By Marlon Bernardino
International Master Daniel Quizon (center) won the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Tour of Champions Grand finals on 21st July 2024 at the Greenhills Mall in San Juan City, Philippines.
In the photo are, from left: NA Ferdinand Reyes Jr., PCAP Founder/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (3rd place), IM Daniel Quizon (1st place), FM Ellan Asuela (2nd place), Monique Castaneda (Marketing of AVP-Head of Marketing of Ortigas Malls), Sheila Marie Perez (Associate Marketing Manager of Ortigas Malls) and Tournament Director Coach Hubert Estrella.
The Dasmariñas City, Cavite top player outlasted FIDE Master Ellan Asuela in blitz and rapid play in the final to bag the P80,000 cash prize and rule the 12-man field organized by Professional Chess Association of the Philippines and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board.
It is also supported by PCWorx, The Michael Angelo Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the HubzStar Chess Center and Greenhills Mall.
“I’m very happy to win again, especially in a major tournament like this,” said Quizon, whose stint here is being supported by mayor Jenny Barzaga, councillor Kiko Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas.
“I would like to thank Mayor Jenny Barzaga, Councillor Kiko Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas for supporting my participation in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Tour of Champions Grandfinals,” added Quizon, who is fresh from winning the 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Rapid Chess Tournament last July 10.
Quizon has achieved his GM norms and only needs to raise his standard rating from 2460 to 2500 to complete his GM title status.
Quizon was unstoppable in the tournament which saw him take down 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. in blitz and rapid play in the semis.
Asuela, meantime edged Kevin Arquero in the other final four matchups.
Quizon and Asuela, booked their seat in the semis after 1-2 finish in the preliminary round.
Antonio Jr. and Arquero entered the semifinals after beating their respective rivals.
Antonio defeated International Master Chito Garma while Arquero upset FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus in the Quarter-finals.
In the battle for third, Antonio defeated Arquero.
Asuela earn P30,000 while Antonio pocketed P20,000 and Arquero, Literatus and Garma got P5,000 each.
Other notable woodpushers who participated in this tournament were IM Kim Steven Yap, IM Joel Banawa, Mark Kevin Labog, Virgen Gil Ruaya, John Philip Gabuco and Omar Bagalacsa.
PCAP Founder/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, Monique Castaneda (Marketing of AVP-Head of Marketing of Ortigas Malls), Sheila Marie Perez (Associate Marketing Manager of Ortigas Malls) and Tournament Director Coach Hubert Estrella and Sportsman Jessie Villasin led the closing rites.-Marlon Bernardino