Maranao chess wizard NM Buto wrecks the field, scores a perfect 6/6

MANILA---Maranao chess wizard National Master Al-Basher "Basty" Buto topped the inaugural Noypi FIDE-Rated Standard Chess Tournament, which took place at Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City over the weekend of January 20–21, 2024, with a flawless score of 6/6.

The standout player of the University of Santo Tomas chess team, a resident of Cainta, Rizal who hails from Marawi City, scored victories over Abraham Bayron in the first round, Matthew Gunnar Gotel in the second round, Elezer Nilo in the third round, Jemaica Yap in the fourth round, Randy Turreda in the fifth round, and Joel Diaz in the sixth and final round.

National Master Phil Martin Casiguran, a rising talent from Caloocan, came in second, followed by Joel Diaz from Santa Cruz, Mindoro Occidental, Jian Carlo Rivera, Ariel Santander, Carl Daluz, Ricardo Batcho, and Kyle Ochoa, respectively.

In the meantime, the top unrated honor was awarded to Carl Andrew Castanas, while the top kids went to John Lance Valencia, the top college was awarded to John Lawrence Rivera, and the top golden boy went to Randy Turreda. Jersey Marticio was named as the top lady.

Tournament officials who supervised this event were Tournament Director and Chief Arbiter FIDE National Arbiter Richard R. Dela Cruz and FIDE National Arbiter Ranier Pascual, who acted as the Chief Arbiter.

This tournament was organized by Noypi Chess Association Inc. in cooperation with Novelty Chess Club President Sonsea Agonoy, Robinsons Metro East, and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-