by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines — National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. (above right) won the 2nd edition of the BVP Santos Optical Arbiter Chess Tournament held Sunday, June 27, 2021 at lichess.org.
Bernardino, a veteran sportswriter, tallied 84 points to rule the online tilt sponsored by Dr. Bien Ven P. Santos, an Optometrist in Ibaba, Malabon.
The online tournament had time control of one minute with an increment of one second and players must win as many games in two hours of play according to Dr. Santos.
Bernardino, an online Arena Grandmaster, is fresh from winning the Rizaldy Galleros Over The Board Chess Championship last Friday, June 25, 2021 at the Goldland Chess Club in East Village, Cainta, Rizal.
FIDE Master Robert Suelo Jr. came second with 80 points followed by 3rd placer National Master Julius Sinangote who totes 66 points.4
Interestingly, the Quezon City resident Bernardino, Suelo and Sinangote are the top players of the multi-titled Rizal Technological University chess team during their College days in the mid 90’s.
National Master Cesar Mariano of Iloilo City and IA/FT James Infiesto of Davao City finished fourth and fifth with 50 and 43 points, respectively.
Rounding up to the top 10 were 6th placer Cyrus Donasco of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, 7th placer Eduardo Campos Jr. of Caloocan City, 8th placer National Master Lincoln Yap of Cebu City, 9th placer Deneb Gaitan of Guimaras and 10th placer Darwin Secorata of Pasig City.