MALAYBALAY City pride Jeriel Manlimbana cemented his reputation as serious threat to Oro’s bigwigs by winning the recent rapid chess tourney here.

Manlimbana, who consistently played quality games against Cagayan de Oro’s Class A players, actually finished in a tie with Nestle mainstay Eutemio Coquilla at 4.5 points each.

But superior tiebreak points handed Manlimbana the championship trophy in Open division of the Kings and Pawns Rapid Chess Tournament held at Lifestyle District’s Budgetel Hotel along Corrales extension.

“Ma-considered na gayudd si Jeriel as one of the best in the region. And he just proved it again,” arbiter Jun Cuizon said of Bukidnon’s chess whiz.

Silverio Abasolo defeated Benjamin Guimong in the fifth and final round to improve at 4 points good for solo third place.

A pair of Class B contestants Elias Balase and Renan Cantilado made a big surprise when they moved on top ahead of pre-tournament favorites NM Rustum Tolentino and Johnnel Balquin.

Balase held NM Tolentino to a fighting draw, while Cantilado upset Jokorn Maestrado in the final round to occupy fourth and fifth, respectively.

Another underdog, Rodney Opada shared six to 7th places with Tolentino after his shocking victory over the tactical assassin Balquin.

The Kings and Pawns’ first elimination round titlist Nazario Ubanan skidded to eight spot after yielding to Ralph Dalauta who shared him the score at 2.5 points in the company of Balquin, Charles Joseph Laya, Maestrado, Rich Ceasar Misa, Aldin Ronulfo Ranario, Paul Omongos, Paciano Gulle Jr. and Guimong.