Brains Over the Board: Cantonjos Triumphs at Dulag’s Granny’s Cup

• Allan Cantonjos won the 4th Granny’s Cup Chess Tournament with a flawless endgame move. The event is now one of the region’s most anticipated chess stages.

Marky Bañez 4 months ago 2.6 K

Posted on Jan. 23, 2026 at 6:04 pm

DULAG, Leyte — Silence fell over Camp Bryztoff Beach Resort as the final seconds drained from the clock on January 18, 2026.

The crowd was so excited that they leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the championship board, where each move carried the memory of three exhausting days of chess battles.

In that moment of silence, Allan Cantonjos used a flawless endgame sequence that earned him the title at the 2026 4th Granny’s Cup Open Chess Tournament.

“This tournament has been a remarkable experience,” Cantonjos said moments after clinching the title. “The level of competition was extraordinary, and Prince pushed me to my limits. It feels great to come out on top.”

The annual Granny’s Cup was held with a total of 78 participants representing various age groups. Among the players were experienced veterans, national masters, and talented youngsters who had just started getting noticed. Running under a Rapid 8, round Swiss, System format, the tournament was a perfect challenge for players to show their skills in opening preparation, tactical creativity, and endgame precision, basically a test of their composure under pressure.

Although Cantonjos’ cheerfulness and accuracy were mostly admired when it mattered most, the entire competition turned out to be a reflection of the continuously improving standard of competitive chess in Eastern Visayas. The excitement never dropped as each new round brought surprises, fiercely contested draws, and storylines that changed completely. The event lasted three days and players, as well as spectators, were in high spirits throughout.

Despite the grueling match intensity, the Granny’s Cup retained a celebratory, community-oriented vibe as well. There were raffle draws and chess, related giveaways during the tournament, which aimed at motivating young players and broadening the sport’s appeal.

Joel Torres Nicolasora and Dexter Brillo, who are also the event organizers, expressed their gratitude for the success and growing popularity of the tournament while also announcing the expansion of the Granny’s Cup in 2027 with more participants and a bigger prize pool expected.

As chessboards were put away and the winners enjoyed their celebrations, one point was very clear to everyone: the Granny’s Cup has become one of the region’s most eagerly awaited chess stages, a battleground where discipline, brainpower, and love for the game meet and unite.

With next year already being eagerly awaited, both players and fans are getting ready for sharper chess battles and more incredible moments in front of the chessboards.

Top Finishers | 2026 4th Granny’s Cup Open Chess Tournament