Ronie Lumbao edged veteran campaigner Rael Gianan to emerge as champion in the Kaaldawan nin Virac 2022 Open Chess Tournament last week.
Lumbao tallied six points in the tourney held at the Gabaldon room of the Virac Pilot Elementary School last Dec. 3-4, with 1st runner-up Gianan just half a point behind with 5-1/2 points.
Two others – Edsel Tacorda and Joven Jamero – actually tied with Gianan but ended up 2nd and 3rd runners-up after the tie-break.
The other top 15 placers were: 5.0 – Marvid Zuniega (4th runner-up); 5.0 – Francis Don Mendoza (5th); 4.5 – Dante Magno (6th); 4.5 – Ahron Joshua Tubalinal, (7th); 4.5 – Mark Genesis Teope (8th); 4.5 – Justine Saldua (9th); 4.5 – Erwin Tayo (10th); 4.0 – Mark Bryan Manrique (11th); 4.0 – Bryan Jade Tano (12th); 4.0 – Aljun Alferez (13th); 4.0 – Reymund Asuncion (14th); and 4.0 – Bince Rafael Operiano (15th).
Special prizes were awarded to Joel Adille, best Viracnon; Ramon Suarez, best senior; Jaime Panti Jr., best high school (boys); Chris Bryan Operiano, best kiddie; Clark Benavidez, best TODA driver; Charlyn Gelito, top 1 lady; Maryson Annie Tabuzo, top 2 lady; Sherie Flor Soriao, top 3 lady; and Ivy Rose Soriao, best high school (girls).
The tournament was sponsored by the Virac local government unit and the Catanduanes Happy Island Chess Association (CHICA), as well as Mayor Samuel Laynes, Councilor Xyrell Albaniel, Drunk Box Pub and Club, X-Zack Lee Coffee & Milk Tea, Jun Sorra, Voltage Five Electrical Shop, Abaca Eagles Club, Master candidate Engr. Jonathan Molod, Atty. Gilbert Suarez, and Engr. Roland Ramirez.