By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
International Master Daniel Quizon downed Grandmaster John Paul Gomez in 32 moves of a King’s Indian Defense to rule the Philippine National Chess Championship at the Marikina Community Convention Center on Sunday, Jan. 7.
In the all-important game, Quizon, 19, lived up to his status as the country’s rising star by outmaneuvering Gomez to produce the full point needed to prevail.
He finished with 9.5 points to claim his second national crown since reigning supreme three years ago in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu in the 14-player event presented by Marikina City Congresswoman Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro.
For his feat, the World Cup veteran pocketed the top purse worth P120,000 and one of the three slots to the national team that will see action in this September’s FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
“Masaya ako nag-champion ulit ako,” said the soft-spoken Quizon, who will be playing in his first over-the-board Olympiad after his first stint in the same event that was held via online.
IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia drew with 14-year-old FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca in 30 moves of an English Opening to claim second place with nine points and the P70,000 and the Olympiad seat that went with it.
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, meanwhile, used the English Opening to her advantage in smashing Samson Lim III in 33 moves and seize third spot with 8.5 points.
She pocketed P50,000 for her feat as well as the last slot to Budapest where she will be the first Filipina to gain that chance to play for the men’s squad.
Frayna, however, has yet to decide whether she plays for the men’s team or continue to spearhead the women’s squad as what she had done before.
“I haven’t decided yet,” she said.
Gomez ended up fourth with eight points alongside IM Paulo Bersamina, who halved the point with GM Joey Antonio.
