FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz beat International Master Ronald Dableo in the eighth and final round to capture the open crown while Christian Tolosa ruled the kiddies division in the 12th Edition Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament last Saturday, April 20, 2024 at SM Southmall, Alabang Zapote Rd. Las Piñas, Philippines.
In photo above are, from left, International Master Roderick Nava, International Master Ronald Dableo (2nd place), FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (champion), FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri (3rd place), International Arbiter Ricky Navalta and National Arbiter Ferdinand Reyes Sr.
Top Boards last round between FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz versus International Master Ronald Dableo
The seventh seed Daluz, who trailed Dableo by half-a-point after seven rounds, outwitted his second-seeded rival from Philippine Army with the white pieces to fashion out the victory.
Daluz scored 7.5 points to bring home a PHP30,000 cash prize in this 1-day rapid (15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment) tournament, hosted by International Master Roderick Nava and National Master David Almirol.
International Master Roderick Nava (left) and National Arbiter Mark John Centillo
“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,” said Nava, number 1 chess blogger in the Philippines.
Daluz defeated Khent Lourence Canas in the first round, Elcid Estaron (2nd round), Leo Aldrin Caraig (3rd round), Arjoe Loanzon (5th round), FIDE Master Randy Segarra (6th round), Romeo Canino (7th round) before beating Dableo in the last round. He split the points with Alfredo Balquin Jr. (4th round).
“I am very happy with my victory, ” said the 21-year-old University of Santo Tomas Entrepreneurship student.
“I would like to thank the University of Santo Tomas for supporting my participation in the 12th Edition Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament ,” he added.
Despite the setbacks, Dableo wound up second with seven points, nipping FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and Balquin Jr. in the tiebreak.
Romeo Canino, National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr., Apollo P. Agapay and Davin Sean Romualdez finished the tournament with similar 6.5 points while Jonathan Jota and Kevin Arquero have identical 6.0 points.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo credit to Kamatyas, Biyaherong Arbiter and Engr. Roger Reyes
