The thrill and excitement hovered in the atmosphere during the conduct of the National Finals of the 2nd Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge organized by the Mathematics Trainers’ Guild, Philippines with the Business Mirror as the main institutional partner and with the all-out support of the Makati Government led by Hon. Jejomar Binay and Hon. Mar-Len Abigail Binay held at the University of Makati last January 19, 2008.

The contest which started after the short opening program brought in some suspense every elimination round until the final three Sudoku puzzlers emerged for the top places. Indeed, the 62 national finalists for the Sudoku Whiz Kid, Sudoku Wizard and Sudoku Grand Master had proven their prowess in solving the mind boggling number puzzles in every round. Since every Sudoku puzzle in each round was designed in ascending difficulty, yet some finalists managed to solve the puzzles correctly with ease and confidence, finished them minutes before the time allotment which in return made the fastest puzzlers earn bonus points.

The following are the winners of the 2nd Sudoku Super Challenge who bested the equally excellent Pinoy Sudoku experts:

The exciting part of the contest was the tie between Hazel Abigail Lim and Maridel Manalon of the Sudoku Whiz Kid Category who eventually slated for the 1st and 2nd place respectively. They tied in the final round and in the tie breaking round. In the succeeding tie breaking stage, the judges decided to break the tie by making them solve one Sudoku puzzle correctly, submitting it right after solving it. Thus, the excitement ended.

The MTG, Philippines and Business Mirror partnership has now produced Pinoy winners who will eventually represent the Philippines in the forthcoming World Sudoku Championship to be held in Goa, India on April 14-17, 2008. This exciting event will be participated in by around 30 countries. In preparation to this competition and in the dire wish to obtain victory, the dynamic partners will provide our Pinoy representatives an intensive training on Sudoku.

The success of the 2nd Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge was attributed to the very cordial, accommodating, and supportive officials of the Business Mirror. MTG is very grateful to Business Mirror President- Mr. Benjie Ramos, Publisher- Mr. T. Anthony Cabangon, Editor-in-Chief- Mrs. Lourdes Fernandez, VP-Finance Santy Cabangon and other BM staff who have been very friendly and kind throughout the contest. MTG just as Business Mirror is equally very much indebted to Coca-Cola Phil., Chowking, San Mig Coffee, Faber Castell, Phoenix Publishing House, Philippine Graphic, DWIZ, HomeRadio, RJ100, Mang Inasal and Ilustrado Restaurant.