IM Sevillano strong in California chess tourney

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO International Master Enrico “Ikong” Sevillano” flashed his old deadly form when he beat Russian Konstantin Kavutskiy in the fifth and final round to settled into a tie for 4th to 6th placers in the just ended 18th Annual Western Class Chess Championships last March 11 to 13 in Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, California.

The former Southwestern University stand-out Sevillano, who hails from Cebu City and protégée of the late sportsman/ National Master Matias “Bombi” Aznar finish 3.5 points in this the five round Swiss-System tournament.

After the tie break points was applied in the Open section, Sevillano, the former US Open champion settled over-all fourth placers in the company of fellow 3.5 pointers that includes Indian Ankit Gupta and American David Roper.

The Tehachapi, California based Sevillano celebrate his 43rd birthday yesterday." Talagang pinilit kong manalo sa last round para kahit papanu ay nasa top five over-all standing tayo. Magandang pa birthday na din sa akin ito," said Sevillano, who lost to Armenian Tatev Abrahamyan in the second round.

Paraguay GM Axel Bachman won the coveted title with 4.5 points, half point ahead over Polish IM Jacek Stopa and Armenian Tatev Abrahamyan who tote 4.0 points apiece.