An open chess tournament facilitated by San Carlos Negros Chess Club in cooperation with the San Carlos City government through the City Sports Office and City Tourism Office was successfully conducted from June 18 to 19 at the city’s Park Marina Function Hall.

Mayor Renato Gustilo opened the tournament with a ceremonial move with International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel from Bacolod City.

Gustilo also added P10,000 to the prize pool.

IM Joel Pimentel, a two-time champion in San Carlos City’s chess tournament, thanked the association and the city for inviting him and encouraged the kids who also participated at said event to keep harnessing their skills.

Henry Silva, organizer of said tournament, said that San Carlos City is among the best venues when it comes to chess tournaments because international and national masters are always invited to play.

At least 103 participants including international and national chess masters (NM), who hailed from different cities and municipalities in the country including Cebu, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, competed at said event with cash prizes at P15,000 for champion, second place – P10,000, third place – P5,000, fourth place – P3,500; and P2,000 for the fifth place while the sicth up to the 25th places received P500 each.

Special awardees also received cash prizes worth P1,000 each.

The following are the winners of said competition:

Champion: IM Joel Pimentel – Bacolod City

2nd Place: NM Edsel Montoya – La Carlota City

3rd Place: Byle Arellano – Bago City

4th Place: Sonny Pasco – Iloilo City

5th Place: Jerich Cajeras – Escalante City

Top Female: Aera Kerl Charm Shinning – Escalante City

Top 13 Years Old and Below: Ryien Bahita – Municipality of Valencia

Top Seniors: 1st Place Mangubat Mario – Cebu City

2nd Place Edgar Dela Pena – Bacolod City/WDJ