by Marlon Bernardino
Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro---FIDE MASTER Nelson "Elo" Mariano III ruled via tiebreak the FIDE rated Lifecore Enterprises Open rapid chess championships at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Sunday.
Mariano, head coach of Jose Rizal University chess team under the guidance of Athletic Director Mr. Paul Supan, tied for first-fourth places with last year champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Michael Concio Jr. and Mark Jay Bacojo with 6 points each.
With the highest tiebreak points, Mariano took the title while Antonio finished second, Concio settled for third and Bacojo placed fourth over-all.
In the seventh and final round, Mariano edged International Master Barlo Nadera, Antonio halving the point with Bacojo while Concio beat Sherwin Tiu.
Earlier, Oriental Mindoro governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor and GM Antonio made the ceremonial moves to usher the start of the competition that includes Nicolas Ramil Castro of Lifecore Enterprises Inc. and United Chess Players of Calapan, Inc. president Emmanuel "Noel" Bandelaria Asi, among others.-Marlon Bernardino-
