Cebu chess players dominate national eliminations in Visayas leg

From the Queen City to the chessboard, Cebuano players made their mark at the Philippine National Chess Eliminations Visayas Leg, held at GMall Cebu, September 14.

Photo Courtesy of National Chess Federation of the Philippines

In the men’s division, Ronald Guanzon impressed among 71 participants, claiming the top spot. On the women’s side, the highest-rated player, Cebuana Marphine Mangubat, excelled among 26 competitors, finishing atop the podium with 5.5 points. The tournament was organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Guanzon showcased his mid-game and endgame skills right from the start, forcing his opponents to resign in the first two rounds. 

He secured a decisive victory over Marl Vincent Ottara after capturing a rook, limiting his opponent’s offensive options. 

Later, against Marquis Mallorca, his tactics allowed a pawn promotion after a critical 67.Rxa4 move, prompting Mallorca to concede.

The 1,880-rated Guanzon faced his biggest challenge against the tournament’s top-rated player, 2,029-rated Jetthro Esplanada. 

Guanzon capitalized on Esplanada’s poor knight trade, advancing his pieces in the endgame to secure a win. 

He continued his strong run, winning rounds five and six before agreeing to a draw against John Dave Lavandero.

Guanzon finished with 6.5 points, edging out Esplanada and Remigio Galenzoga III, who both had six points. Tie-breaks placed Esplanada second and Galenzoga third.

The 1,705-rated Mangubat started with a swift first-round checkmate, exploiting Micah Baterzal’s early knight overextension. 

She displayed strong endgame skills in subsequent rounds, including an 81-move checkmate over Princess Magallanes in round four.

Mangubat’s unbeaten streak ended in round five with a draw against Adina Kwan, following extensive bishop maneuvers. 

She rebounded with a smooth endgame win over Nicole Mangubat, who resigned as promotion 

became inevitable.

Mangubat clinched first place with 5.5 points. Maria Lavandero finished second with five points, and Danica Pamplona took third with 4.5 points.