NATIONAL Master Rustum Tolentino had a winning streak dating back December last year.
But his triumph in the 3rd Barangay Tablon Open Chess Tournament here on January 9-10 was the first one he considered as a real test of might and survival.
“I was desperately trying to prove myself again,” said the struggling young father Tolentino.
“This (latest win) I dedicate to my wife and our two-month-old baby girl Trana Trinity,” adding the words in all honesty: “Not for FB likes humana ko ana..it’s all about survival like sustaining our baby’s milk.”
Tolentino actually finished in a tie with Jhonnel Balquin and Allan Cantonjos at 6 points, but claimed the P12,000 top purse and championship trophy via superior tiebreak points.
Balquin, who almost cracked the time-pressured Tolentino in the penultimate 6th round, grabbed the second prize worth P10,000. While the third-running Cantonjos settled for the P7,000 third prize.
“The Tolentino-Balquin match was truly nail-biting kay mga segundo na lang ang nabilin sa time ni Tumtum. But Balquin failed to execute the fatal moves, thereby allowing Tolentino to hold on with a fighting draw,” said Esmar Estrella, whose convincing victory in the final round against Adelardo Pagente had only bolstered Tolentino’s favorable tiebreak results.
Knight specialist Basilio Pandan and Pagadian pride Jones Maghuyop had 5.5 points each to receive P6,000 and P4,000, respectively.
Rounding up the top-10 placers with 5 points to show are Nazario Ubanan, Arbie Jims Calido, Jeriel Manlimbana, Mario `Bebot’ Arroyo, Cleto `Bong’ Vasquez and Jokorn Maestrado. Top senior player is retired COA employee Jong Arroyo.
Organized by the Barangay Council of Tablon headed by brgy. Chair Romeo Bacarro, the cash-rich fiesta chess tournament was officiated by tournament director Fr. Vic E. Arellano and chief arbiter Lorenzo `Jun’ Cuizon.