Seasoned woodpusher and FIDE Master (FM) Christian Mark Daluz emerged as the champion in the 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament last Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Level 3 BodySenses, Robinsons Metro East, Pasig City.
FM Daluz, who plays for the University of Santo Tomas under the guidance of coaches Grandmaster candidate Ronald Dableo and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), pocketed the P10,000 purse and the trophy for ruling the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) sanctioned tournament which fielded over 130 woodpushers.
He had a near-perfect campaign after tallying 6.5 points in the seven-round Swiss system competition.
FM Daluz defeated Ioan Samuel De Guzman, Josemier Jene Panol and Francis Talaboc in the first and third rounds, respectively.
He snapped his three-match winning streak when he had a draw against National Master Jasper Faeldonia in the fourth round.
However, FM Daluz went on to win the last three rounds against Yuri Lei Paraguya, Asher Judd Sy and Chester Neil Reyes, respectively.
"I am happy for winning this tournament," said FM Daluz, who is set to compete in the Asian Amateur Chess Championships on August 1 to 9, 2025 in Hongkong and backed up by AQ Prime.
Ariel Santander went on placing second overall with 6.5 points.
Santander’s second place finish earned him P7,000, while the third place went to Faeldonia with 6.0 points to earn P5,000.
The fourth to 10th placers were Gabriel Ryan Paradero (6.0), Johann Cedrick Gaddi (5.5), Reyes (5.5), Michael Punzalan (5.5), Wayne Ruiz (5.5 points), Sy (5.0) and Jonathan Jota (5.0), respectively.
Tournament Director International Arbiter Rudy Ibanez led the closing rites.
The organizer of the tournament, AQ Prime CEO Atty. Aldwin Alegre told that this is their seven time to host a chess tilt featuring pro and amateur woodpushers.
He also revealed that AQ Prime will hold a International Chess Tournament later this year to give the opportunity to the Filipinos player to achieve an International Master and Grandmaster titles.-Marlon Bernardino-
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