OZAMIZ City — Northern Mindanao’s elite young chess talents proved once again why they dominate the sport, taking home the biggest titles and cash prizes at the 6th Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Championships held July 11–12 at the Ozamiz City Gymnasium.

At the center of the intense, two-day tournament were 16-year-old National Master (NM) Keith Adriane Ilar and his long-time rival Cassey Miguel Tabamo. Both El Salvador City natives and incoming Lyceum University Junior Pirates varsity recruits, the pair turned the junior division into a thrilling, high-stakes cinematic battle.

The final round twist

The tournament climaxed in the final two rounds, filled with shocking upsets, heartbreak, and a lucky break for the eventual champion.

The Penultimate Blow (Round 8): Tabamo, who has long played in Ilar's shadow since their elementary school days, pulled off a massive upset by defeating Ilar in the eighth round.

The victory put Tabamo in the solo lead with 7.5 points, needing only a draw in the final round to secure the championship.

The Heartbreak (Round 9): In the final round, Tabamo misplayed a drawish endgame, blundering into a heartbreaking loss against Davao City’s Aaron Aton.

"It was so close, but he blundered. That’s chess—better luck next time," Tabamo’s father shared.

The Comeback:

Meanwhile, top-seeded Ilar took full advantage of the opening. He defeated Caraga region’s top junior, Jake Andre Aballar, in his final match.

The win put Ilar and Aton in a two-way tie at 8 points each. Thanks to the "win-over-the-other" tiebreak rule—having beaten Aton in their earlier encounter—Ilar officially reclaimed his high school crown.

The rewards and rankings

For his spectacular comeback, Ilar walked away with the ₱60,000 top prize and the championship trophy.

The final junior division standings and cash prizes concluded as follows:

• First Place: National Master Keith Adriane Ilar of Maramag, Bukidnon claimed the championship title, taking home the top prize of ₱60,000 and the championship trophy.

• Second Place: Aaron Aton of Davao City secured the runner-up spot, earning a cash prize of ₱30,000 and a medal.

• Third Place: Cassey Miguel Tabamo of Malaybalay City finished in third place, taking home ₱20,000 along with a medal.

• Fourth Place: Arena International Master Miykael Jerahmiel Lapad of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental claimed fourth place, winning ₱10,000.

• Fifth Place: Luke Haden Albores, also representing Malaybalay City, rounded out the top five to take home ₱6,000.

Rounding out the top 10 and taking home ₱2,000 each were Jess Raphael Aballar (Agusan del Norte), Jake Andre Aballar (Agusan del Norte), Lex Padayao (Cebu City), Khana Kathrine Ventolero (Zamboanga City), and Jan Calvin Abesamis (Cagayan de Oro).

From formative years to the big city

Both Ilar and Tabamo were late registrants for the tournament, flying straight in from their enrollment at Lyceum in Cavite to catch the prestigious event, which drew nearly 500 players nationwide.

"I'm very proud to be one of their chess coaches during their formative years," said Engr. Resurreccion Gunayan Jr., a pioneer coach from the Golden Chess Friends (GCF) clinic.

"I wish them good luck in dealing with another chapter of their school life and chess challenges in the big city of Manila."