Pason tops world’s biggest chess tilt

Lapu-Lapu City’s 14-year-old chess wonder Allan Pason proved that he is one of the best woodpushers in the Cebu as he emerged on top in the first Cebu Chess Festival held over the weekend at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Pason outplayed 3,199 other hopefuls who joined the record-breaking feat of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC).

Cebu is bidding to break the Guinness record for the biggest chess tournament currently held by Krasnoyarsk, Russia, which gathered 1,214 participants.

Siblings Christian Pondoyo and Chris Aldritz of the University of Cebu (UC) claimed second and third places, respectively.

Most of the arbiters in the tournament put their bet on Pason from the Pajo National High School since the young wood pusher has already made a name in local chess circuit.

Jazelle Villarin of the University of San Carlos (USC) grabbed fourth place while James Vennier Paraon placed fifth.

Raffy Bensi, Royd Ortouste, Diego Abraham Claro, Fred Fernandez and Marie Cecille Lumapac were the sixth to tenth placers.

Last year, Pason was introduced by Sports Tourism chairman Harry Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City as one of their best chessers. On Sunday, Pason lived up to his lofty billing as he topped the tournament that took almost four months to finish. The tournament started with around 50,000 participants from different schools competing for spots in the next round.

Acording to CCSC’s Edward Hayco, they will award trophies and certificates to the winners to encourage them to compete not only for the money but also for pride and honor.