By Kristel Satumbaga
Jerome Angelo Aragones turned back FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri in the 20th and final round to rule the second leg of the 1st Philippine National Bullet Championship held through online over the weekend.
In winning the title, Aragones, 16, finished with 15.5 points to secure a semis berth slated next month.
It was his first title since snaring a gold and silver in the blitz event of the Eastern Asia Age Group Championship last year in Thailand.
Aragones’ title win was helped by Cotabato City native Datuali Sinsuat, who stunned erstwhile frontrunner International Master Daniel Quizon,
Quizon, settled for second with 15 points – mirroring his first leg feat won by Grandmaster Banjo Barcenilla.
United States-based GM Mark Paragua, meanwhile, had a quick draw with GM Darwin Laylo to end up at third with 14.5 points.
Rounding up the Top 10 were Sinsaut, Henry Lopez, Jerome Villanueva, FM Sander Severino, Narquinden Reyes and Nouri.
The online chess tournament was held to keep the National Chess Federation of the Philippines’ program for athletes in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
