Mobile Home | Desktop Version




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:

  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Contender Kevin “Alfa” Brown Ready to Challenge Cletus Seldin for WBA Interim World Title on December 13
    Thu, 11 Dec 2025
  • ProBox CEO Garry Jonas Says Team Lamont Roach Looking for Tank Rematch Next or Pitbull Rematch in DC
    Thu, 11 Dec 2025
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Celebrates Cebuana Lhuillier Sports Ambassadors Competing in SEA Games 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Dec 2025
  • TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON ON JANUARY 31
    By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 10 Dec 2025
  • QUOTES FROM TODAY’S CHM 2: REMATCH SEASON OPEN WORKOUT PRESENTED BY CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH
    Wed, 10 Dec 2025
  • Villarosa to fight Antaran on Dec. 18 in Bucana
    By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Dec 2025
  • Opening Day Concludes at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
    Wed, 10 Dec 2025
  • Mangin is rising star in PH taekwondo
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • CHICKEN RANCH CASINO RESORT BACKS DECEMBER 13 NIGHT IN STOCKTON
    Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • Brackets Set for 2025 USA Boxing National Championships in Lubbock
    Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • Petecio, Bautista, 4 others see action in SEAG on Dec. 10
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Super Welterweight Yoenis Tellez Ready for Redemption Bout vs. Kendo Castaneda on December 13
    Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • Hot prospect Marco Romero Prepared to close 2025 in style
    Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • PH favored in SEA Games triathlon
    By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Dec 2025
  • Tamayo settles to a draw in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 08 Dec 2025