Good start for Cebu in national chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu bets made an impressive start in the first day of the 2012 National Age Group Chess Championships Visayas Leg yesterday at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Kalibo, Aklan.

The promising Allan Pason from Lapu-lapu City and Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano of the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department led the Cebuanos’ charge as they secured their first wins in the Boys 16-Under and 14-Under divisions, respectively.

Also joining Sevillano in the Under 14 were Ryan Fernando, Christina Klent Pondoyo, Jeffu Dorog and Pacris Ryan while Jazelle Villarin and Felix Shaun Balbona joined Pason in the Under 16 class winners.

Jasia Dorog, Alpheca Gonzales, Regina Catherine Quinanola and Vladimir James Robillos in the Under 8 division also entered into the winners’ bracket.

They were joined by Glesit Marie Tatoy, Jeremy Pepito and Alphard Ginzales in the Under 10 and Cherry Mae Caballes, James Andrew Balbona, Duane Borgonia and James Fernando Diloy in the Under 12.

In the Under 20 division, on the other hand, Carmel Socorro Loquez from San Fernando and Jessa Marie Balbona secured their respective first day triumph in the women’s division while Michael Silvederio won a victory in the men’s division. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil

Interestingly, Cebu sent the biggest delegation to the competition with a total of 26 players vying in 10 categories.

These players earned their spot after having impressive finishes in the 1st Cebu City Age Group Chess Challenge.

The champion in each category will earn the right to represent the Philippines in the 2012 ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships on June 10-20 at Hue, Vietnam.

The top five finishers, on the other hand, will join the qualifiers from the Luzon and Mindanao legs in the Grand Finals on April 23-30 in Tanauan, Batangas. The champions in the finals will earn outright berths to the 2012 Asian Youth Championships on June 23-30 at Sri Lanka. — (FREEMAN)