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:
Round 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 2026Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
Wed, 15 Apr 2026IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Apr 20262-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas
Wed, 15 Apr 2026