Faeldonia tops U-17 class of One Chess Movement rapid tilt

MANILA, Philippines — Jerick Faeldonia drew with Al-Basher Buto in the seventh and final round to rule the Under-17 division of the inaugural One Chess Movement rapid chess tournament at the Robinson’s Galleria over the weekend.

The final-round standoff was the icing on the cake for the 16-year-old Faeldonia, who virtually clinched the title in the penultimate after essaying his sixth straight victory at the expense of top seed FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu.

Cu ended up at solo second with six points after beating Jayrald Jade Antiporta while Buto wound up third after edging Lennox Cordova and Gabriel James Cartel, who also had 5.5 points each, via tiebreak in the event participated in by 248 chessers.

Steve Nitafan reigned supreme in the kids section ahead of runners up Gael Adam Navarro and Martin Dave Garibay while Narciso Gumila won the 200 and below class atop runners up Ervil Villa and Bryce Clarence Bayani.

One Chess Movement chair Ariel Potot said the meet is aiming to produce future masters in the future.

“This event reflects our mission to make chess accessible to every age group while nurturing the next generation of Filipino chess players,” said Potot.