Liwagon, Poddar rule Alphaland chess
NATIONAL MASTER lawyer Bob Jones Liwagon put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the executive crown while Srihaan Poddar showing his mastery in the Rapid competition to pocket the kiddies plum in 2018 Alphaland National Executive (8th leg) and Kiddies Chess Championship held at the Activity Hall, Second Floor Alphaland Makati Place in Malugay Street, Makati City last Saturday, September 8, 2018.
The Kidapawan City pride Liwagon, rank of Captain and one of the top players of the multi-titled Philippine Army chess team under the baton of Army Judge Advocate (AJA) Colonel Maria Victoria Girao, swept his last three matches to finish with 6.5 points in seven outings, posting a one-point lead over second place Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez of Cabuyao City, Laguna and 3rd place Rey Reyes of Zamboanga City who got 5.5 points.
Liwagon, a former top gunner of the University of Sto. Tomas chess team also topped the six-leg last June 30, 2018.
Liwagon received the top purse of P10,000 and a trophy, Dr. Paez pocketed runner-up prize of P7,000 and a trophy while Reyes went home P5,000 and a trophy in the one day event, September edition organized by Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA), backed up by Alphaland Mall and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) using the 20 minutes plus five seconds delay time control format.
Engineer Arjoe Loanzon, Reynaldo Aba-A, National Council on Disability Affairs board member James Gamao-Infiesto, engineer Joseph Galindo, engineer Ravel Canlas of Pagcor, Arman Subaste and Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe tied for fourth with 5 points while Dr. Jenny Mayor and IT Manager Edwin Sison of Vital C Health Products, Inc.ended up with 4.5 points.
In the kiddies division, the 10-years-old Srihaan Poddar, a Grade 5 pupil of International School of Manila tallied 6.5 points after seven games of play to received the top prize of P3,000 and a trophy.
