao University

9th Place: Canas, Althea Meach - Tagoloan

10th Place: Sabella, Andry James

Grade 4-6 Final Standing

Champ: Ilar, Keith Adrian - El Salvador Central Sch.

2nd Place: Canas, Khent Lawrence - Tagoloan Central Sch.

3rd Place: Dacut, Mary Stephanei - West City Central Sch.

4th Place: Tabamo, Cassey Miguel - El Salvador Central Sch.

5th Place: Dalauta, Karl Adrian - Merry Child Sch.

6th Place: Vera Cruz, Ocien - Baungon, Mis. Or.

7th Place: Daabay, Miguel Enrich - X.U

8th Place: Bagalanon, Cecille - XU

9th Place: Dalagan, Sara - Tagoloan Central Sch.

10th Place: Borbon, Eric Ryan - El Salvador Central Sch.

Grade 1-3 Final Standing

Champ: Vera Cruz, Quarl Maverick - Balingoan, Mis. Or.

2nd: Tan, Mary Janella - Kimaya, Jasaan

3rd: Castino, Paulo Efren

4th: Marbas, Sebastian - Capitol University

5th: Careras, Jesheene

6th: Balacuit, Misty Necole

7th: Emar, Jeckris - El Salvador Central Sch.

8th: Guleng, Joshiene - Bulua Central Sch.

9th: Velasco, Ianna Dion Mari

10th: Gamba, Nil Jeschel