The San Carlos City government, through the Pintaflores Foundation and San Carlos Negros Chess Club, held the First Mayor Rene Gustilo Cup Open Chess Tournament on October 8-9, at the SCC Multi-Purpose Hall, Park Marina, Brgy. 3, in the city.
At least 90 participants from different parts of the country competed in the open category of the said tourney where National Master Roque Merben of Cebu City was hailed champion and received P20,000 in cash.
International Master Joel Pimentel won second place and received P12,000 in cash, followed by Jerry Areque as third place winner with P8,000 cash prize.
The top three players also received trophies while the top 4 to 10 players received P1,500 each and the top 11 to 25, P1,000 each.
Mario Areque of Cebu City bagged the top senior and received P1,000 followed by Reynaldo Flores in second place with P500 in cash.
Meanwhile, top 13-year-old and under players Ryien Bahita and Apple Rubin received P1,000 and P500, respectively.
Both Bahita and Rubin were also the top 1 and 2 female players who were also given cash prizes.
Henry Silva, San Carlos Negros Chess Club president, said the chess tournament was aimed at inviting top players in the country as well as promoting tourism.
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and Silva formally opened the tournament with the ceremonial move.*
