IM Daniel Quizon Dominates PCAP Champions Tour in San Juan

SAN JUAN CITY — Grandmaster-elect Daniel Quizon, also an International Master (IM), clinched the top title at the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Champions Tour, held at Greenhills Mall on Sunday. Quizon, hailing from Dasmariñas City, Cavite, emerged victorious over FIDE Master Ellan Asuela in both the blitz and rapid categories, securing the PHP80,000 prize.

According to Philippines News Agency, Quizon’s path to victory included a decisive win against 13-time Philippine Open champion GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in the semifinals, while Asuela advanced past Kevin Arquero. In the quarterfinals, Antonio overcame IM Chito Garma, and Arquero scored an upset against FM Austin Jacob Literatus.

“I’m very happy to win again, especially in a major tournament like this,” expressed the 19-year-old Quizon, who is fresh from a victory at the Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Rapid Chess tournament in Clarin, Misamis Occidental on July 10. Quizon, who currently holds a standard rating of 2460, is on the brink of securing his Grandmaster title, needing only to elevate his rating to 2500.

In the third-place match, Antonio defeated Arquero. The prize distribution saw Asuela taking home PHP30,000, Antonio earning PHP20,000, and Arquero, Literatus, and Garma each receiving PHP5,000.

Other notable competitors included IM Kim Steven Yap, IM Joel Banawa, Mark Kevin Labog, Virgen Gil Ruaya, John Philip Gabuco, and Omar Bagalacsa in this Games and Amusements Board-sanctioned event.