ILOILO City-based Team CTAP claimed the championship in the first leg of the United Iloilo Apatan Chess Liga, which was held recently at the SM City Iloilo.
Led by national master Cesar Mariano, Kris Matthew Garcia, Steve Matutino, and Leo Aguirre, the Team CTAP ruled the tournament and claimed the top prize of P8,000.
Team Iloilo Hunters Chess Club composed of Dennis Bernas, Rosendo Reyes, Patrick Panaligan, and Hubert Canto settled for a runner-up finish with a cash prize of P6,000.
Team Central Philippine University of Jovelyn Sepanton, Mark Jossel Mariano, Kris Oswald Olvido, and Ferick Brez Porras, meanwhile, claimed the third place trophy with P4,000 cash prize.
The National Chessers of the Philippines-rated Open Chess Liga was participated by 19 chess teams (76 chess players) coming from Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
The second Leg of the United Iloilo Chess Liga will be held in GT Town Center – Pavia on April 13, 2019./PN