VETERAN woodpushers from Northern Mindanao could end up claiming the spotlight in the cash-rich Challenger’s division of the Asean chess event as the week-long international competition enters its penultimate day of action on Nov. 7.
Homegrown bet Mardonio Fuentes, a senior citizen, is highly motivated. The veteran’s performance is driven by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) considering reinstating his National Master (NM) title, which he waived during the time of the defunct Philippine Chess Federation under the late Dr. Art Borjal.
Fuentes flashed his old brilliance, outwitting younger opponents and securing a fifth point after a sixth-round victory against Arena Grandmaster Kenneth Cris Donoga.
“Na-encourage ko kay mismo si NCFP big boss Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales ang naghatag sa reassurance nga mabalik akong national Master title,” the retired Army chess athlete Fuentes told Gold Star Daily.
In Round 7, Fuentes is paired against the tournament’s solo leader, Batang Pinoy hotshot NM Mar Aviel Carredo from Ilocos Norte, on the top board.
Also with 5 points, veteran NM-waiver Army soldier Carlo Magno Rosaupan tangled with the youthful Jersey Marticio from Cabuyao City on board 2.
Rosaupan, who said he was born in Cagayan de Oro before his father’s work moved the family to Davao City, expressed his connection to the area. “I love Cagayan de Oro my home birth,” said Rosaupan, who once represented Tagoloan in the national inter-province chess team championship in Cagayan de Oro.
Misamis Occidental pride Pastor Archilaus Turno played fellow 5-pointer NM Keith Adriane Ilar of Bukidnon on board 3. Cagayan de Oro ace Nazario Ubanan (4.5 points) shared board 4 with Army soldier Vince Angelo Medina.
The nine-round Swiss System tourney has attracted a total of 121 Challenger participants to the air-conditioned playing hall of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park in Sinacaban. Seated on board 5 were Manila’s Samson Chiu Chin Lim III opposite Davao teen sensation Aaron Aton.
