NATIONAL Master Arnolito Cadiz gave up only a draw in seven matches to win the National Chess Federation of the Philippines-rated 1st Mayor Ian Christopher Escario Open Chess Tournament last Sunday in Bantayan.

Cadiz had a draw in the sixth round against Marc Alunan and finished the 7-Round Swiss System tournament with 6.5 points.

Cadiz, who coaches the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department (USC-BED), defeated Ellah Mae Gervacio, Ian Escalicas, Christopher Agaton, Shaira Mae Monsalud, Jerrold James Mata and Charah Eve Cababan to pocket the P4,000 cash prize.

Those who trailed Cadiz were Monsalud and Alunan, who both had 6.0 points and Michael Tinga, who had 5.5 points.

The special prizes went to Monsalud of USC as the top performing 18-Under player from the 4th District. Kent Anthony Tubigon of Maño Elementary School of San Remegio also scored 5.0 points to win the 14-Under 4th District resident category.

Tubigon was followed by Bables Unah Cababan of San Remegio National High School and Joshua Jadge Garcia of Silvino Y. Du Memorial School of Bantayan. (RCM)