Unable to prevail at the Palarong Pambansa two weeks ago, Arena Candidate Master Joemel Narzabal of Dipolog City bounced back with a stunning performance in the 18-under division of the Negros Chess Club 64 (NC64) FIDE rated age-group invitational chess championship held at the Silliman Hall, Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Narzabal, who represented Region 9 at the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City, opened the tournament with six consecutive victories and settled for an insurance draw against top seed Christian Pelione of Bacolod City in the final round to finish with 6.5 points and capture the crown.