CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano chess prodigy Alan Pason prevailed over a bunch of promising young players to romp off with the championship trophy in the Deep Blue ‘D Woodpushers Chess Club 18-Under Tournament last Saturday at the Deep Clue Café situated at the second level of SM City-Cebu.
Pason completed the 7-round Swiss system competition with 5.5 points to pocket the P1,200 grand prize.
Felix Shaun Balbona and Mark Balbona finished with identical 5.0 points, but Felix Shaun bagged the second place honors courtesy of a higher tie-break output. Felix Shaun took home P800, while Mark Balbona got P600.
John Francis Balbona and Godfrey Villamor, who both finished with 4.5 points, received P400 and P200 for placing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Supported by laywers Jongjong Melendez and Ben Harayo, the one-day tilt was in line with Deep Blue Chess Club's thrust to develop new talents and scout for potentials as well.
The games were supervised by international arbiter Marvin Ruelan. (FREEMAN)