NATIONAL Master Joey Albert Florendo of Zamboanga City outmaneuvered a crowded field of 122 woodpushers to clinch the Christmas Open blitz chess title Saturday night, Dec. 20, at the City Tourism Hall.
Florendo’s path to the championship was nearly flawless. After scoring 6.5 points through the first seven rounds, he faced a high-stakes final-round showdown against former UAAP rival Lennon Hart Salgados of Far Eastern University.
Playing with the white pieces, Florendo defeated Salgados to secure the P10,000 top prize and the championship trophy.
The competition remained tight through the final standings. Jacqpatch Immanuel Abalo of the Caraga region earned second place with seven points, taking home P8,000.
Salgados, despite the final-round loss, managed to secure third place after edging out Randolph Christopher Dalauta, Johnnel Balquin, and Casey Miguel Tabamo via the Buchholz tiebreaker. Salgados received P6,000 and a trophy for his podium finish.
The tournament, which drew participants from across Mindanao, was held with the support of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ A. Uy and Barangay Carmen Chairman Rainier Joaquin ‘Kikang’ Uy.
Final Results:
1st: Joey Albert Florendo (P10,000)
2nd: Jacqpatch Immanuel Abalo (P8,000)
3rd: Lennon Hart Salgados (P6,000)
4th-6th: Randolph Christopher Dalauta (P5,000), Johnnel Balquin (P4,000), Casey Miguel Tabamo (P3,000)
7th-8th: Allan Cantonjos (P2,500), Jones Maghuyop (P2,000)
