But loses to computer in exhibition match

MANILA, Philippines – Grandmaster (GM) Wesley So, FIDE (World Chess Federation) Master (FM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia, reigning RP Boys 12-and-under champion Paolo Bersamina and Narquinden Reyes emerged as winners in Sunday’s 1st Pichay and Davis Cup chess festival.

So, currently the world’s no. 64 with an ELO FIDE rating of 2665, defeated GM-elect Ronald Dableo in the finals (2-game match, 7 minutes with 3 seconds increment), 1.5-0.5, to capture the all Master Group A division title.

So received the top prize of P15,000, a trophy and a Nokia mobile phone in the event held at the Blue Wave Mall along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

“I'm really happy to have played well against Ronald (Dableo) in the finals,” said the 16-year-old chess whiz kid from Bacoor, Cavite.
 
To reach the finals, So bested National Master (NM) Rudy Ibanez (1.5-0.5) in the Round of 32, FM David Elorta (1.5-0.5) in the Round of 16, International Master (IM) Oliver Dimakiling (2-1) in the Round of 8 and IM Richard Bitoon (1.5-0.5) in the Round of 4.
 
So failed to continue his winning streak when he bowed to Pocket Fritz 4, engine High Arc 13 (0.5-1.5) in their 2-games exhibition chess match.

If he beat the said chess engine, he would have won the bonus worth $100 courtesy of long-time chess patron and computer expert Reginald “Reggie” Tee.
 
In the 12-year-old and below or kiddies division, Bersamina defeated Juan Carlos Presente of Caloocan City to win his third straight kiddie title with 6.5 points in 7 outings. The top player of Pasay City took home P4,000.

In the Open Group B division, Garcia of Ateneo de Manila University subdued journeyman Roel Abelgas. Garcia bagged the P7,000 top prize after finishing with 6 points.

Reyes of College of St. Benilde, meantime, ruled the 20-year-old and below or junior division with 6.5 points. He went home with P4,000.
 
Bersamina, Garcia and Reyes also received trophies plus Nokia mobile phones courtesy of businessman Davis de Leon and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President Prospero Pichay, Jr.

Alex Dinoy was the tournament director while International arbiters Willie Abalos, Gene Poliarco and Erwin Carag served as tournament arbiters. – by Marlon Bernardino