by Marlon Bernardino
PHILIPPINE Chess wizard Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia won the 1st Meralco Chess Club Youth Rapid Chess Tournament after beating San Beda University bet Johann Cedrick Gaddi in the seventh and final round was held recently at the Multi-Purpose hall, Meralco Compound, Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.
Faeldonia finished with 6 wins and 1 loss for a total of 6 points, the same output of Ma.Elayza Villa, Antonella Berthe Racasa and Mark Joseph Barbosa.
However, the 13-years-old Sampaloc, Manila based Faeldonia from Odiongan, Romblon, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points according to tournament director FM Leonardo "Leo" Carlos and Chief Arbiter NA Alexander "Alex" Dinoy in the one-day event which attracted 106 players.
Faeldonia is incoming Grade 8 student of Arellano University under the watchful eye of National Master Rudy Ibanez.
Faeldonia scored victories over Kylle Czedrick Canque in the first round, Mar Aviel Carredo in the second round, Alexis Vien Sim in the third round, John Andrew Margarito in the fifth round, Cyrus James Damiray in the second round before crushing Gaddi in the final canto.
His only setback at the expense of Mckertzee Gelua in the fourth round.
Faeldonia whose local and international chess campaign is being supported by Odiongan, Romblon Mayor Trina Firmalo, Manila 4th district councilor Anton Capistrano and sportsman Reli de Leon is also won 2018 National Age Group Chess Championships (NAGCC) Grand Finals Boys Under-14 last May 12, 2018 at the Governors’ Hall in Roxas City, Capiz.
He also spearheaded Arellano University chess team into a silver medal finish in the 2018 Asian Universities Chess Championships (Junior division) last June 2 at the Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay City.
Faeldonia who honed his chess skills under the tutelage of National Master Rudy Ibanez, National Master Edgardo Garma and 7-times Philippine Executive Champion Dr. Jenny Mayor is also schedule to represent the country in the upcoming 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Age Group Chess Championship slated on June 18 to June 28, 2018 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.(Marlon Bernardino)