Filipino Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Robert Suelo won the 3rd KIMMA Open Chess Tournament 2019 Open Chess title after holding off countryman National Master (NM) Ian Cris Udani to a draw during the final round in Metro Mall PUDU, Fraser Business Park, Jalan PUDU 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday, November 17.
Suelo finished with 5 wins, 2 draws for a total of 6.0 points, the same output of Udani and another PH bet Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva.
Suelo, the former top player of Rizal Technological University, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City chess team, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points.
Suelo became the meet’s top finisher and after gaining a tiebreak 3 score of 27.75 against Udani and Villanueva’s 27.0.
The 1996 Philippine Junior Champion Suelo pocketed the top prize of 1,500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus trophy and a medal, Udani received runner-up prize of 1,000 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal while Villanueva went home third prize of 500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal for his effort.
“Hindi ko na pinilit ‘yung last game ko. Nanigurado na lang ako ng magandang placing,” said Suelo, whose stint was supported by Jaime “Bong” and Jane Tiburcio.
“Kasi alam ko in case mag-tie, sa akin pa din ang title kasi alam kong mas mataas ang tie break points ko.” added Suelo, an active member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in Singapore.
At 4th to 6th place with 5.5 points were FM Lik Zang Lye, FM Sumant Subramaniam and Kamaluddin Yusof of Malaysia. The 7 Round Swiss system tournament is attracted by 83 players.
Meanwhile, Don Tyrone Delos Santos ruled via tiebreak the Raymond Transportation Open rapid chess championship at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the Barangay Tagbakin, Atimonan, Quezon last weekend.
Delos Santos, tied for first to third place with Sherwin Tiu and Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. with 6.0 points apiece in seven outings in this one-day event, hosted by Atimonan Chess Club, backed by Raymond M. Escobar in cooperation with twins Sancho and Pancho Cochangco and Bishop Ruben Belmonte.
With the highest tiebreak points, Delos Santos took the title. Tiu finished second while Bernardino settled for third in this tournament which is also supported by Atimonan, Quezon mayor Rustico U. Mendoza, councilor Rumel Verastigue, Golden J. Bistro and Siopao Center top honcho Conrado Acampado, Gerry Vila, teacher Jason R. Par, teacher Michael Valdez, Atimonan Chess Club president Ruben Alegre, Romy Talavera and Chief Arbiter Medardo Hernandez.
Rounding up the top 18 winners are Rafael Dionisio, 5.5 points (4th); Randolf Padilla, 5.5 points (5th); Raniel Romero, 5.0 points (6th); Daniel Cajegas, 5.0 points (7th); Glenn Garcia, 5.0 points (8th); Gerardo Vila, 4.5 points (9th), Manilyn Cabungcag, 4.5 points (10th), Noel Glifonea, 4.5 points (11th), Jerry Areque, 4.5 points (12th), Rogelio Salazar Jr., 4.5 points (13th), Reign Justine Oliveros, 4.5 points (14th), Mark Anthony Palo, 4.5 points (15th), Ruben Alegre, 4.5 points (16th), Arthur Paril, 4.5 points (17th) and Arnel Estinor, 4.5 points (18th).