By Marlon Bernardino
National Master Vince Angelo Medina was crowned champion in the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament held 12 October 2025 at the Robinson’s Metro East, Pasig City, Philippines.
In photo are, from left, GM Pacher Milan of Slovakia (3rd Place), FM Christopher Castellano (2nd Place), Tournament Organizer AQ Prime CEO/President Atty. Alwin Alegre, NM Vince Angelo Medina (Champion) and Tournament Director IA/FM Rudy Ibanez
Medina scored a total of 5.5 points in the FIDE-rated 6-Rounds Swiss System competition with 60-minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control. He went home with the P10,000 cash prize plus trophy.
Medina scored five straight wins against Lanz Arpil Jhay Acebedo, National Master Christian Tolosa, Stephen Zane Quinto, Willy Villaruz and Grandmaster Pacher Milan of Slovakia before drawing his final game to FIDE Master Christopher Castellano.
Castellano, whose only draw was with Medina, scored similar 5.5 points to settle for second place and receive a P7,000 plus trophy.
Medina took the title by virtue of a higher tie break points.
GM Milan bounced back by beating Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa in the last round to finish the tournament with 5.0 points, the same output of Daniel Baylosis, who brought down Stephen Manzanero.
GM Milan’s third place finish earned him P5,000 plus trophy, while the fourth place went to Baylosis to earn a P3,000 plus medal.
The fifth to 10th placers were IM Ronald Bancod (4.5 points), John Laurence Donguines (4.5 points), Quinto (4.5 points), Philip Kung Cartagena (4.5 points), AIM Einnar Marc Reyes (4.5 points) and Manzanero (4.0 points).
The organizer of the tournament, AQ Prime CEO/President Atty. Aldwin Alegre said that this is the first time to host a chess tilt featuring foreign grandmaster and it’s the highlight of this chess affair.
“Hopefully more foreign players will participate in the next tournament,” said Atty. Alegre who is also the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration.
The Tournament Director was IA/FM Rudy Ibanez.-Marlon Bernardino-