NEW YORK CITY -- The long drought is finally over for Mario Lawsin Rebano, a Philippine national master (NM), who captured the 17th Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park September 16.
Rebano, 52, who has been playing in US tournaments since 2014, finally nailed his first major win by trouncing FIDE Master Igor Shneider in a French Defense in the sixth and final round of the Swiss System tournament.
He handled the white pieces against the top-seeded Shneider (USCF 2357), who started to get ralled in the middle game after the Filipino NM made a crucial knight sacrifice on the enemy's king side.
"Finally I nailed it," quipped Rebano, an engineer and former warehouse manager in the Philippines. "I dedicate this victory to my adviser, Dr. Gil Asoy, who supported me morally and otherwise even when I was campaigning in the Philippines."
On his way to the championship, Rebano, who is based in New Jersey, walloped Adrian Joaquin, Jarrett Gaymon, Janell Warner, Ernest Colding. He drew with Diante Davis in the fifth round.
His next target is the Philadelphia Open next year where he will play in the 2200-Under category.
"Sana tuloy tuloy na ito (I hope this victory will continue)," Rebano said.
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