by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
David Elorta clinched victory in the Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos Open rapid chess tournament held at the Dapitan Sports and Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte last Sunday, scoring 9.0 points. Employing his expertise in the London System Opening and Caro-Kann Defense, Elorta defeated a series of opponents including Iora Megan Garcia, Elvis Longjas, NM (National Master) elect Michael Jan Stephen Inigo, AFM (Arena FIDE Master) Jaymiel Piel, Michael Linde, Cedric Kahlel Abris, FM Ellan Asuela, AGM (Arena Grandmaster) Julius Dan Augustine Ablin, and Phil Martin Casiguran. Expressing his hopes for continued success in future tournaments, Elorta, a member of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Manila Indios Bravos, took home a prize of PHP30,000 in cash. He is set to participate in the upcoming 2nd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open scheduled for July 9-10 at AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental. Abris from Mandaluyong City secured the runner-up position, earning a prize of PHP20,000. He shared the second spot with Piel, AGM Dennis Bernas of Iloilo, Jerish John Velarde of Imus City, Cavite; Vincent Ryu Dimayuga of Lipa City, Batangas; and Irwin Aton of Davao City, all accumulating 7.0 points, but Abris held a superior tiebreak score. Elorta expressed his satisfaction with the tough competition that included top players from various regions who participated in the tournament. Notably, players from Negros Oriental also achieved podium finishes in their respective categories in the Juniors division. Noel “Nonoy” Bernil Jr. of Tanjay City, set to compete in the Eastern Youth Chess Championships in Malaysia, secured the second position in the boys’ U12 category, following Justin Jed Ortillo of Cabuyao City, Laguna. NM-elect Michael Jan Stephen Rosalem Inigo of Bayawan City, who qualified for the Palarong Pambansa in Cebu, was the runner-up in the boys’ U18 category, while Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia also secured the runner-up spot in the girls’ U18 category.
