KNOWN for organizing big chess events in Mindanao in terms of cash prizes, Ozamiz City is seriously considering another productive initiative: supporting its local talents to become highly competitive one day.

And so the birth of the Monthly Fide-Rated Standard Chess Tournament for 1799 below-rated players, which unloaded its first ever day-long competition on Sunday, June 22 at the mini chess corner (Asenso Wellness Park) in Ozamiz City.

“Based on experience, classical chess with a standard time control of one hour or more can produce quality chess players. And happy kaayo kita nga na-approve atong programa sa bag-ong mayor,” said Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, referring to lawyer-turned Ozamiz City Mayor Sam Norman Fuentes, who is best remembered for holding Grandmaster Eugene Torre to a draw during the Hall of Famer’s simultaneous chess display in Ozamiz City, some years ago.

“This also marked the opening of the mini chess park for weekend tournaments. This initiative is part of the grassroots chess development project by the LGU Ozamiz, Asenso Pinoy, and Asenso Misamis Occidental,” added Urbiztondo.

PACKED GOODS, apart from cash prizes, await the winners of the day-long standard chess event in Ozamiz City. (Photo courtesy of Asenso Ozamiz)

Tangub City pride Jarfinel Amodia and Clarin hopeful Shojie Navarro finished the five-round Swiss System tourney in a tie at 4.5 points each.

Amodia, however, bagged the top purse of P1,000 plus P3,000 worth of packed goods by his higher tiebreak results.

Navarro took the runner-up prize of P700 and P2,000 worth of packed goods, while the third-running John Dave Oliver from Tangub got P500 and P1,000 worth of packed goods.

Oliver’s fellow four pointers from Ozamiz Paul Benedict Arapoc and Meynard Yongod occupied fourth and fifth with P700 and P500 take-home, respectively, as solo sixth-placer Quinn Zian Yongod (3.5 pointers) from Kulambogan, Lanao del Norte and top lady Arena Candidate Master Kyle Windylle Espares completed the top-13 finishers alongside fellow Ozamiznons and three pointers Matthew Jolee Satorre, Arena Fide Master Zakk Jhudiel Laroya, Noel Arabia, Deric Herald Jornales, Chriz Cyril Estrada and Ronie Puzon.