Manila: Bubu Chacha's Jem Garcia and Marc Christian Nazario emerged victorious at the WR Bughouse Chess Open, defeating Benilde Blazers' John Laurence Donguines and Daniel Baylosis at the M.I.C.E. Center over the weekend. Garcia, an International Master set to compete in the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, alongside Nazario, managed to turn the tables after an initial loss to secure the PHP100,000 champion's purse.

According to Philippines News Agency, the duo decided to join forces at the last minute and, despite initial setbacks, demonstrated resilience by winning the final two games after losing the first. Early in the competition, Garcia and Nazario faced a challenging start, losing two consecutive matches, including a defeat to Donguines and Baylosis in the second round. However, these losses served as a catalyst, propelling them to victory in their last five matches, which earned them a spot in the quarterfinals and eventually led to their triumph in the semifinals.

In another highlight of the tournament, Metaboys' Samson Lim III and Jerich Cajeras, who had excelled in the qualification round, secured third place by defeating DCSK's Noel dela Cruz and Timothy John So Kua in two consecutive games. The event, supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission, saw over 100 players competing fiercely across eight rounds for a coveted spot in the playoff stage.

Teams such as Chronosphere's IM Pau Bersamina and Rafiel Irvin Lacorte, Datamatics Red's Mark Kevin Labog and John Michael Magpily, Ruy Lopez Kidz's Zach Evan Orzame and Marco Piolo Sanido, and Stopper's IM Michael Concio, Jr. and FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri also showcased their prowess by making it to the quarterfinals.