CHESS CHAMP. Patrolman Mark Russel Salera (right) receives the winner's trophy from national arbiter Amelito Reyes during the awarding ceremony of the 1st Starshots Coffee Standard tournament held Nov. 25-26 at the Ayala Malls Activity Center in Pasig City. Salera won for having the highest tie-break points. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Police officer Mark Russel Salera won the 1st Starshots Coffee Standard Tournament 1799 and below held Saturday and Sunday at the Ayala Malls Activity Center in Pasig City.
Salera, one of the best chess players in the Philippine National Police, was tied for first to fourth place with Kyle Ochoa, Francis Talaboc and Christian Mendoza, having identical 5.5 points in the 60 minutes time control event organized by national arbiter Amelito Reyes.
But he was crowned champion for having the highest tie-break points. Ochoa was second, while Talaboc and Mendoza were third and fourth, respectively.
Mar Aviel Carredo finished fifth followed by Richard Haiden Alarma, Jay Fortunado and Rafiel Irvin Lacorte.
Salera, a member of the star-studded Professional Chess Association of the Philippines-Cavite Spartans, defeated Jay-ar Bautista (Round 1), Macwaine Molina (Round 2), Carredo (Round 3), Kirk Anthony Vidad (Round 4) and Ervil Villa (Round 6).
He drew with Remark Bartolome in the fifth round. (PNA)
