OZAMIZ CITY — Mindanao's rising chess stars are in strong contention for championship finishes as the Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Championships 2026 enters its final rounds, with local players leading several divisions in one of the country's richest grassroots chess tournaments.
Seventeen-year-old International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca remained unbeaten in the premier Open division as he held off tough Manila-based opponents to stay on the top board heading into the final two rounds.
Northern Mindanao players also strengthened their chances in the youth categories.
In the High School Open, Cassey Miguel Tabamo of El Salvador City shared the lead with six points alongside Jacqpatch Immanuel Abalo of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and Arena International Master Miykael Jerahmiel Lapad of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Defending champion National Master Keith Adriane Ilar of Maramag, Bukidnon remained in the title race despite suffering an upset loss to Tabamo earlier in the tournament. Ilar joined a large group with five points, trailing Luke Haden Albores and Regie Pasok, who each had 5.5 points.
In the Elementary Open, Bradkint Gayramon of Cagayan de Oro stayed within striking distance of the leaders, occupying third place behind Danry Seth Romualdez of Pasig City and Zephyr Kyle Abalo of Cebu, who both posted 5.5 points.
Gayramon was tied at five points with Seth David Suico of Zamboanga City, Aidh Naveen Munsing, and fellow Cagayan de Oro bet Kyros Andrei Magsalay, but ranked lower due to tiebreak scores.
The tournament received a major boost after Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Sr. announced that the total prize pool would be doubled from the original ₱500,000, raising the overall incentives for players.
Oaminal also ordered a ₱2,000 cash payback for every participant who paid the ₱500 registration fee and awarded ₱10,000 each to all 31 titled players—including Grandmasters, International Masters, FIDE Masters, and National Masters—competing in the event.
More than 400 players from across the country are participating in the two-day tournament, which features the Open, High School, Elementary, and three-man team categories.
Tournament organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo said the combined support of the provincial government and the Ozamiz City government has pushed the tournament budget beyond ₱2 million, making it one of the biggest chess events in Mindanao.
"We could not thank Gov. Oaminal enough for his generosity. This will have a significant impact on the development of young chess players around the country," Urbiztondo said.
