THE top-seeded bets remain perfect after three rounds of the first-ever Fide-rated chess event in Misamis Oriental province now happening today at the Tagoloan Dome.
Installed as the early title favorites in the absence of Fide Master Ellan Asuela, the title-hungry veteran duo of Johnnel Balquin and Allan Cantonjos recorded three-straight wins in the company of the youthful Canino brothers, Romeo and Ronald, and another teenage hopeful Joel Lawrence Hoy.
“At least naa silay chance mag champ karon kay sukad niabot si Ellan (Asuela) from Bacolod permi na lang sila contender ra taman,” one observer said of the interesting rivalry in the Individual Open category.
Cassey Miguel Tabamo, reigning 14-under titlist of the Golden Chess Friends-organized tourneys in the locality, also dished out a perfect three-of-three performance in the junior division of the 1st Mayor Nadya Emano-Elipe FIDE Rated Chess Tournament which offers close to P30,000 in total cash prizes plus trophies and medals to the winners.
Joining Tabamo in the lead with similar 3 points are 2022 National Batang Pinoy gold medalists Zhaoyu Capilitan, Janin Dhrey Querequere, and Ashzley Aya Nicole Paquinol as well as former National Shell Active kiddies champion David Rey Ancheta, Jasaan pride LJ Getubig, Khent Lawrence Cañas, Janrick Lagunay, and Paulo Efren Castino.
Arbiter Lorenzo ‘Jun’ Cuizon said a total of 128 players throughout Misamis Oriental province have participated in the day-long Rapid chess competition which culminates with the team Tatluhan hostilities.
