Sevillano, Pason rule Paknaan Chess Fest

TEEN chess sensation Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano and Lapu-Lapu City’s Allan Pason emerged champions in the Paknaan Chess Fest 2013 last weekend at the Paknaan National High School in Mandaue City.

Sevillano finished the seven-round Swiss system format competition in the Mixed Open (Non-Masters) category with six points by defeating Romeo Libradilla in the opening round followed by two straight wins against Samuel Tinio and Glicel Gepiga before he settled for a draw from Cephas Seguisabal. He went on to beat Kraig Quinain, Godfrey Villamor and Vicmil Pepito en route to the title.

Villamor placed second to Sevillano in the mixed open with 5.5 points followed by Pason at third with also 5.5 points.

Pason dominated the Junior’s open (18-years old under) after snatching five wins in the six-round tournament.

Pason beat Adrian Basilgo and Aldritz Pondoyo before settled for a draw against Felix Shaun Balbona. He resumed his winning streak after winning over noted young wood pushers Christian Pondoyo, Diego Claro and Vic Glyzen Derotas.

Balbona claimed the second spot in the juniors open with 4.5 points followed by Sevillano, who also got 4.5 points.

Sevillano and Pason walked away with P2,000 while  Derotas was named the best female competitor.

The tournament was sponsored by the Barangay Paknaan Sangguninang Kabataan headed by chairman Emman Dale Morpus. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL