by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino United States chess master (USM) Vincent Umayan made the country proud anew by finishing 2nd overall in the 2021 Chicago Open Blitz Chess championship (3 minutes plus 2 seconds delay over the board) at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Chicago, USA on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Davao City’s Umayan defeated American Caleb Sean Denby in the last round to finish with 7.5 points on account of 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 loses in 10 games of play, using 3 minutes plus 2 seconds delay time control format, over the board chess tournament, organized by the Continental Chess Association (CCA).
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my countrymen. It’s an honor to represent our country,” said the New York, USA based Umayan, who lost only to African-American player and to American International Master Eric Rosen.
National Chess Federation of the Phiippines (NCFP) Assistant Executive Director for Mindanao James Infiesto praised Umayan for his feat.
“Congratulations to Davao City native Vincent Umayan for his outstanding performance. We hope for the continuous success of Philippine Chess.” said Infiesto, a license International Arbiter and FIDE Trainer.
American FIDE Master Aydin Turgut took the title with 9 points.
Rounding up the top 5 with 7 points each were Gopal Menon, International Master Eric Rosen and Julian Proleiko