by Marlon Bernardino
LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato---Roumundo Jaime Alexis Edades Jr. topped the South Cotabato Open Chess Championship on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Punta Isla Resort, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato here.

Edades amassed 6 points in the 7-round rapid format to win the title of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines sanctioned tournament organized by the city government of South Cotabato led by tournament director Joselito "Lito" Dormitorio and backed up by Senator Manny Pacquiao, Lake Sebu town mayor Antonio Fungan, South Cotabato governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Alphaland and Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA).

Edades actually tied with Dr. Jenny Mayor and Fide Master Nelson "Elo" Mariano III at 6 points but won via tiebreak.

Eduard Sumergido, National Master Efren Bagamasbad and Ronnie Selguerra finished with identical 5.5 points to place fourth to sixth.

Rounding up the top 12 are Rey Reyes, Ravel Canlas, Nazario Ubanan, Gomobar Balabagan, Stanley Butihin and Ryan Concepcion with 5 points apiece.

Tournament favorites National Committee on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Consultant James Infiesto, Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Michael John Parrenas, Jezreel Lopez, Jim Warren Julom finished out of the top 12 with 4.5 points.

Haein Angelito Aparte (4.5 points out of 5) won Kiddies 14 years old and below while Kurt Jacinth Castor (4.5 points out of 5) dominated the Kiddies 12 years old and below.

Tournament director Joselito "Lito" Dormitorio thanked the participants and supporters for the success of the event.

“I personally thank Senator Manny Pacquiao, Lake Sebu town mayor Antonio Fungan, South Cotabato governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Alphaland and the officials of Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) for the support extended to the development of chess and promotion of the city as a premier chess event venue,” Dormitorio said.

Chief arbiter is FNA Alexander Dinoy and assisted by FNA Lorenzo Cuizon Jr. and FNA Mark John Gastar. (Marlon Bernardino)