IM Daniel Quizon topped the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) rapid chess championship dubbed as San Juan Predators Chairman’s Cup on Sunday night, January 28, 2024 at the Level 1 Digiworld Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center in Quezon City, Philippines.
In photo are, from left, Tournament Director Coach Hubert Estrella, International Master Chito Garma (3rd place), champion Quizon, FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri (2nd place) and San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua
Quizon, a 19-year-old International Master (IM), defeated his seventh and final-round game with FIDE Master Roel Abelgas to rule the one-day meet, backed by The Michael Angelo Foundation Inc. and organized by HubzStar Chess Center, sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) in cooperation with PCAP Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria.
It was the first title for Quizon at the start of the year after he reigned supreme in the National Championship in Marikina City in December last year.
But known for his lightning-quick moves being the country’s blitz king, Quizon, who will represent the country in the Budapest Chess Olympiad slated for September 10 to 23, extricated his way out of trouble enroute for a win against FM Abelgas.
Quizon, a member of the star-studded Dasmariñas Chess Academy under the guidance of mayor Jenny Barzaga, Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. and coach FM Roel Abelgas took the top purse worth P10,000 plus a beautiful trophy and slot for the grand finals this year after topping the chess fest being held to coincide with the birthday celebration of San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.
He defeated Davin Sean Romualdez in the first round, National Master Ivan Travis Cu (2nd round), National Master Edmundo Gatus (3rd round), Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido (4th round), Fide Master Mark Jay Bacojo (6th round) and FM Abelgas (7th round).
He split the points with Fide Master Alekhine Nouri in the fifth round.
Quizon is a BS Information Systems freshman at the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas.
FM Nouri and International Master Chito Garma finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points; FIDE Master Randy Segarra scored 5.5 points while FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FM Bacojo, International Master Michael Concio Jr., National Master Edmundo Gatus, International Master Angelo Young, FM Abelgas, National Master Oscar Joseph Cantela and Kevin Arquero have identical 5.0 points.
Adjudged category winners were Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera (Top PWD), Arnel Ellis (Top Senior), WIM Mordido (Top Lady), NM Cantela (Top Highschool), Clord Bragais (Top Unrated) and Jason Rojo (Top 2000 and below).
Meanwhile, National Master Mar Aviel Carredo won the Aspirant (Under 15) division while Caleb Royce Garcia topped the kiddies (Under 10) category.
Tournament Director was Coach Hubert Estrella.-Marlon Bernardino-
Caption photo:
Top PWD winner Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera received his cash prizes and a medal from San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.