JEDDAH, 4 July 2003 — Newcomer Benjie Roxas of Barnie’s Cafe won the Al-Faf hotel phase one Series 9 Round-Robin event, the number one seed of the Stepladder Knockout Final with a final score of 38 points.
The winner from the 24 chess players who are posted at ladder 25 to ladder 02 will meet Roxas in the championship on Aug. 8 in Al-Faf hotel. He was the third chess player to reach the No. 1 spot of the Stepladder Knockout Final and bidding to be the champion of Series 9 Al-Faf chess tourney-after Vice-Consul Jose Jacob (Series 6 and 8 Champion) and Ferdie Patricio (Series 7 Champion).
Close rival Willy Sabungan of Shamrock ended the phase one with a high note of 37 points, though, will be counting the experience on the big stage. Gerry Calixto of Hilti touted as a pre-tournament favorite with 28.5 ponts is on the heels of Dr. Motaz El-Fadil of Bahlas Medical Center, a half point behind, while a close fifth is Jimmy De Leon of Alma Glass 26.5 points followed by Gary Abadines of Jeddah Cable 24 points, Anselmo Seidel of Al-Obiri Rent-A-Car 22 points, Bernie Tabelisma of Zawag Foods 20 points.
Other results of phase one final standings (round-robin event): Engineer Froilan Miro 18.5, Ricky Ricamara 18.0, Baby Joseph 17.5, Raul Mayo and Russel Sayat 17.0 each, Rolly Cornejo 16.0, Oscar Calicdan 15.5, Marvin Franco, Amin Khan 14.5, Raul Ilagan 12.5, Irshad Hussain 12.0, Rene Magbag 12 and Ahmed Khatooa 11.5. Chess players who skipped the Phase One or the Series 9 roun-robin event to be chartered in the struggle bracket of the Stepladder Knockout Final are: Najib Uddin, Bong Baluyot, Gil Buensuceso and Rod “Pogi” Manansala.
Meanwhile, the Community Chess Club has declared the next Series Ten as open. Those interested may register at Al-Faf Hotel on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For other details visit Willy Lumboy www.communitychessclub.resourcez.com or call (056368814), Glenn Orlina (6350535 ext. 272), Bong Marquez 2568408), Ezedine Agili/Jess Galang at Al-Faf Hotel.
