Morala dominates first Rose Pharmacy women's chessfest

CEBU, Philippines – Keith Claire Carlisle Morala pulled off a crucial victory over Khan Sepanton of Iloilo City in the final round to clinch the title of the 1st Rose Pharmacy Women's Chess Tournament over the weekend at the School of Chess located at the second floor of Central Books along P. Del Rosario Street, Cebu City.

Needing a win to avoid any complications in the overall standings, Morala, a student of the University of San Carlos, bested Sepanton  to end her campaign in the 7-round Swiss system competition with the best score of 6.5 points.

Shaira Monsalud, on the other hand, downed Aireen Robillos in her final assignment and that was all she needed to clinch the second place honors with 5.5 points.

Vic Glysen Derotas, Kylene Mae Eumague, Sepanton and Marvie Abucay found themselves in a four-way traffic with 5.0 points each, but Derotas took the third spot courtesy of a superior tie-break output.

Robillos, Rowena Padro, Charah Eve Cababan, Alphecca Gonzales, Lyka Marie Pondoyo, and Jelou Tabanao rounded up the Top 12 finishers of the two-day event organized by IM Kim Steven Yap and was made possible by Rose Pharmacy through Cebuano chess patron Benjamin "Boojie" Lim.

For their efforts, Morala pocketed P8,000, while Monsalud and Derotas got P4,000 and P2,000, respectively. Eumague received P1,000, while those who made it to the Top 12 took home P500 each. — EBV (FREEMAN)