By: Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines---Arnel Mahawan Jr. of San Rafael, Bulacan failed to exact vengeance against  Oshrie Jhames "OJ" Constantino Reyes of Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga in the Mobile Chess Club Philippines Match Up Series, Blitz Edition Thursday night, May 27, 2021 on online tournament at Lichess platform.

The 9-year-old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga asserted his dominance over the 10-year-old  Mahawan, a grade 4 student of San Rafael Central Elementary School, San Rafael, Bulacan, 9-5, in the race-to-nine wins, draws not counted, 3 minutes plus 2 seconds increment time control format, hosted by the dynamic duo Mr. Mark Angelo Godino and Mr. John Ernie Maraan of Mobile Chess Club Philippines featuring the players from Jessie Villasin Cup.

"I had to keep my composure if I had to win this game,” said Reyes who overcame a 0-4 deficit to eke out a come-from-behind 9-8 win against Mahawan last May 3, 2021.

"Luck was on my side until the end," added Reyes, who also brought down Mahawan, 8-6, last February 5, 2021.
"I did my best but OJ (Reyes) still emerged better,” said Mahawan.

Fondly called OJ in the chess world, the young Reyes will be seeing in action in the grandfinals of the National Age Group Chess Championships as well the National Youth & School Championships next month according to Jubail, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia based father and coach Jimmy Reyes.
Reyes is also schedule to face Megan Althea Obrero Paragua of New York City, USA on May 29, 2021 and Bonjoure Fille Suyamin of General Trias City, Cavite on June 4, 2021  in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Chess Challenge, a chess for a cause project of Bayanihan Chess Club headed by it's co-founding chairman Dr. Joe Balinas and Engr. Antonio "Uncle Paps" Balinas which aims to help needy chess player.-Marlon Bernardino-