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:
LIVERPOOL FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS WHITTAKER GETS READY FOR TOUGH SUAREZ TEST – LIVE ON DAZN
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Ancajas to fight as feather against Garcia on April 18
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Apr 2026MVP presents Delgado-Artiga by WBA superflyweight championship on June 13 in Orlando
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Mexican legend Miguel Canto passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Apr 2026King Lovick Monteadora to see action in 2026 Hainan Taekwondo Open
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Quiñonero suffers injury, cancels debut in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: A Great Night of Boxing in Japan
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 17 Apr 2026FOSTER DEFENDS WORLD SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FORD IN HOUSTON ON MAY 30
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Tickets ON SALE NOW for Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Nothing But Sportz and Ronald Johnson’s Dream Team Foundation to Donate 500 Tickets to Miami Youth for Historic May 2 Fight Night
Fri, 17 Apr 2026CHARLIE SHEEHY PENS PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MATCHROOM
Fri, 17 Apr 2026BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 16 Apr 2026