IM Angelo Young tops Grandparents Day Chess Tournament

International Master (IM) Angelo Young edged National Master Henry Roger Lopez in the tie-break to rule the “Dear Lola, Lolo and Apo” Grandparents Day Open Rapid Chess Tournament in Cubao, Quezon City on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Standing from left are third placer International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, National Chess Federation of the Philippines director and tournament organizer Martin “Binky” Gaticales, International Master Angelo Abundo Young and seated, runner-up National Master Henry Roger Lopez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Young finished the seven-round Swiss system event with 6.5 points in the rapid tournament sponsored by Araneta City and organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) director Martin “Binky” Gaticales.

Young, who pocketed the P7,000 top prize, opened his campaign with a victory against Atty. Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza followed by another win against Larry Sadic.

After absorbing a draw against Jerry Areque in the third round, Young bounced back with a string of triumphs against Christopher Megino, National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan, Ricardo Jimenez and National Master Jose Aquino Jr. to close the “15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment” tournament.

Lopez, a member of the Philippine para-chess team who hails from Panabo City, also scored 6.5 points but settled for the silver and the P4,000 purse after the tie-break was applied.

Lopez, a graduate of Holy Cross of Davao College, also collected one gold and two bronze medals during the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia held last June.

Six players, meanwhile, finished with 6.0 points apiece led by New Zealand Asian Seniors champion International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad who bagged third place and the P3,000 purse after prevailing in the tie-break.

The other six-pointers were International Master Barlo Nadera (4th), Noel Azuela (5th), FIDE Master David Elorta (6th), Jerry Areque (7th) and Richard Villaseran (8th).

Completing the top 10 were Ricardo Jimenez and Dennis San Juan who scored 5.5 points apiece.

Meanwhile, Philippine para-chess team head coach and International Arbiter James Infiesto received the top guest player award; Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza was named as the top female competitor after finishing at 17th place with 5.0 points; Norberto Reyes was named as the top senior woodpusher, Eumir Isaac Galicia bagged the top “apo” award; and 5-year-old Hakob Dy was named as the youngest participant.

A total of 157 players competed in the one-day chess tournament.