by Marlon Bernardino
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte---Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao, Jallen Herzchelle Agra of Claveria, Cagayan and Precious Eve Ferrer of Lingayen, Pangasinan got off to a blazing start by posting victories in the opening round of the Queen of the North chess championship on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Sebastian defeated Hazel Claire Ganasao, Agara subdued Princess Asella Garma while Ferrer trounced Mary Kaye Gonzales.
“The first round is one of the toughest rounds in any tournament. It usually sets the tone of how you’re going to perform,” said tournament director International Master Ronald Bancod.
"We hope to perform well in this event and gain some rating points," said Sebastian, the 2022 Sardinia, Italy World Junior Championship official representative.
Shaniah Francine Tamayo, Eloisa Daphne Agustin, Maria Concepcion Antonio, Hannah Estella Maurin Martin, Princess Giovalyn Asan, Rachelle Joy Pascua, Shantelle Marie Root, Nicole Elaiza Bulalaque, Elizsa Gayle Cafirma, Angelica Mae Utleg and Crishelle Angelica Dequillo also opened with wins.
No less than Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon and 102nd Homecoming Committee of the UP Vanguard Incorporated Aldwin Galapon led the opening rites that included tournament director International Master Ronald Bancod, International Arbiter Ricky Navalta and National Arbiter Elizsa Gayle Cafirma.
A total of 30 lady woodpushers saw action in this week-long standard tournament, hosted by the City Government of Laoag, backed up by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
"We are forever grateful to Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon which is arguably one of the best youth chess programs in the country today," said Bancod.-Marlon Bernardino-
Caption photo:
The ceremonial move to officially open Queen of the North chess championship at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon shakes hand with Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian and so did 102nd Homecoming Committee of the UP Vanguard Incorporated Aldwin Galapon and Precious Eve Ferrer.