Carzano beats Balquin for Pagadian chess crown; pockets P15,000
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 15 Jan 2025
Manila---Tangub City chess wizard conquered the Mindanao stage anew as Johnny Wellem Carzano defeated Cagayan de Oro’s Johnnel Balquin in the finals to win the Pasalamat Festival 2025 Mayor Sammy Co Rapid Chess Tournament held at Plaza Luz Covered Court City Hall Complex in Pagadian City last January 11-12,2025.
Carzano took home the top prize of P15,000. The losing Balquin settled for P10,000.
Carzano marched to the finals when he overcame Basilio Pandan Jr. of Cagayan de Oro in the quarterfinal and Jones Maghuyop of Pagadian City in the semifinals.
Carzano, a former varsity player at the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, thanked his mentor Atty. Peter Chin Dur, Engr. Billy Joe Ereno and the NJSB Chess Academy family for supporting his chess campaign.
"Dream start. Elated to secure the championship title. Sincere gratitude to my mentors Atty. Peter Chin Dur, Engr. Billy Joe Ereno for their guidance and support. The NJSB Chess Academy family's encouragement has been instrumental in my success and to all the organizers of the tournament in Pagadian headed by Jezreel Lopez, Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe and Regie Marfil," said the 36-year old Carzano.
Rounding up to the top 10 were Rodney Opada (third), Nazario Ubanan (fourth), Ronald Canino (fifth), Jemuel Calo (sixth), Pandan (seventh), Mardonio Fuentes (eight), Teodor Francis Mangubat (ninth) and Arian Belly Calido (tenth).
Maghuyop won the top Zamboanga del Sur, Khara Kathrine Ventolero took the top 13 under category, while Neckle John Comendador won the top 13 under Zamboanga Del Sur player category.
The Tournament Director was Jezreel Lopez while Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe is the chief arbiter and assisted by Glenn Aleria and Jenephir Pepito. The Pairing Manager is Regie Marfil.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 25 Feb 2026