VETERAN national master Allan “Aki” Macala used his experience in winning the recently-concluded first Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark Invitational Chess Tournament held at the Pavilion of the majestic Bluejaz in Samal.
Macala bested international player and candidate master Jayson Salubre, 1.5-0.5 in the finals of a knockout seeded format competition organized by FA James Infiesto, regional director of the National Chess Federation of the Phils. (NCFP).
Macala went home with a trophy and a free overnight stay for two at the Bluejaz awarded by resort owner Jasmin Middleton. Macala crushed Salubre in the middle of their first game and later settled a draw in their second match for the victory. Salubre settled for the runner-up and pocketed a certificate for a dinner for two.
Macala advanced into the finals after whipping Kadayawan Festival co-champion Mohammad Sacar, a board 1 player of the Holy Cross of Davao College.
Salubre, on the other hand, outwitted former De La Salle University standout Ariel Aton in the semifinals.
Middleton, president of the resort, awarded the gift certificates to the players and was assisted by NCFP Mindanao Grasssroots Program chairman Engr. Allan Diez and Metro Toril Chess Association president Atty. Jong Guevarra.
Earlier, Middleton’s husband Richard made the ceremonial moves while their children Erin and Christian received medals as special participants coming from Florida, USA.
Among the other noted players were Asian Paralympics back-to-back gold medalist Henry Lopez of Panabo City, former National Shell Junior first runner-up Dharim Bacus, back-to-back Shell Mindanao champion Reynaldo de Guzman, Digos Chess Club president Lito Laput, 2010 ASEAN medalists CM-elect Rowelyn Joy Acedo and Ella Grace Moulic, 2010 ASEAN campaigner Marianne Infiesto, National Age-Group players Gerard Acedo and Denzel Amar.
