THE best chess players in the country aged 17 and below plunged into action in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships yesterday at the Dapitan City Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte.
Jeremiah Cruz and Janmyl Dilan Tisado lead the premier open 17-under division while Rhea Jean Canino and Shaina Magne Romanillos are among the players to watch in the girls’ 17-under side in the eight-day event sponsored by Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos.
Around a hundred participants made it to the finale, including some notable entries like reigning national ladies junior runner-up Ruelle Canino and April Joy Claros, the favorites to fight it out in the girls 15-and-under.
Another favorite is Christian Gian Karlo Arca in the boys’ 13-and-under.
Apart from Jalosjos, also expected to grace the opener were Grandmaster Eugene Torre, National Chess Federation of the Philippines president/chair Butch Pichay and chief executive officer GM Jayson Gonzales and host city tourism chief Apple Marie Agolong.
Gonzales said the winners will get a chance to represent the country in international age group meets.
“Our hope in the NCFP is to produce future national team players and champions,” said Gonzales.
International Arbiter Reden Cruz will run the FIDE-rated tournament.
