ONE of Cagayan de Oro’s most popular chess figures Mario ‘Bebot’ Arroyo showed that he’s still a lot of tricks left on his 65-year-old head.

This, as the retired Department of Education employee Arroyo dominated the Oro Executives-backed Rapid Chess Tournament held, over the weekend, at a private place in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

The grizzled Arroyo used to be a “chess pambato” of Cagayan de Oro in any big competition around the country during his younger years.

AGELESS Mario Arroyo (at left) defeats Jeff Russell Rivera who is young enough to be called his son. Photo by Lynde Salgados

But as a senior citizen, practically not any of his rivals can expect him to hurdle an energy-zapping round-robin affair for 20 invited men where he scored 17 points with no loss and some draws.

“Nasalagmaan lang tingali kay aduna sab ko’y mga dula adto nga losing na ma one-piece down pero na-ubanan lang gyod og s’werte,” Arroyo told Gold Star Daily.

Arroyo’s output was 2.5 points ahead of second-placer in Jasaan champion Paciano Gulle (14.5 pts) who along with fellow 13-pointers Sabenecio Solomon and lawyer Condrado Mahinay also received the major cash prizes for occupying third and fourth, respectively.

MIND battle between retired PNP Rolando Gomonit and Colonel Jerry Tambis (right). Photo by Lynde Salgados

“Walay nagmahay adto bisan pildi kay ang pagkaon nga giandam ni Mr. William Lim adunay lechon, bisayang manok, kinilaw sobra pa usa ka libo mata'g usa,” said Arena Fide Master Benoni Wave in half jest.

Also making it to the prize circle are Judge Renato Arroyo (12.5 pts), Jeff Russell Rivera (12 pts), Oscar Cardenas (11.5 pts), Renato Goopio and AFM Naphtalie Wabe at 11 points each and Audy Abrea (10.5 pts).