by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---International Master Daniel Maravilla Quizon pocketed the top honors in the 10th Mindanao Open Rapid Chess Championships at the Provincial Capitol Rooftop in Amas, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato on Monday (August 29).
The 18-year-old Quizon, playing under the guidance of DasmariƱas City Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr. and national coach Fide Master Roel Abelgas collected six points on five wins and two draws to win the seven-round tournament which attracted 84 players in the event hosted by Gov. Emmylou Lala Talino-Mendoza being held in celebration of Kalivungan Festival and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's chairman/president Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr.
Actually, Quizon, tied for first-fourth places with Vince Angelo Medina of Cabuyao City, World Youngest Fide Master Alekhine Fabiosa Nouri of City San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and National Master Elmer Sumngat of Tagbilaran City, Bohol in the 25 minutes plus 10 seconds increment rapid time control event supervised by Tournament director NA Ronald Olay, Chief Arbiter IA James G. Infiesto and Deputy Chief Arbiter NA Joseph Gener Palero and and assisted by NA Alfred Moulic, NA Dr. Ted Calica, NA Vic Artieda, CA Ruel T. Olay and CA Antonio Balisacan.
With the highest tiebreak points, Quizon took the title, Medina finished second, Nouri placed 3rd while Sumngat settled for fourth overall.
Three players-Ellan Asuela of Bacolod City, Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus of Davao City and Rhynan Arce of Davao City-shared fifth to seventh places with 5.5 points.
Rounding up the top 10 with 5.0 points each were Jayson Salubre of Panabo City, Davao del Norte (eight), John Christian Lesaca of General Santos City (ninth) and National Master Elwin Retanal of Carcar City, Cebu (tenth).-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows International Master Daniel Maravilla Quizon (black) ponder his next moves against World Youngest Fide Master Alekhine Fabiosa Nouri during their seventh and final round game that ended into a fighting draw on Monday. (Photo credit to Chief Arbiter IA James G. Infiesto)