Pondoyo rules R.P. Mora kiddies chessfest

CEBU, Philippines – Aldritz Pondoyo prevailed in a field of 45 young aspiring pawnpushers to rule the R.P. Mora Kiddies Open Chess Tournament 2015 over the weekend at the CMYK Dessert House and Sports Bar just beside Route Stop in Barrio Luz, Cebu City.

Pondoyo, gold medallist in last year's Palarong Pambansa in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, finished the 7-round Swisss system competition with the best score of 6.0 points. He pocketed P3,000 for his efforts.

Jerish Velarde and Glysen Derotas both ended their campaigns with 5.5 points, but Velarde bagged the second place honors by virture of a superior tie-breaker. Velarde got P2,000, while Derotas received P1,000.

Rounding up the top 10 cast with 5.0 points each were Kirk Morala, Rejel Perandos, Andrew Balbona, Alphecca Gonzales, Jave Mareck Peteros, Jeremy Pepito and Lawrence Paradela.

Completing the Magic 13 who took home P400 each were Edel Vosotros and Naureen Bagano with 4.5 points and Adrian Basilgo with 4.0 points.

The games were supervised by FIDE Arbiter Marvin Y. Ruelan. — EBV (FREEMAN)