FIDE Master David Elorta (above, center) swept his assignments and scored 9.0 points to rule the Mayor Frederick Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos FIDE Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament on 29th June 2024 at the Dapitan Sports and Cultural Complex, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Awarding the prize are Hon. Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares (left), NCFP Chairman Committe for Youth Programs and Daryl Patilano (right), Executive Secretary of Dapitan City. Visit chess-results.com.
Elorta opened his campaign with a win over Iora Megan Garcia then followed it with victories over Elvis Longjas, NM elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo, AFM Jaymiel Piel, Michael Linde, Cedric Kahlel Abris, FM Ellan Asuela, AGM Julius Dan Augustine Ablin and Phil Martin Casiguran.
Elorta pocketed the P30,000 cash prize during the awarding ceremony awarded by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Grassroots & Development Committee head and former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, NCFP Chief Executive Officer – GM/ FST Jayson Gonzales and the Executive Assistant of LGU, Mr. Jose Darry C. Patilano.
Elorta is one of the top players of PCAP’s Manila Indios Bravos who is set to play in the 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament on July 9 to 10 at AYA Hotel and Residences, Clarin, Misamis Occidental.
After losing to Elorta in the sixth round, Abris (above right), one of the top players of College of St. Benilde, defeated Rigil Kent Rosell Pahamtang in the seventh round, then halved the point with Piel in the eight round and United States chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. in the ninth and final round to score 7.0 points and receive the runner-up prize of P20,000 for his efforts. Abris got the highest tie break points in the huge group of 7.0 pointers.
Piel, AGM Dennis Bernas of Iloilo, Jerish John Velarde of Imus City, Cavite, Vincent Ryu Dimayuga of Lipa City, Batangas and Irwin Aton of Davao City also finished the tournament with similar 7.0 points.
Bernardino wound up over-all 15th place after the tie break points were applied. Bernardino was undefeated in nine games with 4 wins and 5 draws to raise his total 6.5 points, good for a share of 8th to 19th placers in this 1-day event, hosted by Mayor Frederick Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos, who is also a part of the board of directors of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.