By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) Master Sander Severino of Silay City edged out International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel of Bacolod City in extra games to win the 2017 Negros Closed Chess Tournament at the District North Point in Talisay City.
Both players finished the final round with an identical 6.5 points.
In the playoff, they played a Best-of-5 series, with each game lasting 10 minutes. Following a draw in the first game, they split the next two games. Severino went on to win the final two games and claim victory.
Ted Ian Montoyo finished in third place.
The winner received a prize of P15,000, trophy, medal, free registration to the Negros International Open Chess Championship, and a trip to either a European or Asian tournament next year.
Second and third place received P13,000 and P10,000, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the 16 and Under category, Natori Biazza Diaz won, beating out Mark Jay Bacojo. Clak Ken Pelione took third place.
Among the other competitions, Kian Shane Anoran won the Best 14-Under category, Lhiam Andrei Lingco took the Best 12-Under, Christian Pelione won the Best 10-Under, Jecuambs Cuambot took the Best 8-Under, and Aera Kerl Charm Sinining was named “Top Female Performer.”
Tournament sponsor Antonio Ivan Aguirre noted, the Negros International Open Chess is set to take place in October 2017, where he expects an elevated level of competition.
“I expect more foreign Grand Masters (GMs) to sign in with our local GMs and Masters providing the needed challenge,” he said.
“We intend to bring in more sponsors,” Aguirre added.
The tournament sponsor also discussed plans to have future tournaments meet international standards.
“We can join hands in making this happen,” he said. “This is our collective effort in showing to the world that we can make things happen.”/WDJ