Final Qualifier Decided by 3-way Tie-Breaks in Orange Walk
- Belize Chess Federation
- 49 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Michael Campos Clinches Final Spot in 2024/2025 Chess Championship Qualifiers
The fifth and final Qualifying Tournament for the 2024/2025 Belize National Chess Championship cycle was held on April 12th, 2025, at the Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk. The event marked a high-stakes conclusion to the qualification stage, as players battled fiercely for the last remaining spot in the Championship Challengers Tournament.
Ten players participated, including top contenders such as tournament favorite Rank 4 Luis Mendez Jr., Rank 6 Kenneth Perez, Rank 11 Michael Campos, Rank 12 Cristobal Campos, and Rank 13 Kuang Lin. With Kenneth Perez already securing qualification at the Belmopan tournament, the rest were locked in a tight race to claim the final ticket.
Special thanks to the Louisiana Government School for hosting the event and Jason Hsu for being the Tournament Director.
Round-by-Round Highlights
Round 1
Tournament favorite Luis Mendez Jr. won his game against our oldest competitor, John Newport.
Round 2
In a rematch from the 2023 Championship, Kenneth Perez faced Michael Campos. Perez, having previously lost to Campos, came back strong and won a well-played game—dealing a critical blow to Michael's early qualification hopes.
Luis Mendez Jr. clashed with Kuang Lin in a tense encounter. Despite a spirited effort from the lower-ranked Kuang, he fell on time, giving Mendez a critical win.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Liam Aban impressed with a strong victory over Rejinio Melgar, who had finished 3rd in the San Ignacio Qualifier.
Round 3
With pressure mounting, Michael Campos faced Cristobal Campos in a must-win match to stay in contention. Rising to the occasion, Michael secured a much-needed victory.
In another national team matchup, Luis Mendez Jr. faced off against Kenneth Perez. The winner here would take the early tournament lead. Having won their previous matchup at the 2023 Championship Finale, Mendez continued his dominance over Perez extending his head to head to 2-0.
On move 20, a strange decision by Perez gave Mendez a decisive advantage.
Round 4
This round featured a tournament-shifting clash between Michael Campos and Luis Mendez Jr. With Mendez leading the event, a win here was crucial for Campos—and he delivered, defeating Mendez in a key game to boost his qualification hopes.
Mendez got an opening advantage but missed a strong attacking against his king and lost.
Elsewhere, Kenneth Perez dashed Kuang Lin’s slim hopes with a confident win.
While Liam Aban once again shone brightly, defeating U15 standout Zeyad Godoy. With this win, Liam secured qualification for the Under-15 Championship.
Round 5
With Kenneth Perez and Michael Campos tied at the top, the final round match between Luis Mendez Jr. and Cristobal Campos held massive implications. Cristobal rose to the occasion and won the game, creating a dramatic three-way tie for first with Michael Campos and Kenneth Perez.
Both players play a high level game with Mending having a slight advantage however with the stakes high and nerves higher, Mendez left the board and upon his return forgot his queen was hanging. He blundered, losing the game losing his chance at the qualifying spot.
Unfortunately Luis Mendez Jr. fails to qualify and will have to fight in the Online Wildcard Invitational for the final qualification place.
Tie-Break Showdown
After 5 round of competition, 3 players were tied for first. Cristobal Campos and Michael Campos were still fighting for the qualification spot and these tie break games would determine who qualifies.
Game 1: Kenneth Perez defeated Cristobal Campos
Game 2: Michael Campos beat Cristobal in the next tie-break
Game 3: In the final and deciding game, Michael Campos exacted revenge on Kenneth Perez, winning the matchup and securing the coveted spot in the Championship Challengers Tournament.
Final Standings
1st – Michael Campos (135 Pts) (Qualified for the 2024/2025 Championship Challengers)
2nd – Kenneth Perez (135 Pts)
3rd – Cristobal Campos (135 Pts)
4th – Luis Mendez Jr. (90 Pts)
U-15 Qualifier: Liam Aban – A breakout performance from the 12-year-old earns him a place in the Under-15 Championship later this year.
The Orange Walk tournament served as a thrilling finale to this qualification cycle, showcasing rising young talent and fierce determination from the country’s top competitors. All eyes now turn to the upcoming Championship Challengers Tournament, where Michael Campos will look to continue his strong form in pursuit of national glory.
Championship Points Qualification Place
With the conclusion of the last qualifier, Joseph Koop and Kuang Lin were tied for most championship points. A tiebreak match was played between both players.
Game 1: An aggressive opening choice from Koop did not pay off and he lost.
Game 2: Kuang had the advantage but missed several decisive moves and later blundered to give Joseph the win.
Game 3: Tied, game 3 was a back and forth game where both players had chances. Kuang managed to win the game and secure the match 2-1.
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