Pacquiao, Davao win in Manny chessfest

MANILA, Philippines - Team Bobby Pacquiao pulled off a shock 2.5-1.5 victory over Pacman A while Davao also upended Pampanga A via the same scoreline at the start of the second Manny Pacquiao Random Chess Championship at the SM Mall in Gen. Santos City yesterday.

Arnel Aton bowed to IM Rolando Nolte on Board One but the rest stepped up to hack out the win in the novel tournament which drew a record 74 teams involving 300 players.

The Davaoeños, led by Cirilo Enopio and Jardin del Roca, also stunned the Ronald Llavanes-led Pampanga A team.

There were only two draws recorded from the 37 board matches, underscoring the unpredictability of the tournament organized by the Manny Pacquiao Chess Association.

“This only proves that in random chess, it would be difficult to draw a game, because everybody is given a chance to be creative and experiment on their moves,” said chief organizer GM Eugene Torre.

Others seeing action in the tournament are Olympians and GMs Joey Antonio, Jayson Gonzales, Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo and Woman IM Janelle Mae Frayna.

The tournament offers a total cash prize of P1.5 million put up by Sarangani Rep. and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao, with the top team receiving P400,000. The individual winner will get P50,000.

Torre, along with co-organizers Aries Sacayanan, NM Roel Abelgas and Jun Panopio, graced the event’s launch, capped by the traditional ceremonial opening moves between WIM Janelle Mae Frayna and GenSan’s youngest player, 12-year old Jin Warrren Julon.