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-
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