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:
THE RING 6: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON
Sat, 31 Jan 2026Legendary Soccer Player Sergio Ramos to make professional boxing debut
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 31 Jan 2026Weigh-In Results: Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou
Sat, 31 Jan 2026Teofimo vs Shakur Fight Analysis
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 31 Jan 2026Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Welterweight Showdown Canceled
Sat, 31 Jan 2026NEWCASTLE WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS MURTAZALIEV AND KELLY CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Boxers Make Weight for Brico Santig’s Exciting 21-Bout Promotion in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 30 Jan 2026“It’s time for TSABZ to shine” Get to know Tanaka Saburi as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Fri, 30 Jan 2026ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2026
Fri, 30 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: WCM Nika Juris Nicolas is Ready to Fight
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026Press Conference Notes: Puerto Rican Star Xander Zayas Ready for Saturday's Hometown Unification Battle against Abass Baraou
Fri, 30 Jan 2026PFDA Grass Nationals in Tagum on June 5-7
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 30 Jan 2026‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 30 Jan 2026NEWCASTLE PRESS CONFERENCE: WHAT WAS SAID AS JOSH KELLY AND BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV ARE KEPT APART AFTER HEATED FACE-OFF
Fri, 30 Jan 2026