International Master Michael Concio Jr. kept his winning ways by topping the 8th edition Kamatyas of FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Invitational Tournament last Saturday, May 13, at the SM South Mall in Las Piñas City, Philippines. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results.
Concio had also ruled the 6th edition staged last December 10.
Concio, 17, went unbeaten in the 9-round Swiss system competition to clinch the crown with the highest output of 8.5 points.
Concio swept his first seven games Enrico Deadio, Clefzon Limfo, Emir Gamis, Remark Bartolome, FM Narquingden Reyes, IM Ronald Dableo and Kevin Arquero. He fought to a draw with reigning International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) World Online Chess Rapid Champion FM Sander Severino in round eight before capping off his campaign with a resounding victory over NM Darry Bernardo.
Concio, who earned his IM title after emerging as the 2019 Eastern Asia Juniors Champion, is the homegrown player of Laguna-Dasmariñas seeing action in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), the country’s first pro chess league.
“I just persisted in training and study,” said Concio, a 12th grader at the Dasmarinas Integrated High School, whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, National Coach FM Roel Abelgas, Mr. Martin Meneses and Papadu Sportswear.
With his latest feat Concio, received P30,000 top prize money from IM Roderick Nava (above left) and NM David Almirol (above right), both co-founders of Kamatyas Chess Club.
International Master Daniel Quizon figured in a four way tie for second place with FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, Severino and National Master Henry Roger Lopez with similar 7.5 points but Quizon grabbed runner-up honors by virtue of a higher tie-break.
Quizon, Arca, Severino and Lopez got P10,000, P7,000, P5,000 and P2,000 for winding up second to fifth, respectively.
Rounding up the top 10 with 7.0 points for P2,000 each are Bernardo, Fide Master Alekhine Nouri, Enrique David, Phil Martin Casiguran, Apollo Agapay.
NCFP board of director Engr. Rey Urbiztondo (photo above) won the Top Senior award while Dr. Ariel Potot (photo below) took the Top Non-Master award.
Meanwhile, the 9th edition Kamatyas of FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Invitational Tournament goes to Mindanao on June 17 at the Ace Center Point in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Co-Organizer is Mr. Joselito Dormitorio.-Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings:( Nine Rounds Swiss System, 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment, 184 players)
8.5 points—IM Michael Concio Jr.
7.5 points—IM Daniel Quizon, FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Sander Severino, NM Henry Roger Lopez
7.0 points—NM Darry Bernardo, FM Alekhine Nouri, Enrique David, Phil Martin Casiguran, Apollo Agapay