National Master Keith Adriane Ilar of Bukidnon topped the Rising Chess Unlimited Development Program (RCUDP) Fide-rated open rapid chess tournament at the Tangub City Global Center in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Ilar, the top Northern Mindanao qualifier in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, finished with 8.5 points to rule 9-round Swiss system competition.
Nazario Ubanan of Cagayan de Oro bagged the silver with 7.5 points followed by third placer Luke Alboren of Bukidnon, fourth placer Aljie Cantonjos of Gingoog and Geronimo Romarate of Dipolog, who all scored 7.0 points in the tournament that gave away P45,000 in cash prize.
The event, which served as a preparatory tournament for the Palarong Pambansa which begins on May 24, drew 111 participants from Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, representing the cities of Ozamiz, Tangub, Oroquieta, Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Iligan, El Salvador, Gingoog, Valencia and Malaybalay.
It was organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines director Rey Urbiztondo, who also served as chief arbiter. He was assisted by Fide Arbiter Christopher Semilla and National Arbiter Jenephir Pepito.
Earlier, Urbiztondo and Tangub City Councilor Jojo Chiong led the ceremonial opening moves that jumpstarted the one-day tournament.
