Allan Pason snares world`s biggest tournament

Comprising a record 43,157 participants in a tournament which started last October ,Allan Pason , 15, a 2ndst year high student of Pajo National High School ,won the World`s biggest tournament and is now a Guinness record.

The 95 participating schools, all in Cebu City, included the Apas National High School, which had 1,594 participants, the Barrio Luz Elementary School (1,369), the Don Carlos Gothong Memorial Night High School (2,289) and the Abellana National School (3,432).

It is an achievement that will not be eclipsed for a long,long tome,probably not in this generation. The whole event was orchestrated from the very start by the Chairman of the Cebu City Sports Comission,Edward Hayco.

In 2009, Hayco also gathered 7,770 participants for the biggest dance class ,also a Guinness world record.

The finals were held last weekend at the Sports Center comprising 3100 qualifiers and was dubbed the “Cebu Chess Festival: World’s Largest chess Tournament”

One of the requirements of Guinness is that the event must be witnessed by experts and individuals who have a good standing in the community.

Chessmoso was appointed an official “witness” of the event. Other witnesses were the President of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) Romualdo “Jojo” Muralla Jr and the eminent chess patron of Cebu Benjamin “Boojie” Lim Jr of the Cebu Chess Association.

The experts were Fide Master Anthony Makinano and International Master Kim Steven Yap.

An outstanding achievement was also made by the Pondoyo brothers of Mabolo and University of Cebu , Christian, 13, and Aldritz, 10, who won 2nd and 3rd place. The other semifinalist was Jazelle Villarin of USC BED.

The other top finishers must also be recognized as it entailed a lot of talent and effort:Vinnier Paraon,Raffy Bensi, Royd Ortouste, Diego Claro, Fred Fernandez, Cecillee Lumapac, Karl Alasagas, Glyssen Derotas, Francis Paraon,Karl Morala ,Jethro Claro And Quenelyn Torres.

Allan was born on January 15, 1997 and his parents are Alex Pason and Helen. He came to my attention 4 years ago when Jun Olis pointed him out to me as an outstanding talent.

He learned to play chess at the age of 5 after watching a game during a wake in the neighborhood. He has won a lot of age group tournaments and can compete with the top players here in Cebu.
Christian Klent Pondoyo started to play the game at 8 years and has since then won and placed in several local and regional events. He has competed in Shell,Milo and CVRAA

Younger brother Aldritz was taught by his elder brother,Christian and has also accomplished a lot for his age.

Both are talented players and future masters,maybe even grandmasters.

Local tourneys. Cepca will hold its monthly tournament on Sunday January 29. Venue is at Deep Blue in SM City starting at 2pm.Format is 5 rounds Swiss and will be a handicapping tournament. Contact Jun Olis at 09232629642.

There will be a competition tomorrow in Talisay for ages 16 and Under at corner Rabaya and Tabunok.Format is 7 rounds Swiss with a time control of 40mins,play to finish. Registration is P60.

For details contact Felix Balbona 09173241079 or Raul Fernando 09076496879.

Another tournament is on February 11-12 organized by USC BED also for 16 years and Under. Format is also 7 rounds Swiss and time control of 25 minutes,

There will also be a special prize for the top female and the youngest participant. Registration is P100 for USC students and P200 for others.

Contact 09335765077 for more information such as venue and prizes.
boypestano@gmail.com,www.chessmoso.blogspot.com