SSS retains GCAA crown

(Standing) Conrado Costinar Jr., Alfred Pangilinan (overseer), Charlie Suyom, Dioniver “Bubot” Medrano, Carl Espallardo, Rey Valencerina, Robert Gene Mariano, Dennis Demit (sitting), Kristoferson Ursal, Lito Bancaso (Asst.Coach), Emil Concepcion (Coach), Arvin Olorvida, Rene Damaycos

Final Ranking:SSS-28.5 points; PAGCOR-26 pts.; LBP-22 pts.; NFA 17.5 pts.; PCSO, LWUA 12 pts.; PTA 8 pts.

SOCIAL Security System (SSS) blasted Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), 4-2, in the seventh and final round to retain their GCAA (Government Corporations Athletic Associations) Chess Team Tournament title was held recently at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) in Katipunan Avenue, Balara, Quezon City.

SSS chess squad headed by Dioniver “Bobot” Medrano finished a total of 28.5 points in this seven team tournament.

“It'll take a lot of hard work but if you set your mind to it, you can do it" said, Medrano.

Aside from Medrano, other member of the SSS chess team are Conrado Costinar Jr., Carl Espallardo, Robert Gene Mariano, Dennis Demit, Kristoferson Ursal,, Jose Charlie Suyom, Arvin Olorvida, Rey Valencerina, Dennis Demit, Alfred Pangilinan (overseer), Rey Valencerina, Rene Damaycos, Emil Concepcion (Coach) and Lito Bancaso (Asst.Coach).

Meanwhile, PAGCOR bannered by Ravel Canlas defeated Lank Bank of the Philippines (LBP), 4.5-1.5, to finish solo second place with 26.0 points while National Food Authority (NFA) at the helm is Zaldy Tan trounced Philippine Tourism Authority, 4-2, to settled third place finish with a total of 17.5 points.

Adjudged individual gold medalist winner were board 1 Conrado Costinar Jr.(SSS), board 2 Carl Espallardo (SSS), board 3 Rene Quito (PAGCOR), board 4 Arvin Olorvida (SSS), board 5 Cyrus Atienza (LBP), board 6 Melchor Manubay (PAGCOR), and best alternates Baltazar Yuzon (PAGCOR).

IA/NM Elias Lao served as chief arbiter in the said chessfest hosted by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., also the chairman of the board of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). BY MARLON BERNARDINO.