AT 57 years old and sickly, the so-called ‘Alamid’ in Mindanao chess could not imagine he would travel long again, yet compete and even more conquer.
But last Saturday, September 28, the Barangay Nazareth pride Joseph ‘Joekorn’ Maestrado Jr of Cagayan de Oro was convinced by fellow chess friends to try his luck in the Rapid Chess Tournament held at the City Sports Complex in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.
And to everyone’s surprise and great delight, the frail-looking Maestrado stands out in the Open category of the day-long chessfest that attracted a total of 115 participants.
Maestrado scored 7.5 points in eight rounds to finish ahead of perennial Palarong Pambansa campaigner David Rey Ancheta (seven points) and 2024 TambaNipa Festival Open Chess champion Basilio Pandan Jr (6.5 points) en route to pocketing the P3,000 top purse plus trophy.
“Dili na ko ga biyahe sa layo kay lage masakiton na. Pero naa may libre nga van maong ni hitch na lang pud ko uban ang mga higala kay libre man sab ang ilang registration sa El Salvador,” Maestrado later told Gold Star Daily.
Known for his solid Colle Opening with white and never-ending French defense with black, Maestrado’s feat drew overflowing accolades from local chessers who regarded him as the Alamid in Mindanao who could still play chess despite his poor health condition.
“Winning the championship out of 115 participants in the Open Category is a truly remarkable achievement. It showcases incredible skill, dedication, and talent,” said Chess Derby digital creator Leo Wabe in congratulating Maestrado.
