CEBU, Philippines - NM Merben Roque reigned supreme in the Deep Blue Open Chess Tournament the other day at the Deep Blue ‘D Woodpushers Chess Club located at the second level of SM City-Cebu.
Roque outsmarted the top-seeded Voltaire Sevillano in their final round to claim the title that went along with the P6,000 cash prize.
During the semifinals, Roque defeated Joel Fernan, while Sevillano beat Richard Natividad. Fernan and Natividad settled for third and fourth, respectively.
Those who made it to the quarterfinalists were Rogelio Enriquez, Anthony Makinano, Eden Diano and Bonn Tibon.
In the Kiddies division, Allan Pason bagged the championship with 4.5 points. Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano occupied the second spot with 4.0 points, while Felix Shaun Balbona settled for third with 3.5 points.
The event was supported by Jose Tan, Kitting Moro, Atty. Ben Harayo, Roger Sonza, Edgar Hortellano, Jun Llenes and Oscar Pascual. (FREEMAN)