By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) Master Nelson Villanueva of La Carlota City won the SMK Kota Marudu Chess Open 2018 over the weekend in Kota Marudo, located in Sabah, Malaysia.

“God is so gracious,” he said, after taking home his fourth Malaysia title since February.

Malaysians Wising Abdul Sahim and Andin Faizal finished in second place.

A total of 150 players took part in the event.

The tournament was played in rapid form, comprised of 25 minute games with 10-second increments./JSG, WDJ