MISAMIS Oriental pride Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz and Cagayan de Oro ace David Rey Ancheta shared the spotlight in the 5th Anniversary tourney of the Parents Chess Club held at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, over the weekend.
The 10-year-old Vera Cruz of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental won the rapid tourney’s elementary division championship over closest pursuers Jaden Cedric Abesamis of Cagayan de Oro and Miykae’l Jehramiel Lapad of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental to bag the P2,000 top purse.
Abesamis and Lapad received the runner-up and second runner-up honors worth P1,500 and P1,000 also with medals.
“We’re very thankful to our town mayor (Aaron Unabia) for his undying support to Balingoan chess development,” said Quarl’s father Alberto ‘Butchouy’ Vera Cruz.
Former National Shell Active kiddies champion Ancheta, meanwhile, prevailed over top lady performer Lyn Getubig of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and fellow Kagay-anon Joel Lawrence Hoy for the high school division crown.
Ancheta, Getubig, and Hoy each received P2,000, P1,500, and P1,000 for their feats plus medals.
“Organizing and supporting a series of chess tourneys for children may result in producing a chess grandmaster for Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental province one day,” said arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon.
In the side event for parents and coaches, Jasaan coach James Pada edged out Oliver Damonsong of Malaybalay City for the top prize with a perfect four-of-four performance.
