by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Eric Labog Jr. dominated the Paul Lauron Birthday Open Chess Tournament (Over The Board) at the Chessmates Headquarters in Pasay City last Sunday, May 30, 2021.
The Solano, Nueva Vizcaya native Labog scored 8.5 points to win the 10 round tournament, being held to celebrate the birthday of Paul Lauron.
Jerry Areque of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental settled for second with 6.5 points while Jhulo Goloran of Meycauayan City, Bulacan wound up third with 6 points.
National Master Eduardo “Egay” Estrella of Pasay City, US national master Arthur Macaspac of San Jose Delmonte, Bulacan, National Master Edmundo Gatus of Tondo, Manila and National Master Darry Bernardo of Angeles City, Pampanga were tied at 4th to 7th places with 4.5 points each.
Rounding up to the top 10 were 8th place Jade Nicdao (3 points), 9th place Florel Cruz (1.5 points) and 10th place Domingo Libay (1 point).
Meanwhile, Noel Jay Estacio of Quezon City scored 6.5 points in 10 games of play to romp home with the Challenger Category title.