CLARIN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – International Master Daniel Quizon clinched the top prize at the 2nd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open rapid chess tournament, held at AYA Hotel and Residences this Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Quizon, representing Dasmariñas Chess Academy, secured the PHP100,000 top prize with a total of 7.5 points from six wins and three draws. The tournament coincided with Ozamiz City's 76th founding anniversary and the feast of Nuestra Sra. dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi. The 19-year-old chess prodigy expressed his contentment with the victory and his hopes for maintaining his form to achieve the Grandmaster title, as he aims to raise his current rating from 2460 to 2500.
Other competitors, including IM Michael Concio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, and IM Eric Labog Jr., also scored 7.5 points but placed second to fourth based on tiebreak criteria, receiving prizes of PHP60,000, PHP40,000, and PHP20,000, respectively. Several National and FIDE Masters, along with Arena Grand Masters from various cities, rounded out the top performances with scores of 7.0 and 6.5 points.
In the junior divisions, Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and NM Keith Adriane Ilar from El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, won the elementary and high school categories, respectively, each securing a prize of PHP60,000.
Asia's First Grandmaster and World Chess Hall of Fame inductee Eugene Torre participated in awarding the prizes and made ceremonial moves at the event's opening with Governor Henry Oaminal. Tournament director Rey Cris Urbiztondo emphasized the event's role in fostering strategic thinking, improving logical abilities, and building confidence and camaraderie among participants.