OROQUIETA City ― Coming here in full force, the young chess players of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro are determined to dominate anew the age group rivalries of the cash-rich 3rd Governor Henry Oaminal Open Chess Tournament which opened on November 4 at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.
National Master Keith Adriane Ilar of El Salvador City, Palarong Pambansa champion Janin Dhrey Querequere of Balingoan, Sebastian Marbas and Ashley Aya Nicole Paquinol of Cagayan de Oro led a big bunch of MisOr-CdeO woodpushers who registered for the two-day fide-rated rapid chess competition staking nearly P500,000 in total cash prizes plus trophies and medals.
The 14-year-old Ilar is back hoping to defend the 17-under title he won last July at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.
Both Querequere and Marbas are also gunning for a second crown after their previous success in under 13 levels of the Governor Oaminal-backed tourney.
Reigning elementary champion Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz, also from Balingoan, may return to compete this time around in the high school division, though arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon has yet to notice his presence as of Monday morning.
“Wala pa nagpa register si Vera Cruz, Wala pa sab namo nakita iyang parent-guardian dire sa venue (Oroquieta),” Cuizon informed Gold Star Daily.
The MisOr-CdeO delegates are expected to face a stiff challenge from Cyreine Jean Suganat Borce, Chiara Vida Florendo, and Levon Ysrael Reyes of Zamboanga and the Lavandero siblings ― John Dave, Maria Kristine and Danica Jolly ― from Cebu in the fight for the age group categories’ top honors.
