Nelson Villanueva tied for first in Singapore chess tourney

Final Standings: (Seven Round Swiss System)

6.0 points---IM Kevin Go Wei Ming (Singapore), FM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines)

5.5 points---IM Enrique Paciencia (Philippines), NM Roberto Suelo Jr. (Philippines), Pok Wern Jian (Malaysia)

FILIPINO Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva emerged as co-champion in the Cairnhill Chess Festival 2017 - Open Section at the Cairnhill Community Center which was held last December 9 and 10, 2017 in Singapore.

In the final round of the 45 minutes time control format tournament, the La Carlota City, Negros Occidental FM Villanueva conquered International Master (IM) Tin Jingyao of Singapore. He subdued IM Jingyao in their Catalan Opening encounter, forcing the latter to resign after 34 moves using the advantageous white pieces.

"Congratulation Fide Master Nelson Villanueva! You made the country proud," said Philippine Executive Champion Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, Vice President of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

His only setback against eventual winner International Master (IM) Kevin Go Wei Ming of Singapore in Round 4 in the tournament prevented him from winning the title, however.

The top-seed IM Go Wei Ming halved the point with Pok Wern Jian of Malaysia to match Villanueva?s total of 6.0 points.

IM Go Wei Ming took the title with a superior tiebreak points over FM Villanueva.

IM Go Wei Ming went home the top prize of 700 SGD (Singapore dollar) plus elegant trophy. FM Villanueva, on the other hand received the runner-up purse of 400 SGD (Singapore dollar) plus another elegant trophy with his effort.

Earlier, the former Rizal Technological University (RTU) top player FM Villanueva defeated Nagesh Rishicharan in Round 1, Siew Kai Xin in Round 2, Lim Huay Leon Warren in Round 3 before losing to IM Go Wei Ming in Round 4. Then he came back by crushing Huang Zi Chao Jonah ni Round 5, Candidate Master Urcan Olimpiu in Round 6 and IM Jingyao in Round 7.

IM Enrique Paciencia and NM Roberto Suelo Jr. of the Philippines downed separate Singaporean foes to earn a share of third place with 5.5 points, the same output of Pok Wern Jian. IM Paciencia trounced Koh Kum Hong while NM Suelo toppled Aravind Gopinath Nair.