Pondoyo, 11 others advance into McDo chess finals

CEBU, Philippines - Fast-rising Cebuano pawnpusher Chris Aldritz Pondoyo and 11 others topped the first qualifying stage to advance into the monthly finals of the McDonald's Jones Cup Chess Championships at McDonald's-Jones branch.

Pondoyo fought to a draw with Adrian Basil Basilgo in his final assignment but still managed to clinch the top spot with 5.5 points, the highest in the six-round Swiss system competition.

He is joined into the championship round under 14-17 age group by Nathaniel Nahryl Berdon, Marc Bryan Villarojo and Basilgo with 5.0 points each and Vic Glysen Derotas and Lyan Portes.

In the 13-under category, the early finalists are Rejel Clyde  Perandos, Arje Villarin, Jervy Villarin, Raniel Jay Perandos, Angel Naureen Bagano and Ivy Jocyl Javagat.

FIDE Arbiter Felix Polayapoy Jr., the tournament director, said they will get another 12 qualifiers during their second weekly eliminations set for January 30 to complete the 24-man roster for the final battle scheduled the following day.

Entry fee is P150 inclusive of a chicklen McDo meal.

Aside from medals and gift certificates, cash prizes will also be given away to the top performers.

For further details, one may contact Poloyapoy at 0933-6642958 or Mr. Picson at 0998-9723659. — EBV (FREEMAN)