Normin stuns rest of Mindanao, 41-31

TO prove that they’re the “Russia” in Mindanao chess, the Northern Mindanao pawnpushers dominated their opponents from the rest of Mindanao last Friday’s friendly match over 20 boards to kick off the three-day 1st Governor Henry Oaminal 8-in-1 Chess Festival in Ozamiz City.

The Northern Mindanao team defeated the rest of Mindanao, 15-9 in a blitz contest, then prevailed again in a rapid duel, 26-22 for a total of 10-point victory, 41-31 in the curtain-raiser showdown that stakes a P40,000 cash reward.

“There are so many good talents in chess around Mindanao. But for now, the Normin side has proven something special,” said tournament organizer Rey Urbiztondo.

“They can be considered now as the Russia in Mindanao chess based on the 25-board team match results,” added Urbiztondo.

The team match-up was patterned after the 1970 and 1980 showdown between the USSR and Russia against the Rest of the World.

The rest of Mindanao enjoyed a breather in the early blitz matches as veteran journalist Lito Dormitorio stunned International Master Angelo Young in the Seniors category and National Master Joey Albert Florendo upstaged Fide Master Ellan Asuela in the Open section, plus a couple of RM upsets in the juniors and ladies rivalries over National Master Keith Adriane Ilar and Woman National Master Lila Alyssa Seriña.

But the talent-rich Normin squad proved superior overall with International Master Richelieu Salcedo III, Lennon Hart Salgados, Jeriel Manlimbana, Randolph Dalauta, senior bet Primitivo Virtudazo, executive Dr. Wil Maghanoy, and the kiddies pair of Maverick Vera Cruz and Nicole Paquinol all producing a perfect three points in their respective matches.

They got also the solid backup from Allan Cantonjos, Johnny Carzano, Danilo Obeso Jr, Nazario Ubanan, and Archilaus Turno, among others.

Next to watch in the side events of the Ozamiz Chess Festival is the best of Mindanao and the best of Visayas clash in 20 boards on Sunday night which offers a P60,000 cash prize.