By Marlon Bernardino
SINGAPORE---A sibling duo of chess wizards are earning fans all over the country and making history while they're at it.
Siblings Ivan Travis and Jericho Winston Cu brought the country much honor despite being first time in the International chess arena after spearheading PH kids chess team into victory at the conclusion of 36th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships was held at the Expo MAX Atria here from December 27 to 30, 2019.
28th seed Ivan Travis Cu (unrated) defeated Oscar Gao (elo 1595) of Australia in the eight and final round to finished overall 2nd place in the Boys 10 and under. Ivan Travis who amassed 7-1 win loss record got a total performance of 1622 for his effort.
Top seed Zi Han Goh (elo 2094) of Singapore who inflicted the only loss of Ivan Travis in Round 5 won the coveted title with perfect 8 points. He bested 3rd seed Alexandre Km Lee (elo 1557) of England in the final canto.
Not to be outdone younger brother Jericho Winston Cu who took overall 8th place in the Boys 9 and under who totes 5.5 points after beating Shravan Shetty Kashyap of India in the last round.
Hao Loong Yee of Malaysia won the Boys 9 and under titled after edging tie break points against fellow 6.5 pointers and eventual runner-up place Kunal Patil Aditya of India.
Siblings Ivan Travis and Jericho Winston Cu Singapore chess campaign are supported by Xavier School Athletic Director Mr. Larry De Las Penas, Chess Coach IA Rolando "Rolly" Yutuc, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) thru its Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director FA Red Dumuk.
Meanwhile, Singapore based Pinoy Jayson Jacobo Tiburcio tallied 5.5 points in the Boys Under 11 for overall 8th place while Jillianne Cait Keesha Micarsos landed at overall 10th place in the Girls Under 7 with 5 points.
Other PH chess kids who seeing in action are Singapore based Arcege Tan Castillo (4.5 points, Boys Under 11, overall 23rd place); Jewelle Iris Anacio (3 points, Girls Under 7, overall 20th place) and Dastan Earl Bueno ( 2.5 points, Boys Under 9, overall 52nd place). Marlon Bernardino-