Mayor Valentino “Ben” R. Patron, 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. , National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Henrick Marello Bolaños and Golden Mind Chess Club President Alexandro “Allan” Osena in a souvenir photo during the opening of the 1st Mayor Valentino “Ben” R. Patron FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Championship on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the newly opened Sports Coliseum FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.
SAN JOSE, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES—Ricardo Batcho won the 1st Mayor Valentino “Ben” R. Patron FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Championship held October 8, 2023 at the newly opened Sports Coliseum FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.
The No. 4 Caloocan City bet Batcho outwitted Apollo Agapay in the final seventh round to capture the non-master crown with a perfect 7 points while Jerald Mariano, Herson Bangay and Jerrick Roose Albert ruled their respective divisions.
Batcho went home with a P15,000 top purse courtesy of Mayor Valentino “Ben” R. Patron in the tournament organized by Golden Mind Chess Club President Alexandro “Allan” Osena.
He defeated Marc Raywel Baira in the first round, Richel Lomocso (2nd round), Richfield Rivera (3rd round), Christian Ace Alora (4th round), Jerry Areque (5th round), Kevin Arquero (6th round) before beating Agapay (7th round).
Michael Linde and Rommel Lucion finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points; while Arquero, Agapay, Trine Olmedo and Jeremy Marticio had identical 5.5 points.
Meanwhile, Mariano, Bangay and Albert won the 15 years old below, 12 years old and below and 9 years old and below division, respectively.
Mayor Valentino “Ben” R. Patron (left foreground) and 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. and Henrick Marello Bolaños, made the twin ceremonial moves, firing off the one-day rapid event.
“With the ever-growing number of players now taking up the sport, Golden Mind Chess Club believes in empowering the youth by giving them the opportunity to hone their skills and be the best they can,” said Golden Mind Chess Club President Alexandro “Allan” Osena.
“We continue to innovate our tournament programme to produce more competitive, top caliber athletes that will someday be our national pride.” he added.
Tournament Director was NA Marian Osena assisted by FA Byron Gabrentina Villar, NA Salvador “Boyet” Tardecilla, NA Israel Landicho, NA Antonio Laureano and NA Mabel Padua.-Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings:
7.0 points— Ricardo Batcho
6.0 points—Michael Linde, Rommel Lucion
5.5 points—Kevin Arquero, Apollo Agapay, Trine Olmedo, Jeremy Marticio