STAYING at home for almost a month now does not bore Davao City’s Fide master (FM) Austin Jacob Literatus at all.
After ruling the National Master Prospero Cruz Memorial Blitz Arena, the former National University bemedaled UAAP varsity chess scholar from Toril pocketed the title of the Happy Easter Chess Arena nationwide online chess tournament via lichess.org over the weekend.
Literatus (AJ_Literatus), 23, accumulated a total of 67 points after 29 games, in the 230-player competition.
Allan Pason (arp143) of Cebu City and Spencer Real (Spencer_Real) of Laguna wound up second and third, respectively. Pason made 60 points while Real tallied 57 points.
The Dabawenyo champion pulled off 17 wins over Jayson Maranan, CresillKnights21, Rowel aroque, Harison Maamo, Jojofoz, Cecillejane (thrice), Bong Anas, Joseph Navarro, Montezuuus23, Chessmagnett, Rheannrhenz, international master (IM) Richelieu Salcedo (twice), abrilartieda and Aglipay Oberio.
Literatus also drew with The_darkhorse (twice), bong_anas and gensanweapon but he absorbed losses at the hands of arp143 (twice), Marlowe Cagulada, japjapjapjap, Lyndon Sombilon, Rowel Roque (twice), and Hyles.
Literatus, however, downplayed his two consecutive wins. He said he performs well when he is in good condition and his internet signal is strong.
When asked about the difference between playing face-to-face to playing online, he replied: “Dako sya kalainan. Isa na dili ka ma intimidate sa imo opponents og less pressure. Tapos ng negative lang online chess is kanang fair play. Dakog chance mag cheat ang kalaban pag taas-taas ang time control. High tech naman gud karon (The difference is you won’t get intimidated by your opponents online and there is less pressure than face-to-face board games. The only negative playing online is that your opponent can cheat if the time control is longer).”
He competes in online chess tournaments everyday amid the enhanced community quarantine. He is currently helping with their family business while he also does chess tutorial on the side.
At present, Literatus has 17 wins, four draws, and eight losses.