Olaybal rules Malaysian chess

MANILA, Philippines — Christian Marcelo Olaybal spearheaded Far Eastern University’s impressive performance in the 16th IGB Malaysian Chess Challenge after ruling the challenger class in Cititel, Mid Valley Monday night.

Olaybal smashed Indonesian Simanjuntak Morado in the ninth and last round to claim the gold medal with eight points, half point atop four fellow Philippine bets including FEU teammates Frank Loyd Andes and Ruelle Canino.

Andes copped the silver via tiebreak, despite falling to Canino in the final round.

FEU’s Oscar Joseph Cantela and Arleah Cassandra Sapuan also delivered golden performances by topping the Open Under-16 rapid and Girls U16 in the Merdeka Age Group event earlier.

“FEU’s program is designed to inspire and produce future chess champions,” said FEU coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.