Barangay West Crame spirts coordinator Kagawad Joel Cu and WCCC president Mauro Supil make the ceremonial moves during the San Juan City Day Barangay West Crame chess tournament held at the Barangay West Crame last June 24.
Taopa rules West Crame chess meet
SWEETER the second time around for defending champion Gilbert Taopa.
Taopa successfully retained his crown in the San Juan City Day Barangay West Crame chess tournament held at the Barangay West Crame last June 24.
Taopa silenced giant-killer Jerome Cabunagan of Technological University of the Philippines in the final round to rule the one-day tournament held as part of the celebration of the San Juan City Day.
Taopa finished with a score of four points out of a possible five to secure his back-to”back championship in the tournament sponsored by Barangay sports coordinator Barangay Kagawad Joel Cu and company, owner of Chess Palace in California U.S.A. Mr and Mrs Alfred Ong and held under the auspices of Barangay West Crame Chairman Marcelino Trinidad.
“I’m really very happy to win the title again. It was a close shave.This victory is sweeter the second time around ” said Taopa the No.1 player of Brgy West Crame San Juan City.
Mark Anthony Labo finished with the same score as Taopa but lost due tiebreak.
Labo settled for runner-up honors after crushing Angelito Benipayo.
Franklin Mata, who also finished with the same output of 4.0/5, landed in third place at the expense of Arellano varsity player Vincent Paolo Constantino.
Completing the Top 10 finishers are Angelito Benipayo, who finished fourth; Jerome Cabunagan, fifth; Elmer Avila, sixth; Edgar Galapon, seventh; Vincent Paolo Constantino, eighth; Delfin Baun Jr. ninth; and Freddie Baliwag, 10th.
The 16-Under Kiddies section crown was won by Karl Taopa.
Xian Taopa wound up second, while Mark Mata came in third.
The event was officiated by Club Arbiter Ronito Taopa and pairing specialist Darwin Secorata.
