Apple Rubin rules Toledo-Xignex Trojans Youth chessfest

CEBU, Philippines — A day after she celebrated her natal day, Apple Rubin gave herself a belated present after emerging as champion of the Toledo-Xignex Trojans Youth Developmental Chess Tournament on Saturday, March 16, at the Sebu Cha Cafe along Sergio Osmeña Street in Toledo City.

Rubin actually figured in a four-way tie with Daniel Baylosis, Reduard Contaoi, and Ricsbriel Andrea Sanchez on identical 5.0 points but Rubin grabbed the top spot courtesy of a higher tiebreaker.

Baylosis wound up second followed by Contaio and Sanchez at third and fourth, respectively.

Matt Andrew Pasignajen and Mikaela Therese Villalon occupied the fifth to sixth spots with 4.5 points apiece.

Rounding up the top 10 with 4.0 each were Khieyrth Huros, Daniela Chaeline Villalon, Dona Jane Rubin, and Khyra Monique Eumague.

In partnership with sports patron John Signe, Toledo-Xignex team manager Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang organized the event as part of her birthday treat for the young aspiring pawnpushers in their place.

“I couldn’t think of a more satisfying way of celebrating my birthday than by channeling my passion for chess into something more meaningful,” said Gacang.

In all, 40 players aged 20 years old and below competed in the one-day tilt, some of them coming from nearby Balamban and Pinamungajan towns.

Before the competition, National Master Merben Roque played a simultaneous exhibition with selected players of Toledo.

Gacang said the two undertakings are part of their preparation for the upcoming Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRA) Meet in May with the ultimate goal of representing the region in the Palarong Pambansa to be hosted by Cebu City this July.

“We hope that the training of kids will continue few months to come,” Gacang continued. “This is  very timely as we are about to launch our Chess Developmental Center in Toledo so that more will be interested to learn about chess.” — EBV