Cyril Ortega topped the Voltaire Sevillano Memorial Chess tournament after scoring 9.5 points in 11 rounds at SM Seaside last Unday.
Ortega scored seven straight wins, then cruised in the last four rounds to pocket the winner’s purse of P5,000. Anthony Makinano scored 8.5 points to bag second place and P3,000, while Antonio Cabibil won third and P2,000 after scoring 7.5 points.
“I had to be very careful in those last four rounds. I took advantage of my superior position in games that I won and did not force my way in drawish positions,” said Ortega after winning the championship.
The other winners were Isen Montero (6.5, fourth), lone female player Marphine Faith Mangubat (6, fifth), Lincoln Yap (5.5, sixth), Joyce Lagrosas (5, seventh), Rommel Ganzon (5, eighth), Leonardo Alidani (ninth), Crisanto Tan ranked (10th), and Carlos Moreno III (11th).
Eight-year-old Ethan Carbonilla scored half a point for the last spot but impressed his rivals with his fighting style of play.
“I’d like thank all participants who played in this memorial tournament. I’ll continue to support chess in Cebu,” said Mitch Vergara during the award ceremony.
Vergara sponsored the memorial tournament to honor his late friend Voltiare Sevillano. Vergara treated all participants and guests to a dinner after the tournament.
