FAR Eastern University standout John Jerish Velarde beat Ricardo Batcho in the seventh and final round to rule the Philippine Amateur Chess Championships at Robinson’s East in Pasig over the weekend.
A native of Lapu-Lapu City, Velarde, 18, finished with 6.5 points to pocket the top purse of P25,000 courtesy of fellow National Master Srihaan Poddar in the three-day event backed by NCFP chief Butch Pichay.
Christian Marcelo Olaybal beat Johnny Wellem Carzano and then edged John Lee Antonio and Jones Maghuyop in the tiebreaker to finish second with six points.
Antonio, who trounced Narciso Gumila Jr., finished third while Maghuyop, who bested Carlo Magno Rosaupan, ended up fourth.
Rounding out the top 10 were Batcho, Tristan Cervero, Edwin Tendencia, Mar Aviel Carredom, Carzano and Lance Nathaniel Orlina, with April Joy Claros of Far Eastern U and Alwin Sopungco taking the top women’s and senior plums, respectively.
The tournament is part of the country’s bid to enable Filipino players to earn FIDE rating points and a chance to gain international title norms.
