Fiel leads winners in Colonnade Chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Yves Christian Fiel, John Francis Balbona and Adrian Basilgo topped their respective divisions in the  1st Colonnade Mall Youth Open Chess Tournament at the mall's Activity Center over the weekend.

Fiel and the equally-talented Allan Pason finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with identical 6.0 points, but Fiel took home the champion's trophy in the juniors (20-under) division by virtue of a superior tie-break output. Felix Shaun Balbona took the third place with 5.5 points.

Felix's brother John Francis Balbona was the solo champ with 5.0 points in the 14-under class. The next two spots were occupied by Ryan Pacres and Laila Carmel Nadera with 4.5 and 4.0 points, respectively.

Basilgo stole part of the limelight after ruling the 12-under category. He was actually tied with Jerish John Velarde, who also tallied 4.5 points but Basilgo got the highest placing courtesy of a higher tiebreaker. James Andrew Balbona wound up third with 4.0 points.

Aside from cash prizes and trophies, all champions in the three divisions were given chess books. 

A total of 51 youthful players took part in the two-day tilt organized by the Cebu Chess Association in partnership with Rose Pharmacy Inc., A1 Handless Inc., Engr. and Architect Jeffrey M. Solis and Colonnade Mall. (FREEMAN)