Batcho clinches Patron non-master chess crown
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 10 Oct 2023
Final Standings:
7.0 points--- Ricardo Batcho
6.0 points---Michael Linde, Rommel Lucion
5.5 points---Kevin Arquero, Apollo Agapay, Trine Olmedo, Jeremy Marticio
SAN JOSE, BATANGAS---Ricardo Batcho bested Apollo Agapay in a duel of fancied bets in the seventh round to capture the non-master crown while Jerald Mariano, Herson Bangay and Jerrick Roose Albert ruled their respective divisions in the 1st Mayor Valentino "Ben" R. Patron FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Championship at the newly open Sports Coliseum FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
The No. 4 Caloocan City bet Batcho, was a full point ahead after six rounds, outwitted his No. 6-seeded rival from Cabuyao City with the black pieces to fashion out the victory to emerge solo champion in the non-master category with a perfect 7.0 points.
Batcho, who beat all his opponents, went home with a P15,000 top purse courtesy of Mayor Valentino "Ben" R. Patron, organized by Golden Mind Chess Club President Alexandro "Allan" Osena.
He defeated Marc Raywel Baira in the first round, Richel Lomocso (2nd round), Richfield Rivera (3rd round), Christian Ace Alora (4th round), Jerry Areque (5th round), Kevin Arquero (6th round) before beating Agapay (7th round).
“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Batangas and nearby provinces as well as those from Metro Manila joined the tournament," said Batcho.
Michael Linde and Rommel Lucion finished the tournament with similar 6.0 points; while Arquero, Agapay, Trine Olmedo and Jeremy Marticio had identical 5.5 points.
Meanwhile, Mariano, Bangay and Albert won the 15 years old below, 12 years old and below and 9 years old and below division, respectively.
Earlier, Mayor Valentino "Ben" R. Patron and 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and National Master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. and Henrick Marello Bolaños, made the twin ceremonial moves, firing off the one-day rapid event.
“With the ever-growing number of players now taking up the sport, Golden Mind Chess Club believes in empowering the youth by giving them the opportunity to hone their skills and be the best they can,” said Golden Mind Chess Club President Alexandro "Allan" Osena.
“We continue to innovate our tournament programme to produce more competitive, top caliber athletes that will someday be our national pride.” he added.
Tournament Director was NA Marian Osena assisted by FA Byron Gabrentina Villar, NA Salvador "Boyet" Tardecilla, NA Israel Landicho, NA Antonio Laureano and NA Mabel Padua.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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