DAVAO City's international master (IM) Oliver Dimakiling captured the title of the Melaka International Chess Festival 2018 Category Open Tournament held over the weekend at the Grand Ballroom, Freeport A' Famosa Outlet in Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia.
Dimakiling earned 6.5 points in the seven-round rapid chess tournament. He received 2,000 Malaysian ringgit cash prize.
The Dabawenyo, in a Facebook interview with SunStar Davao on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 said, "It was actually a last minute decision to play in the tourney since I was on my way for a part time coaching stint in Malaysia."
He said he's been self-supporting his chess campaign from the very start.
"Since I found the prize money quite attractive for a one-day Fide-rapid event then I tried my luck. I also have fond memories of Melaka when I first played there in 2012 and tied for first with GM Bitoon."
He outclassed National Chess Championships winner IM Haridas Pascua and Michael Angelo Palma of the Philippines in the final two rounds.
Six-pointers national master Stewart Manaog of Philippines, GM Alexander Forminyh of Russia and IM Emmanuel Senador of Philippines grabbed the next three spots. (MLSA/With Marlon Bernardino)