Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Manila Chess Coach Francis Ligon emerged as the champion in the 3rd Noypi Chess Training Tournament-1950 and below last Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the SM Center Sangandaan in Caloocan City.
The 32 year old Ligon pocketed the P6,000 purse and the trophy for ruling the tournament among 78 woodpushers.
In photo are, from left, NA Alfredo Chay, Set Canasta (2nd Place), Francis Ligon (Champion), Sem Canasta (3rd Place), NA Ranier Pascual and Tournament Director NA Richard Dela Cruz.
Ligon had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
Ligon defeated Louie Gines, Rhen Rhizzimhel Cristobal, Harris De Guia, Ralph Anthony Velasco, Joshua Roque and Allan Gabriel P. Hilario in the first and sixth rounds, respectively.
He snapped his six-match winning streak when he had a draw against Set Canasta in the seventh round. Set Canasta went on to place second overall with 6.0 points.
Set Canasta’s second place finish earned him P3,000, while the third place went to his younger brother Sem Canasta with a similar 6.0 to earn P2,000.
The Canasta Siblings, both top players of Emilio Aguinaldo College under the supervision of EAC Sports Head Dok. Lorenzo C. Lorenzo and EAC chess coach IM Angelo Abundo Young.
Meanwhile, Franiel Angela Magpily trounced David Leonard Azuela to score perfect 6.0 points and romp home with the kiddies 13 under crown.
Jerick Faeldonia beat Marco Piolo Sanido to figure in a tie with Cyrus Luis Mahawan, who brought down Andrew Corpuz. Faeldonia and Mahawan, both tallied 5.0 points apiece, good for a share of 2nd and 3rd placers.
Organized by National Arbiter Richard dela Cruz, the 3rd Noypi rapid chess tournament was supported by NCFP chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Novelty Chess Club top honco Sonsea Agonoy and SM Center Sangandaan which aims to promote chess in the grass roots level and discover future chess talents.
By Marlon Bernardino