Arena Grandmaster Fletch Archer Arado of Zamboanga City and Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan City continue to reap honors as they finished first and second in the 2021 Congressman Greg Gasataya National Age Group Chess Championship - Visayas Leg for Under 16 Boys on online tournament Saturday, April 10, 2021 at tornelo.com.
The 13-year-old Arado, a grade seven pupil of Ateneo De Zamboanga University High School, playing under the guidance of Ateneo De Zamboanga Sports Head Prof. Rey Reyes, Redkings Chess Manila Coach Fide Master Nelson "Elo" Mariano III and Zamboanga Sultans team owner Canadian National Master Zulfikar Sali collected 6 points on five wins and two draws in seven outings to went home the title in this 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment rapid time control format.
On the other hand, the 12-year-old Cu, a grade six student of Xavier School tallied a similar 6 points on six wins and one loss. However, Arado took the crown via winner over the others tie break points.
In third place is Kelly Martin Balbaboco of Paranaque City who had 5.5 points.
"Thank you to the organizers and the sponsors and especially to all my coaches and a special thanks to all the people who never doubted my strength." said Arado, who also won the 2019 Private Schools of Zamboanga City Athletic Association Selection Games and 4th placer in Grand Finals, NCFP Selection to the World Cadets Online Championship.
Arado’s victories came against Relghie Columna, Andrei Lory Salvador, Cedric Kahlel Abris, Ivan Travis Cu and Jerome Pullos. He split the point with Oshrie Jhames Reyes in the second round and Juncin Estrella in the third round.
Cu's meantime scored victories over Yash Ansell Cayabyab, Khent Darylle Delig, Ariel Santander, Cedric Kahlel Abris, Jerome Pullos and Christian Tolosa. He suffered his only loss to Arado in the sixth and penultimate round.
"“I’m very happy to win again (Co-Champion Under 16), especially in an tough tournament like this.” said Cu, Champion in the Under 12 Boys Division of the National Age Group South Luzon Leg and 2nd Place in the Under 14 Boys Division in the National Age Group North Luzon Leg.
In the distaff side, Jamelin Ruth Lim of Bacolod City lived up to her lofty billing after snaring the crown with a 6.5 markers.
The other top finishers were Kim Kenneth Santos (Under 20 Boys), Ruelle Canino (Under 20 Girls), Carl Daluz (Under 18 Boys), Christine Faith Tabungar (Under 18 Girls), Prince Rolljhon Baulita (Under 14 Boys), Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza (Under 14 Girls), Yosef Immanuel Morada (Under 12 Boys), Jillianne Jumalon (Under 12 Girls), Ghierzen Lhou Sebastian (Under 10 Boys) and Stephanie Jabagat (Under 10 Girls).
Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament director is NCFP Chief Operating Officer GM Jayson Gonzales.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows Arena Grandmaster Fletch Archer Arado of Zamboanga City ponder his next moves in a chess puzzle game
Photo shows Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan City, wearing Agila T-Shirt.