GUMILA WINS MARIKINA CHESSFEST

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

NARCISCO Gumila won the tournament by tie break in the 5th Primitivo "Steve" Mamaril Memorial Chess Tournament at the Barangay Barangka, Multipurpose Hall, Marikina City (near Riverbanks Mall in Marikina City) on Sunday.

Gumila finished the tournament with 6.5 points, the same output of Prince Kenneth Reyes. However the former (Gumila) took the title with a better tie break score of 25.5 points against the latter's (Reyes) 22 points.

Ruel Sto. Domingo, meanwhile scored 6 points but a better tie-break score placed him at third spot, followed by Louie Salvador at fourth.

Prizes were awarded by Marikina Chess Federation head Johnny "Joel" Gaudia, Bernie Mamaril (son of the late Primitivo "Steve" Mamaril) and National Master Rudy Ibanez whose tournament was graced by Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, wheel chair bound Rondina Magtanggol and Efren Laylo (father of GM Darwin Laylo), during the opening ceremony in the seven round Swiss-system format, being held to commemorate the late Primitivo "Steve" Mamaril and backed up by long-time chess supporter lawyer Franklin Sunga which attracted 144 woodpushers.

Fifth to 14th placers with 5.5 points each were Michael Yongzon, Director Romelio, Ferdinand Paet, Alvin Roma, Kyz Llantada, Timothy So Kua, Richel Lomocso, Jefferson Mansanero, Llyod Rubio and Rolando Tenorio.