Kelly Rancap of Lucena City bested 42 other chess players in the Speed-Chess IIEE-Bayanihan Knockout Armageddon Tournament (SIKAT) held in Pakil, Laguna on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
The tournament was organized by Engr. Rodrigo Pecolera as part of his “Rod to Pakil” chess program.
Rancap, who has a local blitz rating of 2192, edged National Master Romeo Alcodia (2154) to capture the crown and pocket the P7,000 prize.
Alcodia, on the other hand, brought home P3,000 after the runner-up finish.
Special prizes were also given to National Master Marlon Bernardino as the top master, Generoso Abelado as the top senior, Franchesca Aguilar as the top lady and Marc Jean Adovas as the top kiddie player.
Both Rancap and Alcodia will qualify at the Armageddon Battle of Champions to be held on Nov. 30, 2024 during the 49th IIEE National Convention in SMX MOA Pasay City.
Rancap finished the tournament unbeaten as he also score victories against Keiffer Pelias of Cabuyao, Laguna; Andrew Tadigue of Kalayaan, Laguna; Raymond Ompod of Lucena City and Marc Jean Adovas of Pakil.
Alcodia, on the other hand, outplayed Pelias, Bernardino, Tadigue, Allan Pelias, Jeremy John Aclan of Mabato, Voltaire Acero of Pangil, Rommel Valdellon of Paete and John Aldred Adovas of Pangil. He lost to Rancap twice.
“It has been a great success. Thanks to Engr. Rodrigo Pecolera for organizing and hosting a chess tournament here in Pakil, Laguna,” said Rancap.
Grandmaster Daniel Quizon, meanwhile, swept the 15-board simultaneous exhibition chess matches while Acero was the only winner in the simul exhibition of Bernardino.
