by Marlon Bernardino
QUEZON CITY bet Jhulo Goloran toppled Puerto Princesa ace Mark Anthony Carganilla in the final round to win the 1st Don Casiguran and Friends Open Chess Cup held at the Senate Covered Court in Barangay 173, North Caloocan, Caloocan City on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Goloran nailed the title, the top prize of P2,000 plus trophy after tallying 5.5 points on five wins and draw in six outings, in the one-day event backed up by Barangay Kagawad Pel Balubar, Vicky Dahino, Ebot delos Santos, Bong Duenas ,Sonny Calaguing, Loy Ligon, Ros Encinas and Saint Anthony chess team.

Alexis Emil Maribao, member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo chess team defeated Ricardo Copones of North Caloocan to finished with 5.0 points, the same output of Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., winner over Dipolog City top gunner Michel Jackson Ambuang.

After the tie break points was applied, Maribao placed second to went home the runner-up place P1,000 plus trophy. Bernardino, who is also a sports writer and radio commentator settled for third and received P500 plus trophy for his effort.

Adjudged category winners are Al-Basher "Basty" Buto (Top 8 years old and below), Roy Loyola (Top Palmera), Abdul Rahman Buto (Top 12 years old), Phil Martin Casiguran (Top 6 years old), Alysah Buto (Top 10 years old), Don Casiguran (Top Sta. Cruz), Nathaniel Mirambel (Top Seniors), Godofredo Cayanan (Top Rainbow) and Jean Luk Realino (Top Senate).

FIDE National Arbiter Alexander "Alex" Dinoy of the Chess Arbiter Union of the Philippines (CAUP) served as chief arbiter and assisted by Avelino Carredo.