By ADRIAN STEWART CO

John Marco Agulto and Jed Axel Tubio emerged as champions of their respective divisions in the 4th Guihulngan City Fiesta FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament held at La Verde Resort in Negros Oriental’s Guihulngan City.

Agulto topped the 18-and-under category after edging a competitive field of young wood pushers.

AIM’s Marl Edwynne Ahito finished second, while AFM’s Michaell Jay Batadlan placed third.

Clifford Bhelle Talledo and Ubrent Calumpang rounded out the Top 5 in the youth division.

Rosemaeby Fernandez earned the Top Female award, while Les Dale Cece was recognized as Top Guihulngan Male.

Fred Joseph Villaflor took the Top Elementary Male honor, and Roline Juvian Romano was named Top Elementary Female.

Dannah Clare Fuentes also received the Top Guihulngan Female citation.

In the open category, Tubio captured the championship and also secured the Top High School Male award.

National Master Leonardo Alidani finished runner-up and was likewise recognized as Top Senior player, while AGM/NA’s Alfonzo Louis Olendo settled for third place.

Candidate master Alfredo Dumalag placed fourth, while Nopic Patoc wound up fifth and emerged as Top Guihulngan Male in the division.

Ruela Marie Ordoñez was named Top Guihulngan Female, Novia Mae Donque bagged the Top Lady award, and Allea Phola Limbaga was recognized as Top High School Female.

Tournament organizers said nearly 100 participants joined the competition, which was made possible through the support of Engineer George Ramos, who hosted the event at La Verde Resort.

The tournament management team included Mart Olendo, Roseminda Sandot Villaflor, Frederick Patlingrao Villaflor, Gesan Sarupan, Rosedumz Fernandez, Glenn Mark Aventurado, Wendell Octaviano, and Michaell Batadlan./ASC, WDJ