by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University top player Tyrone delos Santos proved unstoppable at the crucial time as he led the Knights of Columbus chess team with a masterful conquest against the powerhouse of Iglesia ni Cristo Chess Team during the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) team tournament last Saturday, March 17, 2018. All games broadcast live worldwide through the Youtube channel of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

de Los Santos, a habitue of Tarrasch Knight Chess Club in Guadalupe Complex in Makati City toppled Alexis Emil Maribao, 2-0, and Narguingel Reyes, 2.5-1.5, in an Armageddon or “sudden death” tiebreak game, respectively to lift his Knights of Columbus chess team backed up by congressman Edward Maceda and team manager Christopher "Kuya Chris" De Guzman into victory in the event organized Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, treasurer of the of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by Chairman/President Rep. Prospero "Butch" A. Pichay Jr., and Secretary-General Rep. Abraham "Bambol" N. Tolentino Jr.

"The match was an absolute thriller. It was hotly contested by the players as all of them were determined to win. Both teams were down to one player left when Tyrone delos Santos faced Narguingel Reyes in the winner-take-all match, he had to go through the eye of the needle against Alexis Emil Maribao, 2-0, and managed to overcome despite being a losing position in game one." said Atty. Orbe, founding president of the newly-formed Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA).

Maribao went inside the battle arena after engineer Ravel Canlas was yielded to John Michael Magpily in an Armageddon or “sudden death” tiebreak game.

Canlas, earlier beat Walt Talan in an Armageddon or “sudden death” tiebreak game, and blasted Makoy Mabasa, 2-0.

Talan, who toppled Genghis Katipunan Imperial, needed to win his game to Canlas in a must win situation but ended into a draw during their Armageddon or “sudden death” tiebreak game.

According to Atty. Orbe, Armageddon Rules, In an Armageddon or “sudden death” tiebreak game, the players first draw lots to determine which color they would like to be. The player with the white pieces is given five minutes on the clock and a five seconds delay . Meanwhile, the player taking the black pieces features a reduced amount of time to three minutes and a five seconds delay. However, the player with Black has the advantage of winning the game (and thus the match or tournament) if they can hold White to a draw. -Marlon Bernardino-