INTERNATIONAL MASTER (IM) elect Jerad Docena of Pasay City emerged champion of the 2nd Gayang Chess Championship Open Chess Tournament was held recently at the Guinayangan, Quezon.

Docena, one of the country's top woodpushers, finished the seven-round Swiss system tournament with 6 points, the same output of Vince Angelo Medina of Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Docena bagged the top prize P10,000 and a trophy with a superior 25.5 tie break points against Medina's 23.

Medina, meantime, a former top player of National University Chess Team wnet home P7,000 and a trophy.

Third to 7th placers were Melchor Jullado of Tayabas City (5.5 points, P5,000 and a trophy, Albert Olavere of Naga City (5.5 points,P3,000), Rigor Pedernal of Lucena City (5.5 points, P2,000), Jesurie Hermita Calabia of Calauag City (5.5 points, P1,000) and National Master Efren Bagamasbad of Quezon City (5.5 points, P500).

Rounding up the top-15 circle were Gerado Villa of Atimonan (5 points, P500), Jangli Lita of Gumaca (5 points, P500), Noel Leron of Naga City (5 points, P500), Juanito Magsumbol of Mulanay (5 points, P500), Reymond Jay Ompod of Mulanay (5 points,P500), Randolfo Padilla of Lucena City (4.5 points,P500), Mark Anthony Palo of Gumaca (4.5 points, P500) and councilor Gilbert C. Acob of Guinayangan (4.5 points,P500).

Adjudged category winners were Cherie Ann Manalo of Guinayangan (top lady, P500), Romeo Talavera of Atimonan (top seniors P500), John Carlo Siaga of Gumaca (top kiddie, P500), Nico Adrian Nosquial of Guinayangan (top junior, P500), Jason Par of Atimona (top unrated, P500), and Felicity Borneo (top Guinayangan,P500).

Fide National Arbiter Atty. Nestor Barbosa is the chief arbiter in the event organized by councilor Gilbert C. Acob and supported by fourth district representative Dra. Helen Tan and Atty. Meyrick Andrew S. Osena.(Marlon Bernardino).