Qatar Chess Association (QCA) awarded Fide Master Rustum Tolentino as champion in the Master’s Competition under Open House B Division at Lusail Sports Arena on October 21.
Open House B was open to players with rates 2300 or below. Tolentino became a perfect candidate with his rating standing of 2272 while winning the competition with an 8.5 out of 9-point score.
On round 7 of the tournament last October 18, Tolentino expressed in his interview with QCA the feeling and experience of competing for his first grand and international game: “A little bit of pressure, because I need to defend the board.”
When asked about his 6-round winning streak during the competition, Tolentino says it was pure luck that made him reach the following round, but it was an honor playing alongside Chess Grand Masters Carlsen Magnus and Hikaru Nakamura.
In the B-results division, the Filipino player has claimed the second spot among more than 90 chess players from different countries.
Tolentino is currently the lead coach at Chess Lab, a coaching center for aspiring and young players in Dubai. This may also be regarded as one of his winning moves, sharing his master skills for the younger generations’ success.
Photo Credit:
https://www.facebook.com/qatarchesscom
https://www.facebook.com/qatarchesscom
