by Marlon Bernardino
NATIONAL MASTER lawyer Bob Jones Liwagon shocked rivals as he emerged champion in the sixth leg Alphaland National Executive Chess Championship held at the Activity Hall, Second Floor Alphaland Makati Place in Malugay Street, Makati City on Saturday.
Liwagon, a member of the multi-titled Philippine Army chess team, bested fellow six pointers Ervil Villa and engineer Arjoe Loanzon via superior tiebreaks to secure the coveted title in the one-day National Chess Federation of the Philippines-sanctioned rapid tournament, organized by Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) led by it's president Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe.
Information Technology expert Jose Cada placed fourth overall with 5.5 points, the same output of fifth placer Reynaldo Aba-a.
Rounding up to the top 10 finishers who got 5 points each are 6th place Narquingel Reyes, 7th place Dr. Alfred Paez, 8th place Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, 9th place engineer Ravel Canlas of PAGCOR and 10th place Nelman Lagutin.
Mark Jay Bacojo, one of the top players of Dasmarinas Chess Academy put up by Dasmarinas mayor Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr., congresswoman Jenny Barzaga and national coach International Master Roel Abelgas, put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the kiddies crown with 6.5 points, half point ahead second place with Srihaan Podar (6 pts.) and full point ahead with third place Allan Gabriel Hilario (5.5 pts.).
Karlycris Clarito Jr. led the group of five pointers that includes Junsen Audric Maranan and Lemmuel Jay Adena.
NCFP director and MVP Olympics PLDT Team Manager Martin "Binky" Gaticales graced the opening rites along with Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) president Atty.Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, Press Relation Officer Dr. Alfredo Paez, NM Efren Bagamasbad, IT expert Joselito Cada and seven-times Philippine Executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor. (Marlon Bernardino)