The Panamanian championship (open and women's sections) took place from April 27 to May 5 in the Creole Chess Club, Panama. Both tournaments were 10-player round-robins with classical time control. 

Despite suffering an unexpected defeat at the hands of Andre Mendez in Round 4, the rating favourite, IM Roberto Carlos Sanchez Alvarez, scored an impressive 7/9 and clinched his third straight national title. Three players tied for second place, netting 6/9 each, with Slim Roses Alex Antonio and Efren Andres Ramos Espinoza claiming silver and bronze, respectively, based on the results of the direct encounters. 

The women's event was a much closer contest with several players rated 1600+ vying for the top position. Lourdes Lorena Vasquez Jaen emerged victorious, finishing a half-point ahead of three players sharing the second place. Sonneborn-Berger-Tie-Break variable favoured Yolys Desiree Rondon Chancon and Ashley Alexandra Castillo Beitia, taking silver and bronze, respectively. Unlike the champion, both completed the event unbeaten. 

Interestingly enough, the three titled players taking part in the women's tournament did not make it to the podium. 

Final standings Open:

Finals standings Women: