Salvador wins FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament

Former San Sebastian College-Recoletos varsity chess player Louie Salvador topped the FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament held in celebration of the 46th birthday of National Master Marlon Bernardino on Saturday, August 5, at the Open Kitchen Food Hall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.

Bayanihan Chess Club legal counsel head Atty.Rodolfo Enrique ‘Rudy’ Rivera and Jessie Villasin; NM Robert Suelo Jr. and Mimi Casas of Open Kitchen; and Jhune Dultra and Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez make the traditional ceremonial moves to usher in the start of the 46th Birthday Celebration of NM Marlon Bernardino FIDE-rated rapid chess tournament at the Open Kitchen Food Hall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City on Saturday, August 5. Looking on are NM Marlon Bernardino and National Coach NM Edmundo Gatus among others. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 

Salvador finished the seven-round tournament with a perfect 7.0 points, tied for first place with National Master Cedric Kahlel Abris.

Salvador, however, prevailed in the tie-break and Abris was relegated to a silver medal finish in the 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control chess event organized by Bayanihan Chess Club that drew 242 woodpushers.

“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Metro Manila and as well those from nearby provinces joined the tournament,” said Salvador, who works as a chess instructor in Bangkok, Thailand.

Salvador, who pocketed the P10,000 top prize, scored victories over Elizah Munice Bandejas, Kayla Lorraine Aurelio, Woman FIDE Master Allaney Jia Doroy, Arena FIDE Master Ritchie James Abeleda, Adrian Othniel Yulo, National Master Srihaan Poddar and FIDE Master David Elorta.

Abris, who went home P6,000 richer, toppled Ernesto Daluz, Francine Elaine Magpily, NM Angele Tenshi Biete, NM Robert Suelo Jr., International Master Angelo Young, IM Chito Garma and NM Jose Aquino Jr.

FM David Elorta, Joseph Lawrence Rivera, Chester Acuyong, IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Barlo Nadera, IM Ronald Bancod, Alexis Emil Maribao and FM Noel dela Cruz finished the tournament with 6.0 points apiece while

IM Cris Ramayrat, Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Adrian Yulo, NM Jose Aquino Jr. and IM Rolando Nolte scored 5.5 points each.

Garma, Young and Atty. Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera, meanwhile, won the category prizes for the top senior and PWD awards.