Pacquiao Random Chess Day 2: Nica Team Ilonggo leads Pacquiao Chess
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 15 Dec 2015
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Nica Team Ilonggo, working behind the strength of its first three boards that included National Master Roland Andador, swept past Gov. R. Del Rosario's Team Davnor, 3-1, in Day 2 Tuesday to remain at the top of the standing in team competition of the Second Manny Pacquiao Random Chess Tournament at the SM Mall here.
Tuesday's victory handed Andador and teammates a perfect 10 points, a shade of their closest pursuers -- Elman I and Team Kalipay which, after five rounds of the Nine-Round Swiss System play had amassed 9 points apiece.
Two hundred and 96 players, representing 74 teams, the biggest field in memory in any local chess undertaking answered the opening moves Monday of the three-day, Php 1.5 million tournament, sponsored by ring icon and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao.
The host city's top youth pawnpushers, 12-year-old Jim Warren Julom and Women International Master Janelle Mae Frayna, made the ceremonial first moves during the symbolic opening day Monday.
Pacquiao, in whose honor the twin series, which includes the individual event starting Wednesday, is dedicated, was not able to make it to the inaugural rites, but nevertheless expressed delight upon learning of the huge list of participants.
"Natutuwa ako at napakarami lumahok. Which only means we have bumper crop of chess talents ready to be tapped to, like our own Grandmaster Torre, represent the country in future international competitions," Pacquiao said in reference to the first Filipino and Asian to earn a GM title who organized the tournament.
Team Kalipay, led by NM Giovanni Mejia, walloped the Aton Brothers of Bobby Pacquiao "A" by dominating the first two boards and drawing the third in a close 2.5-1.5 win.
On the other hand, Team Elman 1 anchored by IM Joel Pimentel Jr. upset GM Darwin Laylo and his Tagaytay City Chess Team, 2.5-1.5.
Team Standing After Five Rounds: 1. Nica Team Ilonggo, 10 pts.; 2. Elman 1, 9 pts.; 3. Team Kalipay 9, pts.; 4. Team Elman "A", 8 pts.; 5. Cafe Ligbeans "B", 8 pts.; 6. Team Zamboanga , 8 pts.; 7. Gov. R. Del Rosario Davnor, 8 pts.; 8. 76 A Davao Team, 8 pts.; 9. Bobby Pacquiao "A", 8
Photo: General Santos City's top youth players, 12 yea- old Jim Warren Julom and WIM Janelle Mae Frayna, make the ceremonial moves during the opening of the Second Manny Pacquiao Random Chess Tournament at the SM Mall in General Santos City.Also in photo are some of the participants -- from left, GM Jayson Gonzales with young FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri at the back, IM Rolando Nolte, GM Joey Antonio and GM Eugene Torre.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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