MANILA – FIDE Master (FM) David Elorta garnered 9.0 points to win the Mayor Seth Frederick "Bullet" Jalosjos Open rapid chess tournament at the Dapitan Sports and Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte last Sunday.
Using his mastery of the London System Opening and Caro-Kann Defense, Elorta conquered Iora Megan Garcia, Elvis Longjas, NM (National Master) elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo, AFM (Arena FIDE Master) Jaymiel Piel, Michael Linde, Cedric Kahlel Abris, FM Ellan Asuela, AGM (Arena Grandmaster) Julius Dan Augustine Ablin and Phil Martin Casiguran.
"I wish that my luck would remain the same in my next tournament," said Elorta, who collected PHP30,000 in cash.
The member of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Manila Indios Bravos is scheduled to join the 2nd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open on July 9-10 at AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.
Abris of Mandaluyong City settled for the PHP20,000 runner-up purse.
He was tied for second with Piel, AGM Dennis Bernas of Iloilo, Jerish John Velarde of Imus City, Cavite; Vincent Ryu Dimayuga of Lipa City, Batangas; and Irwin Aton of Davao City with 7.0 points, but had a better tiebreak score.
“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Dapitan, Dipolog, Polanco and nearby provinces as well as those from Metro Manila joined the tournament," the College of Saint Benilde player said.
Meanwhile, three players from Negros Oriental made the podium in their respective categories in the Juniors division.
Noel "Nonoy" Bernil Jr. of Tanjay City, who will compete in the Eastern Youth Chess Championships in Malaysia on July 12-21, placed second to Justin Jed Ortillo of Cabuyao City, Laguna in the boys' U12.
NM-elect Michael Jan Stephen Rosalem Inigo of Bayawan City, who qualified for the Palarong Pambansa in Cebu, was runner-up in the boys’ U18, while Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia was also runner-up in the girls' U18.