Chester Neil Reyes rules 2025 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 03 Feb 2025
Santa Maria, Bulacan---Chester Neil Reyes emerged as the champion in the 2025 Sta. Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge Open Division last Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the ICI College, Santa Maria, Bulacan.
Reyes, who plays for the University of Santo Tomas chess team under the tutelage of coach GM candidate Ronald Dableo and GM Darwin Laylo, pocketed the P10,000 purse and the trophy and medal for ruling the tournament which fielded in over 80 woodpushers.
He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
This event was being held in cooperation with the 2025 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Committee headed by President Engr. Annabel Mauricio-Roldan and in partnership with University of Santo Tomas (UST) Chess Team, NORI Chess Club and Bulacan 6th District Congressman Salvador "Ador" A. Pleyto.
The UST Sophomore BSIT student Reyes scored victories against Rohanisah Buto, Yuri Lei Paraguya, Ricky Echala, FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo, Mark Gerald Reyes and FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan in the first and sixth rounds, respectively.
He snapped his six-match winning streak when he had a draw against Sherwin Tiu in the seventh and final round.
Bacojo went on placing second overall with 6.0 points.
Bacojo’s second place finish earned him P5,000, while the third place went to FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz with similar 6.0 points to earn P3,000.
“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Bulacan and nearby provinces as well as those from Metro Manila joined the tournament," the 19-year-old resident of Rodriguez, Rizal said in an interview on Monday.
"I would like to thank my coaches GM candidate Ronald Dableo and GM Darwin Laylo for supporting my participation in the 2025 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge Open Division,” he added.
The fourth to 10th placers were Sherwin Tiu (5.5 points), Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa (5.5 points), Johann Cedrick Gaddi (5.5 points), Mark Gerald Reyes (5.0 points), GM Darwin Laylo (5.0 points), FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan (5.0 points) and Lennon Hart Salgados (5.0 points), respectively.
In the 17 years old and under, National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. of Pasig City emerged champion with 6.5 points in seven outings.
National Master Mar Aviel Carredo, Rudmark Dela Cruz and Jerick Faeldonia, each tallied with 6.0 points, took second, third and fourth place.
Allan Gabriel Hillario, National Master Al-Basher Buto and Lemmuel Jay Adena secured the fifth, sixth and seven spots with 5.5 points apiece while Sumer Justine Oncita, Elexis Jazz Mendez and Joshua Mallari made it to the top 10 who totes 5.0-points each.
Tournament Director was Mr. Normel Benigno De Jesus while Chief Arbiter is Mr. Alfredo Chay.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 21 Feb 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 21 Feb 2026BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 21 Feb 2026FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
Sat, 21 Feb 2026WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 21 Feb 2026WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
Sat, 21 Feb 2026"Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 21 Feb 2026A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
Sat, 21 Feb 2026Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Pacman bout details revealed
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
Fri, 20 Feb 2026Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 20 Feb 2026