IM Sevillano tops Pacific Southwest Open

International Master Enrico “Ikong” Sevillano halved the point with Armenian GM Melikset Khachiyan in the fifth and penultimate round then toppled US Senior Chess Master John Daniel Bryant in the sixth and final round to emerge over-all champion in the 49th annual Pacific Southwest Open last July 6 in Los Angeles, California.

Sevillano, protégée of sportsman/ NM Matias “Bombi” Barcenilla Aznar, finished undefeated with a total of 5.5 points on five wins and draw in six outings.

Armenian GM Khachiyan and Filipino Fide Master Joel Banawa hurdle their respective rivals in the final round to settle for 2nd to 3rd placers with 5.0 points each.

Armenian GM Khachiyan crushed US Master Eric Chapa while Filipino FM Banawa outplayed Japanese Takashi Kurosaki.

Another Filipino entry Remegio Pampliega scored 2.5 points and joints 40th placers along with 11 others. BY MARLON BERNARDINO