(680) PHOTOS (2006 PALAU NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP)

Before the start of 2006 Palau National Chess Championship, the trophy of Gene Pastrana was given to him by Knights and Rooks Chess Club (Palau) Chairman Roberto Hernandez for the Most Improve Player in the 2005 Regular Chess Tournament.                                              (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Rodiante Balagso, a cook at Dragon Tei Japanese Restaurant, receiving his certificate of participation in the 2005-2006 Rapid Chess Tournament. Just in time before going back to Philippines for good.
                                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Morton Sawaichi receiving his certificate of participation in the 2005-2006 Rapid Chess Tournament before the 2006 PNCC starts.          (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

 Newly-discovered chess talent Edwin Eti receiving his certificate from Roberto. Eti finished in the top 4 among 29 contestants in his very first participation.
                                         (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

A certificate this time for Gene Pastrana.                        (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

  

Palau Chess Federation Chairman Francis 'Sno' Temaungil, left, plays against compatriot Morton Sawaichi while Gene Pastrana, right, is up against eventual co-champ Menandro 'Boy' Manuel, who swept Pastrana in this event while Sawaichi scored a win and a draw against Sno.     (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Jess Toldoya is watching the game of Morton Sawaichi, right, and Cyril Montel, Jr. in earlier round. Another sweep was recorded by Cyril. He swept Toldoya, Edwin Eti, Dennis Gonzales, Francis Temaungil and Jimmy Valenzuela. The only player that swept him is eventual co-champ Menandro Manuel.
                                                          (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
                               

Cyril Montel, Jr., left, watching the game of newly discovered chess talent Edwin Eti, middle, against Menandro Manuel, right. Bong Alipoon, standing at right, analyzing the endgame while Dennis Gonzales and Morton Sawaichi are playing their game from afar with Francis 'Sno' Temaungil being recognized through his white as 'snow' hair. That's why his nickname is Sno.                   (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

Jess Toldoya, left, swept Dennis Gonzales in this event but Dennis split the match (1 win, 1 loss) with Roberto Hernandez, Edwin Eti, Gene Pastrana, Morton Sawaichi, Francis Temaungil and Jimmy Valenzuela.
                                                   (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)