National Master Edsel Montoya scored 2 points in the last two rounds to emerge as the overall champion in the American Chess Coach Dave Fenton Online Chess Tournament Dubbed as Baby Dos Blitz Chess Challenge at the lichess online platform on Friday.
Montoya, the pride of Cebu defeated National Master Gerardo Cabellon of Bulacan in the eight and penultimate round and Fide Master Roel Abelgas of Dasmarinas City, Cavite in the ninth and final round.
He finished with 7.5 points on seven wins, one draw and one loss to capture the title in the 39-player online tournament, which was organized by Bayanihan Chess Club headed by founding honorary chairman US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas and Engr. Antonio "Uncle Paps" Balinas.
Actually, former Asian Junior Champion International Master Ricardo de Guzman tallied the same 7.5 points output but settled for runner-up honors due to lower tiebreak score.
De Guzman is the only player who inflicted the only loss of eventual champion Montoya in the seventh round of this 9 Round Swiss competition.
Another Cebu bet National Master Rommel Ganzon clinch third place with 7 markers.
“I’m very happy and proud to have won this tournament made by American Chess Coach Dave Fenton," said Montoya, who is also drew with reigning IPCA World Champion Fide Master Sander Severino of Talisay City, Negros Occidental in the sixth round after winning his first five games.
FM Severino, meantime settled solo fourth with 6.5 points.
Noel Jay "Super B" Estacio, meantime end up fifth with 6 points.
Estacio, fondly called "Super B" in the chess world is fresh from winning the Al Basher "Basty" Buto Birthday Cup Tournament sponsored by American Chess Coach Dave Fenton .
Rounding up to the top 10 were Arena Grandmaster Irwin Aton of Davao City (5.5 pts.), Nazario Ubanan of Cagayan de Oro City (5.5 pts.), FM Abelgas (5 pts.), NM Cabellon (5 pts.) and National Master Julius Sinangote of Quezon City (5 pts.)