ACAPI chess tournament ruled by Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental

Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental ruled the 3rd conference of the Association of Chess Amateurs in the Philippines Inc. (ACAPI) online chess tournament dubbed as the C/Insp. Diosdado Morales Jr. Memorial Chess Tournament using the Chess.com platform on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The Sinacaban team is composed of Cyrus Vladimir Francisco, Abdul Halil II Sabo Abdullah, Gabriel Sano, John Percival Chua, Johnny Wellem Carzano, Apollo Agapay, Elizardo Paslon, Michael Tinga, Jarfinel Amodia, Rodney Opada, Julius Ablin and Jefte Crebillo. It is coached by Engr. Billy Joe Ereno.

"To quote a famous movie line: Winning isn't everything, but it's the only thing," said Ereno. "In our business there is no second place. You're either first or last."

Francisco, the pride of University of the Philippines, tallied nine points as Sinacaban edged the Panabo Knights Chess Club, 49-47, in the epic battle for the championship.

Mohamad Sacar, who is based in Thailand, also scored nine points but was not good enough to power the Arena Grandmaster Henry Roger Lopez-mentored Panabo Knights Chess Club.

The other members of the Panabo team are Nazario Ubanan, Ahmad Allan Diansuy, Jerome Pulos, Michael Cuamag, Kobi Segura, Denzel John Amar, Reynaldo Gempero Jr., Carl Jasphyr Lloyd Fiel, Reynaldo Aba-a, Japheth Caresosa and Ramil Langamon.

The ACAPI online chess tournament is founded by Arena Grandmaster Engr. Rey Cris Urbiztondo. It employs a time control of 10 minutes to finish.

In the semifinals, Sinacaban defeated Davao Durianburg Stallions, 57-39, while Panabo brought down Las Pinas City TFCC-CMC, 54.5-33.5.