Woman Fide Master (WFM) Allaney Jia Doroy, the top player of National University chess team defeated former solo leader, 8-time Illinois USA champion International Master Angelo Young in the last round to create a three-way tie for first in the inaugural Open Kitchen rapid chess last weekend.
Doroy whose stint here is being supported by team manager Samson Go of National University collected four points in five outings, the same output of Young and United States chess master Jose “Jojo” Aquino Jr.
Aquino winner over former Istanbul World Chess Olympiad International Master (IM) Ronald Bancod in the opening round needed to beat 2000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Asian Inter-Collegiate Champion National Master (NM) Romeo Alcodia in the final canto to share the top honors with Doroy and Young.
“ I would like to thank the management of Open Kitchen for inviting me to participate in this one-day rapid event and also to my parents, coach (Jose Aquino Jr.) Jojo and NU Team Manager Samson Go who always beside me in my professional chess career.” said the 17-years-old Doroy, a grade 11 pupil of Nazareth School of National University.
Doroy lost to Fide Master (FM) Christopher Castellano in the first round but bounced back after beating 2017 Pahang, Malaysia Asean age group chess triple gold medal winner Al-Basher “Basty” Buto in the second round, seven-time Philippine Executive grand prix champion Dr. Jenny Mayor in the third round, MVP Olympics PLDT Team Manager Martin “Binky” Gaticales in the fourth round and Young.
The three receive their cash prizes and trophies for their efforts during the awarding ceremonies led by China Aurelio and John Gomez of Open Kitchen, National Chess Federation of the Philippines directors lawyer Cliburn Anthony Orbe and Gaticales and US based engineer Florentino Inumerable Jr. in the one-day chess affair organized by tournament director Jeff Dimalanta in close cooperation with Barangay Kaunlaran chairman Christopher “Dong” Cheng, International Billiards/Snooker Champion Marlon Manalo of Patrol Party list and councilor Irene Belmonte.
Businessman Jason Rojo, meantime edged journeyman Genghis Katipunan Imperial to landed at fourth place with 3.5 points.
Special prizes were awarded to reigning Asian Para Games bronze medallist Francis Ching and Cecilio Bilog, 2018 Singapore co-champion Jasper Faeldonia, 2017 Pahang, Malaysia Asean age group chess triple gold medal winner Al-Basher “Basty” Buto, Rohanisah Buto and Alysah Buto.