CEBUANO SEVILLANO TOPS LA CHESSFEST

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—US-based Filipino International Master Enrico “Ikong”Sevillano emerged champion in the Open section of the just concluded Westwood Spring International Open Chess Championships here at the City of Angels.

The Cebuano native Sevillano, a product of sportsman/ National Master Matias “Bombi”Aznar bested Fide Master Manukyan Garush in the last round to finish with four points from four wins and one loss in the six-round tournament.

Actually, Sevillano, a member of the Heritage Bible Christian Church here in Bakersfield finished in a tie for third with Manukyan and step son John Daniel Bryant, but the former won the championships’torphy via tie break points.

“Sana makuha na din ni brother Ikong (Enrico Sevillano) ang kanyang GM title,”said Pastor John Michael “Jojo”Culaniban, founder of the said Filipino Community Christian Church here in Bakersfield.

Sevillano, originally from Cebu City but is now domiciled in Tehachapi, California, won the Asian Junior championship in 1986. He played for the Philippine team in the Chess Olympiads of 1992 and 1994.

Another Filipino entry Remigio Pampliega finished in a tie for four to eight placers with 3.0 points.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO