INTERNATIONAL Master (IM) Steven Kim Yap of Cebu City clinched the open category title during the 26th Barangay Taft Mindanao Open Chess Tournament held over the weekend at the MEMCES covered court in Barangay Taft, Surigao City.

Yap tallied 7.5 points in the eight-round Swiss System format chess fest to pocket the champion's purse of P50, 000.

Jhonnel Balquin of Cagayan de Oro City earned seven points to claim the runner-up prize of P25,000, while Bryle John Arellano of Cebu City made 6.5 points to go home with P10,000.

Davao City's international master (IM) Oliver Dimakiling edged fellow six-pointer Jason Salumbre of Panabo City to grab the fourth place and settle for P5, 000. The latter received P2, 500.

Other winners included in the Top 10 were grand master (GM) Richard Bitoon, Nazario Ubanan, Jimzon Trangia, GM Enrico Sevillano and Panabo's Henry Roger Lopez. They also received consolation prizes.

The special awardees received P1, 000 and they are Exiquila Apao of Davao City (top lady), Trangia (best jr.), Erwin Ababat of Cebu City (best senior), Basilio Pandan of Butuan City (best Caraga), Famie Fazon (best Surigaonon), and Delgado (best kiddie).

The three-day event drew a total of 80 players.

It was organized by Barangay Taft Council in coordination with Barangay Taft Chess Club and Surigao Eagles Nickel Club. (KRP)