By Jean Malanum
MANILA – FIDE Master David Elorta added a feather in his cap after sweeping the seven-round Open rapid chess tournament during the 72nd National Convention of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City Saturday night.
Elorta, a member of the Manila Indios Bravos in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), prevailed over Alexander Galang, Arnel Ellis, James Henry Calacday, CM Genghis Imperial, Kevin Arquero, Harrison Maamo and Sherwin Tiu.
“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Metro Manila and nearby provinces joined the tournament,” Elorta, who received a gold medal and PHP10,000 in cash, said.
He is scheduled to compete in the third FM Angelito Camer Open rapid in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 27 and the 3rd Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Festival in Misamis Occidental on Nov. 4 and 5.
Maamo earned PHP4,500 for placing second while Arquero (PHP3,000) and Tiu (PHP2,000) were third and fourth, respectively, in the competition participated in by 145 players.
The tournament, sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, was the highlight of the PSME National Convention.
“Hopefully, this will be a yearly event. As to the number of civil engineers, I am sure that the majority know how to play chess,” National PSME past president and PSME Inc. Foundation founding president Roger Reyes said.
“Since our goal for this maiden event is to promote our Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers National Chapter, there will be next year to look forward to,” Reyes added. (PNA)
