Chess Kings, composed of Cyrus Vladmir Francisco, Vincent Ryu Dimayuga and John Randall Peralt, ruled the Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines 3x3 chess team tournament at the LICA Mall, Mandaluyong City on Sunday.
Chess Kings, coached by CK Ingles, finished with 16.0 points to dominate the tournament and receive the P33,000 cash prize and trophy.
Chess Kings defeated Matador, 3-0, in the first round; En Passant, 3-0, in the third round; Team Red Horses, 2-1, in the fourth round; CK Ingles Eagles, 3-0, in the fifth round; and Chess Matek, 2-1, in the sixth round.
The team, however, drew with Tira Tira Sasotize Kwatro in round 2 and Tall Dark Helicopter in round 7.
Francisco, a student of University of the Philippines, tallied 5.0 points on board 1, Dimayuga garnered 6.5 points on board 2 and Peralta secured 4.5 points on board 3.
"It's truly a team effort," said Ingles, who is set to organize a chess team tournament on Aug. 2, 2026 at Farmers Plaza, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Placing second in the tournament was Lindenatics, composed of Michael Linde, King Xyan Beltran, and Steve Nitafan, while the bronze medal finish went to Team Tarubas of Mark Gerald Reyes, Daniel Baylosis and Leonel Escote.
Rounding out the top 10 were Team Dark Helicopter (fourth), Tira Tira Sasotize Dos (fifth), Top Secret (sixth), Chess Matek (seventh), Benilde Blazers (eight), CK Ingles Eagles (ninth), and Motu Propio (tenth).
The categories prizes went to Team Ron (top 1900), Zwishchenzug Adepts (top 1850), Santa Rosa (top lady), IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia (top board 1), Vincent Ryu Dimayuga (top board 2) and Herson Bangay (top board 3).
This tournament features a 1925 Average FIDE Rating format and is jointly organized by John Salcedo, Jonas Silvano and Kalaro founder/CEO Jun Lasco Jr. with backing from former Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is a chess enthusiast.
