Fifteen-year-old Sebastian Marbas proved age was no barrier after outplaying a field of seasoned campaigners to win the Cagayan de Oro City Post-Clinic Chess Tournament on Saturday, July 5, at the City Tourism Hall.
The Capitol University Basic Education Department (CUBED) student president emerged champion with 6.5 points after seven rounds, earning the ₱3,000 top prize and trophy.
Marbas tied veteran player Randolph Christopher Dalauta in the standings, but secured the title through superior tie-break points. Dalauta finished second with ₱2,000 and a trophy.
The teenage standout sealed the championship with a final-round victory over his own mentor, veteran Nazario Ubanan. He also defeated David Rey Ancheta and Ponciano Gulle during his impressive run.
The result showed how young local players continue to rise in the city’s competitive chess scene, proving they can challenge and even beat experienced veterans.
Another crowd favorite was Lorebina Carrasco II, the lone female player in the tournament, who fought her way to third place and claimed ₱1,000 plus a trophy.
Top seed FIDE Master Raymond Salcedo settled for fourth place, while Rodney Opada finished fifth.
Completing the Top 10 were Ubanan, Mary Janelle Tan, Ancheta, Kyros Magsalay, and Bryan Jose.
Teen champion Sebastian Marbas prepares for his final-round match against mentor Nazario Ubanan during the Cagayan de Oro City Post-Clinic Chess Tournament on July 5, 2026, at the City Tourism Hall.
