Article by: Setheleh Liam G. Ramos
Graphics by: Crismhil S. Anselmo
Photos by: Luis Iñigo A. Lava and Setheleh Liam G. Ramos
Calculating tactics to knock their opponents over, Mapúans Vladimir Rhegz Lait and Von Arvie Barbosa prevailed in the Don Tomas B. Mapúa Centennial Chess Cup: GM Eugene Torre Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament as part of the centennial celebration at the Mapúa Intramuros Gymnasium on January 18, 2025.
Gracing the campus with his brilliant presence, Asia’s first Grand Master (GM) and Mapúa alumnus Eugene Torre opened the tournament with a ceremonial first move, alongside Mapúa University President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo.
Reigning victorious in the Rapid category with seven points, Mapúa Senior High School student and reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Rookie of the Year and gold medalist, Lait took first place and a hefty 10,000 PHP cash prize. He was followed by Mapúan alumni Christian Arroyo and Arjoe Loanzon with 6.5 points each to land in the second and third place, respectively.
Sweeping the other side of the competition, Mapúa alumnus Barbosa claimed the championship title and took home a cash prize of 5,000 PHP after garnering eight points in the Blitz category. Mark Tupas and Christian Thompson settled for second and third place, respectively, with 7.5 points each.
In addition, former Mapúa champion and NCAA Chess Team pioneer, Engr. Nelson L. Salazar, and members of the NCAA Season 100 Mapúa Chess players were among the competitors in the tournament.
The event featured 100 chess boards ready for play to commemorate a hundred years of Mapúa. It was organized by the Mapúa Institute of Technology Filipino-Chinese Alumni Association, Inc., led by Engr. Rudy Niu, and in collaboration with the Mapúa Athletics Department and Mapúa University Sports Enthusiasts Organization.
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