WITH the abundance of chess talents in Cagayan de Oro, it seems the visitors don’t have any chance to steal the spotlight in Northern Mindanao chess challenge.
But the “Ilonggos” from Bacolod City made the difference in the Tatluhan Fiesta Chess Open Tournament 2018 held Aug. 14 in the neighboring City of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.
Fronted by the pair of Bacolodnons, Danmaersk Mangao and Eric Abanco on boards 1 and 2, Team Chess Kapehan of Bacolod City went on to rule the 7-round Swiss system tourney and pocket the P20,000 top purse.
“Nagmahal, nasaktan, nag-champion,” junior MOGCHS chesser Christian Aquino was quick to commend Cagayan de Oro’s Bobby Salomon who beefed up the champion team by playing board 3.
The Oliver Damonsong-backed Stalag team that recently topped the Carmen Open remains a force to reckon with, in fact fielding two teams in El Salvador with much success.
CDO’s Stalag 45 of Bryan Jose, Basilio Pandan and Patricio Daniot Jr. copped the second prize. While CDO’s Stalag 69 of Jeriel Manlimbana, Tibo Virtudazo and Arbz Calido bagged the third prize honor. They received P15,000 and P10,000, respectively, also with trophies.
The team of Manila boy Larry Dumadag, composed of Nazario Ubanan, Crebillo and Garido got the P5,000 fourth prize. While Iligan DSLI, bannered by Victor Lluch and Maghanoy settled for fifth worth P3,000.
Arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon acknowledged Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano for sponsoring the event in cooperation with the El Salvador City Chess Club.