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by Marlon Bernardino
Ang eleven-year-old na si Gladimir Chester "Rocky" Falconit Romero ng Tanauan City, Batangas ang pinakabagong Filipino Fide chess master ng bansa sa katatapos na 4th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship na ginanap sa Asia Hotel sa Bangkok, Thailand nitong Biyernes.
Si Romero na grade six pupil ng Mabini Educational Institution, Brgy. Talaga, Tanauan City ay giniba si Handaru Juan Izz Linardhi ng Indonesia sa ninth at final round tungo sa total 7.5 points para makopo ang gold sa open 12-under category ng standard competition.
Ang kanyang nakakatandang kapatid na si Gladys Hazelle Romero ay lubos ang kagalakan at nagpapasalamat sa matagumpay na kampanya ni Gladimir Chester.
"Congratulations on your well-deserve victory FM Gladimir Chester Romero. Out of 31 participants from 12 countries you emerged as the champion in the open under 12 category of the 4th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand thus earning the FM (fide master) title award." sabi ni Gladys Hazelle na dating stalwart ng Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales Far Eastern University chess team.
"Representing the country is more than enough, but you showed us your dedication and will to win that is truly remarkable as a Pilipino. This is the beginning of your journey as the country's newest Fide Master . Continue to strive more. Keep fighting and work for your dreams and most of all, have faith in the Lord. Thank you for making us all proud." ani pa Gladys Hazelle.
Bukod kay Gladimir Chester ay nakamit din ni Ruelle "Tawing" Canino (G-12) ng Cagayan de Oro City ang Woman Fide Master title matapos siyang magkampeon sa kanyang dibisyon.
Ang Fide Master title ay sumunod sa International at Grand Master ranks at makokopo sa FIDE (World Chess Federation) kung ang rating of ay 2300 o magkakampeon sa Asia Youth Chess Championship.
Ang kampanya ni Gladimir Chester sa Thailand chess ay suportado ng National Chess Federation of the Philippines at ng Philippine Sports Commission.
Si Gladimir Chester ay inaasahan darating sa bansa ngayun Linggo at inaasahang paparangalan ni Tanauan City, Batangas mayor Mary Angeline "Sweet" Y. Halili dahil sa panibagong tagumpay at karangalan na naiambag sa bansa.-Marlon Bernardino-