by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---Sherwin Tiu emerged as the top woodpusher in the 13th GMG Chess Monthly Tour Arena held at Lichess Platform.
Tiu dominated the online blitz chess competition by scoring a total of 67 points against 272 other contenders from different parts of the country in the event hosted by Thailand based coach NM Gerald Ferriol.

"I believe I can win any tournament as long as I play well. I always try to give my best in every tournament," said Tiu.
International Master Idelfonso Datu settled for second place with 61 points, followed by National Master Rommel Ganzon (58 points), Anatoly Pascua (56 points) and Jan Clifford Labog (54 points).
Tiu, a member of Tarrasch Knight Chess Club in Guadalupe, Makati City bagged the P2,000 champion’s purse, Datu pocketed P1,500 for his second place finish, Ganzon received P1,000 for his third place finish, Pascua went home P700 for his fourth place finish and P500 for Labog’s fifth place finish.
Rounding up to the top 15 are NM Elwin Retanal, Chester Neil Reyes, Christian Mendoza, NM Joey Florendo, Jake Tasi Tumaliuan, FM Rico Salimbagat, Tristan Jared Cervero, Yves Christian Fiel and Bhavesh Mahajan.
Adjudged category winners were Summer Justin Oncita (Top Kiddie),Kylie Lizette Apatan (Top Women), NM Jonathan Tan (Top Senior) and Salvador "Bobby" Dela Paz (Top PWD).
Meanwhile, Bill won the  4th GMG over the board Chess Tournament with perfect 5 points. James wound up second with 4 points.-Marlon Bernardino-