by Marlon Bernardino
PH chess wunderkind Jersey Marticio, a Grade 8-Daffodil student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City Laguna emerged champion in the Elimination for Philippine Sports Commission-National Chess Federation of the Philippines selection tournament dubbed as 2021 Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino National Age Group Online Chess Championships North Luzon Leg done online last weekend at the tornelo platform.

The 13-year-old Marticio, whose stint here is being supported by Cabuyao City Mayor Atty. Rommel Gecolea, City of Cabuyao Sports Director Mr. Jerome Lualhati and Philippine Executive Chess Association President and Assistant Executive Director for South Luzon of NCFP Dr. Fred Paez scored perfect seven points to edge Marian Calimbo and Darlyn Villanueva who finished second and third, respectively, in the Girls Under-18 Division.
Calimbo and Villanueva, both tallied 5 points apiece in this event, hosted by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino in close cooperation with City Sports and Youth Development led by OIC David B. Bayarong, Fide national instructor Joel Escorial Villanueva, the Philippine Sports Commisison, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it's Chairman/ President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and tournament director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
Marticio swept all her matches against Darlyn Villanueva (first round), Marphine Faith Mangubat (second round), Marian Calimbo (third round), Me Ann Joy Baclayon (fourth round), bye (fifth round), Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza (sixth round) and Shaina Magne Romanillos  (seventh round).
Other category winners were Robert James Perez (Open U18, 7-7), Ritchie James Abeleda (Open U16, 6/7), Jelaine Adriano (Girls U16, 6/7), Arvie Aguilar (Open U20, 7/7) and Ma. Elayza Villa (Girls U20, 6/7).
"Online chess tournaments has become the safest way to organize, join and participate in high caliber chess tournament without the risk of exposing one's self to the deadly Covid-19 or more popularly known as the Corona Virus 2019." said Philippine Executive Chess Association President and Assistant Executive Director for South Luzon of NCFP Dr. Fred Paez. -Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows PH chess wunderkind Jersey Marticio, a Grade 8-Daffodil student of Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City Laguna emerged champion.