After its successful inauguration, Sta. Fe Chess Club marks another milestone as it spearheaded another edition of Rapid Chess Tournament at Sta. Fe National High School last April 13-14.
The said 2-day exclusive tournament was joined by a total of 58 Chess players. Jemuel Fabila rose to the top and emerged as champion after garnering six (6) points via superior tiebreak.
Fabila won six (6) consecutive rounds and failed to secure the last round after losing against Noe Ramon.
Meanwhile, Mertz Fornal landed 1st Runner-up and Noe Ramon 2nd Runner-up both with six (6) points, followed by Ramon Epitia and Nomar Ramon both with 5.5 points as 3rd and 4th Runners-up, respectively. Andy Tiaga secured the 5th Runner-up and Japhet Valentin, the 6th Runner-up with both five (5) points, and lastly Mark Antonio placed 7th Runner-up with five (5) points also. Special awards were also given namely, Top Lady to Veah Fornal, and Top Kiddie to Cristine Malacad.
Aside from the competition, the 2nd Rapid Chess Tournament highlighted the chance of selected 20 participants to simultaneously play with Romblon's first Chess National Master, Jasper Faeldonia. Yet, with its reigning supreme, NM Faeldonia turned down the 20 opponents in defeat after the two (2) hours and 49 minutes 1 versus 20 simultaneous exhibition match. Sta. Fe Chess Club Vice President and Coach Noe Ramon remains the last man standing.
The 2nd edition of the Rapid Chess Tournament organized by Sta. Fe Chess Club was sponsored by its Club President, Mr. Bernie Festin, Chief Arbiter Alexis Visca and Assistant Arbiter was Andrew Gonzales.
The organization aims to promote Chess as a new fond of interest and encourage the youths of Sta. Fe to have a try. After the two successful editions, Sta. Fe Chess Club plans to hold a monthly mini-tournament starting this year to further hone the skills and talents of young Santafenons.
Moreover, the team is also looking forward to introduce this on a wider setting and hold an open tournament around the province of Romblon. (PR)
