by Marlon Bernardino
JEREMY MARTICIO, a grade 9 student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City, Laguna dominated the 2021 Marinduque National Age Group Chess Championships Southern Tagalog qualifying leg held over the weekend on online tournament at tornelo.com.

The 15-year-old Marticio, whose stint here is being supported by Mayor Mel Gecolea, Sports Director of Cabuyao City Mr.Jerome Paul Lualhati and PECA president and Laguna Heroes Coach/Team Co-Owner Dr. Fred Paez, collected 5.5 points on five wins, one draw and one loss in seven outings, the same output of John Dave Lavandero and Hyo Seong Kim to rule the Boys Under 16 division, in this 2-day event (March 27 to 28, 2021), co-host and co-sponsored by Marinduque Board Member Engr. John Pelaez and Engr. Verlie Quindoza, organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

Marticio, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break 30.5 points against runner-up place Lavandero 28.5 points and third placer Hyo 28.5 points.

Marticio scored victories over Jacob Del Rosario in the first round, Kenneth Sibulangcal in the second round, Phil Martin Casiguran in the fourth round, Allan Gabriel Hilario in the fifth round and John Lance Valencia in the seventh and final round.
His only loss at the hands of John Dave Lavandero in the third round and only draw to Zeus Alexis Paglinawan in the sixth round.
At 4th to 10th place were Zeus Alexis Paglinawan (5 pts.), Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca (5 pts.), Cedric Daniel Macato (5 pts.), Khent Darylle Delig (4.5 pts.), John Lance Valencia (4.5 pts.), Gabriel Umayan (4.5 pts.) and Phil Martin Casiguran (4 pts.).-Marlon Bernardino-