Torre Wins Again!

GM EUGENE TORRE AND GM DARWIN LAYLO WIN GUAM INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

The Guam International Open Chess Championship was held at the Guam Reef Hotel from 17-23 July 2015 and was made possible primarily due to sponsorship from the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific and Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Given the distance of the largest Island in Micronesia in the Pacific it was understandably difficult for many foreign participants to make their way to Guam but this year there were for the first time ever, also two grandmasters, top seeded many times Zonal champion Laylo Darwin together with the legendary first Asian grandmaster Eugene Torre whose list of honours read like a history book!

In the Guam International Open 2015 there were twenty three from six countries contesting for honours but it was no surprise that Torre and Laylo simply ran away with the event, only dropping half a point in their personal encounter and already the winners with two rounds to go.

The records will show however it was the Torre over Laylo through the tie-breaks, and that in third place, one and a half points behind, was Guam’s own Enofre Efren D Manuel who only lost to the two grandmasters.

The top three finishers. Laylo, Torre and Manuel.

Consolation prize winners.

A big moment for Molod to be able to play Torre!

Then to also play Laylo on top board!

Battle of two National Chess Federation Presidents – Guam vs Singapore.

A great time for all in quite superb conditions.

A battle of veterans.

Wonderfully organised by Guam Chess President Rogerio Orio and his team, with Chief Arbiter Kerry Stead doing an excellent job, the tournament turned out to also be a treat and a privilege for a very friendly local chess community who fully enjoyed their interaction with the famous grandmasters and other foreign guests.

Guam International 2015

Starting rank