National Master Joey Albert Florendo topped the 2018 Araw ng Davao FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament over the weekend at the Damosa Market Basket.
The 8th-ranked Florendo, who carries a 2229 ELO rating, amassed 7 points in the 8-round rapid format to win the title of the tournament organized by the city government of Davao as part of the sporting highlights of the annual festival.
Florendo actually tied with Jhonnel Balquin at 7 points but won via tiebreak. Harrison Maamo, top-ranked NM Rustom Tolentino, Aglipay Oberio and Gino Angelo Asuncion finished with identical 6.5 points to place third to sixth.
Rounding up the top 10 are NM Levi Mercado, Antonio Chavez Jr., Anthony Mosqueda and Paolo Prado with 6 points apiece.
Big guns NM Cedric Magno and FIDE Master Nelson Mariano III finished out of the top 10 with 5.5 points.
Chief arbiter IA James Infiesto thanked the participants and supporters for the success of the event.
“I personally thank Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio for the support extended to the development of chess and promotion of the city as a premier chess event venue,” Infiesto said.
