NM-elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo tops 1st Florendo Zamora Memorial Chess Tournament
by Marlon Bernardino
The 1st Florendo Zamora Memorial Chess Tournament held last Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental draw a massive crowd of more than 200 participants, who joined and played all in the spirit of remembering a local.chess icon, the man behind the Negros Club 64 - Master Flor - as we  all know him.

Back to the boards, NM-elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo of Bayawan, Negros Oriental subdued Lupad & Buglasan holder Lance Nathaniel D Orlina in a nerve wracking armageddon deciding match in the premier Juniors category. Canlaon City's Vhea Ashley Silvano finished 3rd and the Top Female award. Tanjay duo Raphael Iyas and Brett Pert Catipay claimed the 4th and 5th spots, while Silliman's Yael Gonzales took the Best Game award.
In the Kiddies division, Dauin's best hope Markley Partosa edged upset- conscious RB Kin Barron in another "arma affair" after both ended tied for the lead after the smoke cleared after 7 grueling rounds. Bayawan City's John Welbert Adalia bagged 3rd spot, while Bosconian Lorenzo Gabriel Geñoso took 4th and Lee Arzhel Partosa clinging in on the 5th spot. Juan Manuel Gonzales won the Best Game award, while Mary Ai Sitti Otod received the Top Kiddie Female award.
The Seniors category saw the visiting former Negros Kingsmen mainstay Reynaldo Flores from Mandaue City took home the title over an array of top local senior playets 2nd placer Engr. Arnold Somoza, 3rd placer Bobby Torres, Benedicto Cabanag at 4th place and Florencio Nuñez at 5th place. Atty Raul Carino secured the Best Game award.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows at right,   NM-elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo of Bayawan, Negros Oriental ponder his next moves against Buglasan holder Lance Nathaniel D Orlina.