by Marlon Bernardino
Final Standings:
8.5 points---NM Nelson Villanueva (Philippines)
8.0 points---Zulkifli Muhd Syazwan (Malaysia)
7.5 points---NM Carlo Lorena (Philippines), Michael Angelo Palma (Philippines)
7.0 points---Nik Nik Ahmad Farouqi (Malaysia), Erowan Masrin (Malaysia), NM Stewart Manaog (Philippines), IM Mas Hafizulhelmi (Malaysia), WFM Camilia Johari (Malaysia), Wan Yusoff Wan Mohd Adli (Malaysia)
FIDE MASTER (FM) Nelson Villanueva once again is at the top of his game after winning the Zadano Kelantan Open Chess Championship 2015 last February 20 to 21 in Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
The native Bacolod City Villanueva who is best to remember spearheading the multi-titled Rizal Technological University (RTU) Mandaluyong chess team in a numerous National Capital Region-State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (NCR-SCUAA) chess title during his college days, actually was undefeated in this Nine Round Swiss-system World Chess Federation (FIDE) sanctioned rapid tournament with eight wins a draw in nine outings to received the top prize of RM 2,000 (Malaysian Ringgit).
Among his crucial wins that includes Abdul Jamil Nurul Aisyah (Round 1), Rokeman Nur Syahirah (Round 2), Jusoh Mohd Bakri (Round 3), Mohd Syaahil Hamid (Round 4) and Zulkifli Muhd Syazwan of Malaysia (Round 5), countryman NM Carlo Lorena (Round 6) and Nik Nik Ahmad Farouqi (Round 7) and Nik Hasan Nik Mohd Nazri of Malaysia (Round 9). Compatriot Michael Angelo Palma salvaged a draw with Villanueva in the eight and penultimate round.
The win boosted Villanueva's morale as he prepares to compete in the 15th Bangkok Chess Club Open on April 12 to 19 at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand.
