National Master Merben Roque won his first three assignments Saturday at the start of the second Glicerio “Asing” Badilles Memorial chess tournament at the Gaisano Town Center, Moalboal, Cebu City.
Roque leads the 18-man field in the Open division, half-a-point ahead of Allan Salientes, Andre Cardosa and Arnel Montayre.
In the Category B division exclusively for local players, Ricarte Gamao was also spotless with 3 points followed by Jerry Badilles and Ninovic Cantila who each had 2.5 points apiece.
In the Category C bracket made up of players 12 years old and below, Florie Mae Gamao was on top with 3 points, half-a-point clear of Carlo Gutang.
Grandmaster Eugene Torre graced the event’s opening as guest speaker together with Ruleo “Biboy” Badilles.
The seven-round Swiss System event, organized by Poblacion East, Moalboal barangay captain Julius Tarongoy and Jun Sandalo and officiated by FIDE Arbiter Odilon Badilles, resumed Sunday.
