NM Enriquez tops 1st Rey Gealon chessfest

CEBU, Philippines — National Master Rogelio Enriquez Jr. came out as champion of the 1st Councilor Rey Gealon Open Chess Tournament held last Sunday, September 10, at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Enriquez, a mainstay of the Toledo City Trojans in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), completed the 9-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 8.5 points to clinch the title. He went home P8,000 richer.

Enriquez beat Adina Vera Kwan, Niko Dioquino, Maria Kristine Lavandero, Diego Abraham Caparino, Crisanto Tan Jr., Anthony Makinano, Allan Pason, and fellow NM Merben Roque. His half point came from a draw with Chris Aldritz Pondoyo in the fourth round.

On the other hand, Aaron John Resma pocketed P5,000 for finishing second with 8.0 points.

Makinano and Pason both tallied 7.5 points but Makinano went on to place third courtesy of a higher tiebreaker.

John Dave Lavandero, Michael Pinar, and NMs Merben Roque, Rommel Ganzon and Mario Mangubat occupied the fifth to ninth spots with 7.0 points each.

Chris Aldritz Pondoyo tallied 6.5 points to complete the top 10 performers of the tournament organized by Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon in partnership with the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) headed by their longtime president Engr. Jerry Maratas. — EBV (FREEMAN)