Cabuyao City—Recarte Tiauson bested some of the country’s top chess players in topping the 8th leg of the National Executive Chess Championship, dubbed as 2019 Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas Sr. Chess Cup held here at the Activity Area, Centro Mall, Cabuyao City in Laguna on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Tiauson edged International Master Petronio Roca in the fourth, then downed National Master Carlo Lorena in the fifth before halving the point with United States Master Arjoe Loanzon in the sixth and final round to finish with 5.5 points and capture the rapid crown plus the top purse of P12,000 and an elegant trophy.
Victor Anas finished solo second with five points to take home P8,000 and a trophy.
Loanzon, National Master Robert Arellano, Roca, Juman Marcelo and Fide Master Randy Segarra wound up with 4.5 points each to emerge tied for 2nd to 7th place.
Rounding up to the top 10 finishers were 8th place Angel Tambong Jr. (4 pts.), 9th place Roberto Manguiob (4 pts.) and 10th place Dandel Fernandez (4 pts.).
Adjudged category winners were Marcelo (Top 1999); Manguiob (Top Senior); Leonard Raymond Reyes (Top Newcomer); Engr. Bren Sasot (Top 1899), Gregorio Artieda (Top Unrated); Edwin Sison (Top 1799) and Susan Grace Neri (Top Lady).
Philippine Executive Chess Association president Dr. Jenny Mayor and tournament director Dr. Alfred Paez led the closing rites in the one-day event supported by the City Government of Cabuyao, headed by Mayor Atty. Rommel “Mel” A. Gecolea, Engr. Antonio “Tony” Carreon Balinas, JAMlink Travel and Tours, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Bread and Bachoy.
Chief arbiter is FNA Alexander “Alex” Dinoy of the Chess Arbiter Union of the Philippines.
