22-year-old female breaks barrier, tops Sentro Artista Invitational Blitz Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 Jun 2023
QUEZON CITY---Traditionally, chess has been a male-dominated activity, and women were often seen as weaker players.
However, Geraldine Guyo, one of three female competitors, scored 6.5 points in seven rounds to emerge as champion in the Artista Invitational Blitz Chess Tournament held at Arton Strip by Rockwell, Blue Ridge A, 226 Katipunan, Quezon City on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
The 22-year-old Guyo from Trece Martires, Cavite scored victories over Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez in the second round, Evaristo Tizon in the third round, Apollo Pablo Zantua in the fourth round, Eric Frigillana in the fifth round, Julian Paul Querubin in the sixth round and Ronald Donasco in the seventh and final round. She drew with Alex Guingab in the first round.
"I knew that this was a tough tournament. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy," said the 3rd Year College Public administration student from the University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus, playing under the guidance of UP chess coach Fide Master/Fide Trainer Leonardo Carlos and Woman International Master Catherine Pereña Secopito.
"I didn't expect to win, but nonetheless, I feel very blessed," she added.
Engr. Michael Palma finished second with 6.0 points followed by Benz Ablazo, Ronald Donasco and Chester Concordia who totes 5.0 points apiece and Julian Paul Querubin and Michael Suacillo who got 4.5 points each.
Apollo Pablo Zantua led the huge group of four pointers that includes Bonalyn Ornido (female), Jarel Lacambra (female), Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera, Tuazon Novo, Dion Urbina, Eric Frigillana and Evaristo Tizon.
Earlier, Quezon City Rep. Arjoe Atayde, Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, IBC President and CEO Hexilon Josephat Thaddeus G. Alvarez, son of former Senator Heherson Alvarez, International Master Roderick Nava, Eric Frigillana and International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day blitz tournament also graced by 2021 IIEE National President and the current chairman of National Branding and Promotion Committee Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, Jay and Marjorie Ruiz, Zeke Cancio, National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., Atty. Rodolfo Enrique Rivera, Arnel Espiritu, Noel Jay "Super B' Estacio, chess bloggers Richard Cornell Manzano and Donna De Guzman Apolinar.
The event aimed to develop good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie.
This invitational Blitz Tournament for chess players particularly on engineering sectors are prelude for the upcoming big event for IIEE chess happening on November 27, 2023 at SM MOA as part of the 48th Annual National Convention and the World Engineering Day on March 2024 of the Philippine Technological Council to be participated by 13 engineering association in the Philippines and possibly with other from Asean countries.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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