Tristan Jared Cervero won the “March to Remember Rapid Chess Tournament” held March 8, 2025 at the QGym, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, Philippines. In photo, Senator Koko Pimentel (left) shakes hands with Domingo Santos better known as Tatay Domeng, 97 years old, the oldest chess player in Marikina City.
Cervero pocketed the P7,000 purse and the trophy for winning the tournament which saw 220 participants.
He had a perfect campaign after tallying 7.0 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
Cervero defeated Nolasco Dialogo, Zarex Celis III, Reynaldo Aguirre, Ruel Sto. Domingo, Gabriel James Cartel, Mark Christian Mesina and Carlo Caranyagan.
The 26 years old Cervero is an AB Interdisciplinary Studies graduate student of Ateneo De Manila University.
Noel Geronimo’s second place finish earned him P5,000, while the third place went to Joven Balsalubre with similar 6.5 points to earn P3,000.
The fourth to 13th placers who got 6.0 ponts each were Mark Christian Mesina, Mark Anthony Libramante, Carlo Caranyagan, Carl Jaedrianne Ancheta, Jhon Eirrol Poquiz, Gabriel James Cartel, Jayson Esparagonza, Rafael Lobitana, Jan Roldan Oriendo and Rolando Tenorio while Denniel Penafiel, Rexmon Morados, April Joy Ramos and Crispin Lambino finished the tournament with similar 5.5 points.
Domingo Santos, 97, better known as Tatay Domeng, the oldest player in Marikina City defeated the 5 year old Ecxzel Payson in one of the highlights of the event organized by Marikina Chess Association led by sportsman Johnny “Joel” Gaudia backed up by Sen. Koko Pimentel, an avid chess enthusiast.
Tournament Director was Isagani De Ramos assisted by Chief Arbiter NA Ranier Pascual.-Marlon Bernardino-