Final standings:
4.5 points – E.Bagamasbad, A. Paez, V.Anas
4 – D. Fernandez, L. Navarro
3.5 – A. Sorima, J. Corrales
3 – R. Baulita, G. Garcia, W. Felix
OLONGAPO City — National master Efren Bagamasbad crowned himself as the champion in the12th leg of the National Executive Chess Championship-Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas Jr. Chess Cup at the Olive’s Café in East Tapinac here Saturday.
Bagamasbad, the pride of Talisay, Camarines Norte, finished with 4.5 points in the six-round tournament organized by the Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA), headed by Dr. Jenny Mayor, and supported by the city government of Olongapo thru Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino, Jr.
Two other players –Dr. Alfred Paez of Cabuyao, Laguna and Victor Anas of Bulacan – also finished with similar scores of 4.5 points out of a possible six.
Bagamasbad, however, took the title by virtue of a higher tiebreak score.
The three players split the combined P22,000 in this event also supported by Zambales Vice Governor Jay Khonghun, Deputy Insurance Commissioner Atty. Randy Escolango, Gordon College and Councilor Kaye Ann Legaspi.
Dandel Fernandez of Maynilad and COMELEC executive Leonardo Navarro of Cabanatuan City shared fourth to fifth places with four each.
Also making it to the podium are Andrew Sorima and Dr. Johnny Corrales with 3.5 points apiece; and Reden Baulita, Glenn Garcia and Winnie Felix with three points each.
Mayor, NCFP director and PECA vice president for Luzon Atty. Edmundo Legaspi and Patrick Tamano Roxas awarded the prizes to the top finishers.
Meanwhile, the three top players who have confirmed their participation in the 2019 GM Rosendo Balinas Memorial chess championships have been invited to attend the 37th edition of the TOPS “Usapang Sports” at the National Press Club in Intramuros on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The three GMs — Rogelio Antonio, Jr., John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo — are expected to attend the weekly public service program to talk about their chances in the prestigious tournament scheduled Sept. 2-10 at Alphaland Place Makati.
The players will be accompanied by Engr. Tony Balinas, older brother of the late Filipino champion, and Dr. Mayor. Ed Andaya
Ceremonial moves pitting NCFP Director PECA Vice President for Luzon Atty. Edmundo Legaspi against Comelec executive Leonardo Navarro of Cabanatuan City, incoming PECA President for 2020 Dr. Alfred Paez against Atty. Rodrigo Aquino of Gapan, Nueva Ecija and chief organizer Patrick Tamano Roxas against PECA President Dr. Jenny Mayor usher in the 12th leg of the National Executive Chess Championship-Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas Jr. Chess Cup in Olongapo City.
Ed Andaya 