MANILA, Philippines---Filipino National Master Mario Lawsin Rebano made the country proud anew by finishing 2nd overall in the Eastern Chess Congress (Over The Board Chess Tournament) Under 2100 category at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Princeton, New Jersey, USA held from October 1-3, 2021.
Tacloban City native Rebano defeated Ethan Kozower of the USA using the black pieces in 58 moves of Slav defense, exchange variation in the 5th and final round to finish undefeated with 4.5 points on four wins and half point bye in the prestigious 450-player Continental Chess Association tournament.
This is the same output of 3rd placer Jordan Groff of the USA whom he beat in the tie break points.
Thus, Rebano and Groff pocketed $500 each for their efforts.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my countrymen. It’s an honor to represent our country,” said New York based Rebano, who settled for 2nd place after tie-break points were applied.
Maxim Farberov of the USA finished undefeated with perfect 5 points to bring home the top purse of $1,400.