FM Daluz clinches Kamatyas Open chess crown

By Marlon Bernardino

Final Standings: (Open Division, 8 Rounds Swiss System) 7.5 points—FM Christian Mark Daluz 7.0 points—IM Ronald Dableo, FM Alekhine Nouri, Alfredo Balquin Jr. 6.5 points—Romeo Canino, NM Karlycris Clarito Jr., Apollo P. Agapay, Davin Sean Romualdez 6.0 points—Jonathan Jota, Kevin Arquero;

(Kiddies Division, 7 Rounds Swiss System) 6.5 points—Christian Tolosa 5.5 points— John Curt Valencia, Caleb Royce Garcia, Jemaicah Yap Mendoza, Marlon Aurellano Balbaboco Jr. 5.0 points– Danry Seth Romualdez, Clyde Jared Torena , WNM Zhaoyu Capilitan, Marius Constante , Mary Angelie Bacojo

FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz bested International Master Ronald Dableo in a duel of fancied bets in the eighth and final round to capture the open crown. At the same time, Christian Tolosa ruled the kiddies division in the recently concluded 12th Edition Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament at SM Southmall, Alabang Zapote Rd. Las Pinas.

The No. 7 Daluz, who trailed Dableo by half a point after the seventh round, outwitted his second-seeded rival from the Philippine Army with the white pieces to fashion out the victory. Then, the City of Imus bet disposed of Clyde Jared Torena to emerge as the solo champion in the kiddies category with 6.5 points. Daluz scored 7.5 points to bring home a PHP30,000 cash prize in this 1-day rapid (15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment) tournament, hosted by International Master Roderick Nava and National Master David Almirol.

“The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth, and camaraderie,” said Nava, number 1 chess blogger in the Philippines.

Daluz defeated Khent Lourence Canas in the first round, Elcid Estaron (in 2nd round), Leo Aldrin Caraig in (the 3rd round), Arjoe Loanzon (in 5th round), FIDE Master Randy Segarra (in 6th round), Romeo Canino (7th round) before beating Dableo in the last round. He split the points with Alfredo Balquin Jr. (4th round).

“I am thrilled with my victory, ” said the 21-year-old University of Santo Tomas Entrepreneurship student. “I would like to thank the University of Santo Tomas for supporting my participation in the 12th Edition Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, Dableo ranked second with seven points, nipping FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and Balquin Jr. in the tiebreak. Romeo Canino, National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr., Apollo P. Agapay, and Davin Sean Romualdez finished the tournament with similar 6.5 points, while Jonathan Jota and Kevin Arquero have identical 6.0 points.