Seasoned woodpusher and FIDE Master (FM) David Elorta emerged as the champion in the 72nd National Convention (NATCON) Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Open Rapid Chess Tournament 4 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay City.
FM Elorta, who plays for the Manila Indios Bravos in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), pocketed the P10,000 purse and the gold medal for ruling the tournament which fielded over 145 woodpushers.
He had a perfect campaign after tallying 7.0 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
FM Elorta defeated Alexander Galang, Arnel Ellis, James Henry Calacday, CM Genghis Imperial, Kevin Arquero, Harrison Maamo and Sherwin Tiu, respectively.
“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Metro Manila and nearby provinces joined the tournament,” said Elorta, who is set to compete in the 3rd FM Angelito Camer FIDE rated rapid open chess tournament on October 27 at the Pavilion Mall Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City and the 3rd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Chess Festival on November 4-5 at the Asenso Global Gardens, Hoyohoy, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.
Maamo’s second place finish earned him P4,500, while the third place went to Arquero to earn P3,000 and Tiu got P2,000 for overall fourth.
Maamo, Arquero and Tiu, who only loses to Elorta tallied 6.0 points each, the same output of IM Angelo Young (5th), Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa (6th) and Jerry Areque (7th).
The eight to 10th placers who toted 5.5 points each were CM Genghis Imperial, AIM Remark Bartolome and Joselito Alejano.
National PSME Past President Engr. Roger Reyes said that this is their first time to host a chess tilt featuring pro and amateur woodpushers.
It’s one of Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers highlight activities for its 72nd National Convention.
“Hopefully this will be a yearly event as to the number of civil engineers, I am sure that the majority know how to play chess,” said Reyes.
“Since our goal for this maiden event is to promote our Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers National Chapter, there will be next year to look forward to. But of course, we need the support of everyone for this chess event.” last word of Reyes, founding president of the PSME Inc. Foundation.
Adjudged category winners were Bartolome (Top PWD), Jose Piff Caumban (Top IIEE), Paolo Manuel Fule (Top Media),FM Mario Mangubat (Top Senior 50 to 65 over category), Ricardo Jimenez (Top Senior 50 to 64 years old category), NM Oberio Aglipay (Top PSME male), Ferick Brenz Porras (Top PSME male), Jelle Ann Magro (Top PSME female) , Precious Grace Peregrino (Top PSME female), Maryss Annxeniel Caldoza (Top Lady), Natalie Galang (Top Elementary Girl), Jared Zach Rivera (Top Elementary Boy), Chelsea Bless Cabrera (Top High School Girl), James Henry Calacday (Top High School Boy), Oryza Reign Repato (Top College Girl) and Noel Trines Jr. (Top College Boy).
