Robert Mania (third from left) receives his champion’s trophy in the 10th edition of Kamatyas FIDE rated invitational rapid chess tournament last September 23 and 24, 2023. From left are IM Roderick Nava (Co-Founder, Kamatyas Chess Club), Engr. Deo Vehemente, Robert Mania (Champion), Mc Dominique Lagula (2nd), IM Joel Banawa (3rd), NM David Almirol (Co-Founder, Kamatyas Chess Club)
CAUAYAN CITY—San Pablo, Isabela’s newest chess sensation Robert Mania scored a crucial win over Santa Maria, Bulacan ace Ricky Echala in the ninth and final round to claim the championship of the 10th edition of Kamatyas FIDE rated invitational rapid chess tournament dubbed as “David’s Gambit” held at the FLDY Coliseum, Rizal Avenue in Cauayan City, Isabela last September 23 and 24, 2023.
After losing to International Master Joel Banawa of Alicia, Isabela in the eighth round, Mania bounced back with aplomb to down Echala in his last assignment.
That was all Mania needed to nail the title with the highest output of 8.0 points. He pocketed P30,000 for his efforts courtesy of International Master Roderick Nava and National Master David Almirol, both co-founders of the organizing Kamatyas Chess Club.
Mania, one of the top players of PCAP’s Cagayan Kings also won his match against Aian Ganpher Esquivel, Rye Symon Canlas, Arnel Manguira, AFM Yosef Immanuel Morada, IM Daniel Quizon, FM Mark Jay Bacojo and Lordwin Espiritu.
Mc Dominique Lagula of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya finished in second place with the same 8.0 points.
Lagula settled for the second place honors by virtue of a lower tie-breaker against eventual winner Mania.
Lagula received P10,000 for his efforts.
He beat former solo leader IM Banawa in the last round.
IM Banawa, on the other hand, finished with 7.5 points, the same score of FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, who brought down Jan Clifford Labog of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.
IM Banawa and FM Bacojo got P7,000 and P5,000 for winding up third and fourth, respectively.
Rounding up the top ten who received P2,000 each were Espiritu (5th), Anwar Cabugatan (6th), Lionel Cerezo (7th), Sheralvin Garcia (8th), Romark Ramones (9th) and Labog (10th).
Isabela United Chess Association President Cyrus Galanza was named top Cauayan chess player while Sheralvin Garcia got the top lady award.
“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,” said International Master Roderick Nava, co-founder of the organizing Kamatyas Chess Club. – Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings: (Nine Rounds Swiss System)
8.0 points—Robert Mania, Mc Dominique Lagula
7.5 points—IM Joel Banawa, FM Mark Jay Bacojo
7.0 points—Lordwin Espiritu, Anwar Cabugatan, Lionel Cerezo, Sheralvin Garcia, Romark Ramones, Jan Clifford Labog, Ricky Echala, Daniel Tagufa
6.5 points— AGM Marfed Sanchez, Jake Tumaliuan, IM Daniel Quizon, Kid Chester Asuncion