International Master Michael Concio Jr. (fourth from left) scored a crucial win over FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri in the seventh and final round to claim the championship of the Victoria Sports Club Rapid Chess Tournament (Season 2) held April 27, 2024 at the Victoria Sports Tower, Quezon City, Philippines.
After losing to Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa in the fourth round, Concio bounced back with aplomb to down his last three opponents—International Master Ricardo De Guzman (round 5), Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido (round 6) and Nouri (round 7).
Concio, one of the top players of the famous Dasmariñas Chess Academy of Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, opened his bid in a bright note beating Terra Brielle Abad (Round 1), Zedric Silva (Round 2) and International Master Barlo Nadera (Round 3), respectively.
Concio had just come from winning the blitz competition of the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club last April 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Nadera defeated Ochoa in the last round to finish with 6.0 points in seven outings, the same output as Concio and Nouri.
After the tie breaks were applied, Concio took the title, Nouri wound up second while Nadera finished third.
Concio pocketed P10,000 , championships trophy, accommodation at Victoria Sports Hotel and one month premiere membership.
Nouri settled for P3,000 , runner-up trophy, accommodation at Victoria Sports Hotel and one month premiere membership.
Nadera received P2,500, third place trophy, accommodation at Victoria Sports Hotel and one month premiere membership.
Rounding up the top 10 were fourth placer Tristan Jared Cervero, fifth placer Ochoa, sixth placer Jerome Villanueva, seventh placer Cedric Daniel Macato, eighth placer Davin Sean Romualdez, ninth placer International Master Rolando Nolte and tenth placer Zedric Silva.
Adjudged category winners were Mordido (top lady), Mark Christian Evangelista (top non-master), De Guzman (top senior), IM Angelo Young (top PWD), Jericho Winston Cu (top junior), and John Randall Peralta (top kiddie).-Marlon Bernardino-