LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Local bet Dennis Gutierrez III got his young dreams off to a soaring start in the Pangasinan National Age-Group Chess Championship yesterday at the air-conditioned Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Complex Gymnasium.
Gutierrez beat Gideon Aquino Jr. to take charge in the eight-years-old-and-below category in this event organized by tournament and project coordinator GM Jayson Gonzales, NCFP’s director for grassroots and development program.
The tournament is held in cooperation with Juan Sison, president of Pangasinan Chess Federation, and hosted by Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino and backed by NCFP chairman-president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.
In other results, Khulene Lord dela Cruz downed Dan Angelo Ablang, Adrian Gerard Jose Lomibao defeated Matthew Steven Aquino, John Ruiz Bravo toppled Justin Kim Lopez, Danzel Jude Ubando nipped Lordian Mickel Dumlao Cuison and Adrian de Luna crushed Jamier Lius Uy.
Pichay Jr., who gave an inspirational message before the start of the first round, thanked Gov. Espino and Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. for their undying support for Philippine chess.
Former Congressman Generoso Tulagan also graced the opening rites.