IM Yap rules Muslim-Christian Friendship chessfest

CEBU, Philippines – International Master Kim Steven Yap outsmarted Yves Fiel in the seventh and final round to rule the 1st Cebu Muslim-Christian Friendship Open Chess Tournament over the weekend at the Chessmoso Chess Club in Colonnade Mall along Colon Street, Cebu City.

Yao completed the 7-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 6.5 points to take home P8,000 and a plaque of recognition.

Allan Salientes, who capped his campaign with a much-needed win over Ronald Ganzon, took the solo second spot with 6.0 points. He went home P6,000 richer.

FIDE Master Anthony Makinano, Edsel Montoya and NM Rogelio Enriquez all finished with 5.5 points, but Makinano bagged the third place honors by virtue of a higher tie-breaker applying Bucholz system.

Rounding up the Top 11 with 5.0 points each were Carlos Moreno III, Yves Fiel, Fernando Pialan, Ronald Ganzon, Richard Natividad, and William Retanal Jr.

In the kiddies and ladies battle, Aldritz Pondoyo, Keith Claire Morala and Jeremy Pepito figured in a three-way tie with 6.0 points but Pondoyo claimed the champion's trophy courtesy of a superior tie-break points.

Michael Gocotano placed fourth with 5.5 points, while John Lester Belano, Aaron Resma, KC Belano and Lyan Portes were at joint fifth to eighth with 5.0 points apiece.

The two-day tilt was organized by the Association of Cebu Muslim Professionals and Entrepreneurs, Inc.  in association with the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA). —  EBV (FREEMAN)