Paolo Jerome Barandon shines in Vegas chessfest

MANILA, Philippines — A 16-year-old member of the Milo Checkmate team placed third in the overall standing of the unrated division of the recent 2019 Las Vegas International Chess Festival at Westgate Las Vegas Hotel in Nevada, United States.

Paolo Jerome Barandon of La Salle-Canlubang posted 11 wins against four losses and three draws to finish with 12.5 points. He received a $105 cash prize and a $50 gift certificate.

Barandon was the best performer among the players sent by Milo Checkmate in the annual event.

Jet Miguel Mendoza, a 17-year-old player from Tagkawayan, Quezon, scored 3.5 points after seven rounds in the 1900 below category to win a $50 gift certificate on top of a chess board set. Also finishing with a 50 percent performance was 16-year-old John Andrei Abrantes of Meycauayan, Bulacan in the unrated section. He went home with a $50 gift certificate and a chess board.