10/11/2025
Pilar woodpusher rules Legal Moves 15-and-Under chess tourney
Twelve-year-old Nil Schecter Bayaban, a chess prodigy from the municipality of Pilar, achieved a perfect score of six points in the all-Capisnon Individual Rapid Chess Tournament, known as "Legal Moves," held at the second level of SM City-Roxas, November 9.
The tournament was sponsored by attorney Simplicio "Otay" Bermejo Jr. of Bermejo-Laurino and Bermejo Law Offices at Banawe Avenue, corner Quezon Avenue, in Quezon City.
Bayaban outplayed all six of his opponents, emerging as the top player among the 64 participants in the six-round Swiss System format, which featured a 15-minute time control plus a 2-second increment.
The young chess sensation from Pilar received a cash prize of P3,000 and a championship trophy.
Other winners also received cash prizes and medals, including,
First runner-up: Kaizer Cristoff Alado from Sibaguan, Roxas City
Second runner-up: Kyle Crebas Reprado from Tanque, Roxas City
Third runner-up: Norbert Fender Bayaban of Pilar, Capiz
Fourth runner-up: Kean Villas of Milibili, Roxas City
Fifth runner-up: Jelo Vincent Bito-on of Vizcaya, President Roxas, Capiz
Sixth runner-up: Paul Benedict Soberano of Cagay, Roxas City
Seventh runner-up: Toby Allister Lopez of Sibaguan, Roxas City
Eighth runner-up: Matthew Palalimpa of Lanot, Roxas City
Ninth runner-up: Philip Scot Gibson of Sta. Rita, Dumalag, Capiz
Tenth runner-up: Jireh Emmenual Andutan of Milibili, Roxas City
Special awards were also presented:
Zian Dave Joren from Bangonbangon, Sigma, Capiz, received the Promising Kiddie Player award for players aged 9 and below.
The Top Promising Kiddie Player award, designated for players aged 10 to 12 years old, went to Danica Villaron from Inzo Arnaldo Village, Roxas City.
The male recipient of the Top Promising Kiddie Player award was Lance Zandrei Bellosillo from Baybay, Roxas City.
Electrical Engineer Roel Bryan Alsagon serves as the chief arbiter, while Kenneth Dominador Calvez holds the position of pairing master. Additionally, Celso Acuyong and his wife, Smillyn, fulfill the roles of venue manager and secretary, respectively.
Photos:
(top) Pilareno Nil Schecter Bayaban (on the left) contemplates his strategies for securing the title against Paul Benedict Soberano from Roxas City.
(below from left) Nil Schecter Bayaban (at center) from Pilar town won the championship trophy in the 15-and-under all-Capisnon Individual Rapid Chess Tournament.
Below on the right side, you can see all the winners of the 15-and-under all-Capisnon Individual Rapid Chess Tournament.