by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Robert Suelo won the 3rd KIMMA Open Chess Tournament 2019 Open Chess title after holding off countryman National Master (NM) Ian Cris Udani to a draw during the final round in Metro Mall PUDU, Fraser Business Park, Jalan PUDU 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday (November 17, 2019).

Suelo finished with 5 wins, 2 draws for a total of 6.0 points, the same output of Udani and another PH bet Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva.
Suelo, the former top player of Rizal Technological University, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City chess team, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points.

Suelo became the meet's top finisher and after gaining a tiebreak 3 score of 27.75 against Udani and Villanueva's 27.0.

The 1996 Philippine Junior Champion Suelo pocketed the top prize of 1,500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit)  plus trophy and a medal, Udani received runner-up prize of 1,000 RM  (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal while Villanueva went home third prize of 500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal for his effort.

"Hindi ko na pinilit ‘yung last game ko. Nanigurado na lang ako ng magandang placing,” said  Suelo, whose stint here is being supported by Jaime "Bong" and Jane Tiburcio.
“Kasi alam ko in case mag-tie, sa akin pa din ang title kasi alam kong mas mataas ang tie break points ko." added Suelo, an active member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in Singapore.
At 4th to 6th place with 5.5 points were FM  Lik Zang Lye, FM Sumant Subramaniam and Kamaluddin Yusof of Malaysia. The 7 Round Swiss system tournament is attracted by 83 players.-Marlon Bernardino-

Photo shows from left to right: Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva (3rd place), Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Robert Suelo (Champion) and National Master (NM) Ian Cris Udani (2nd place).