FAST-learning Ashley Aya Nicole Paquinol capped her medal finishes in the international and national chess stages by dominating another FIDE-rated chess competition in Cagayan de Oro on December 28.
The 11-year-old Paquinol racked up six-straight wins then played to a draw in the seventh and final round to rule the elementary level of the Golden Chess Friends (GCF) Students Rapid Tournament on Wednesday at the Event Center of the Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.
“I’m happy every time I touch the chess pieces and compete locally and abroad. It won’t affect my studies but rather inspire me to do my best,” said Paquinol in nailing the P3,000 top purse undefeated.
A grade-six pupil at the Capitol University Basic Education Department, Paquinol helped the Philippine delegates win some gold medals in team events of the 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paquinol of Barangay Puerto, Cagayan de Oro, is also a team gold winner in the just-held 2022 Batang Pinoy National Chess Championships in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Jesheene Ybur Careras of Bukidnon defeated Paulo Efren Castino of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental in his final round assignment to occupy solo second place with six points. While the Jasaan pair of Jasper Nash Jayme and Mary Janelle Tan shared third and fourth places with similar 5.5 points.
Careras and the third-running Jasper (after the tiebreaker) got P2,000 and P1,000 each also with trophies.
Rounding up the top-10 finishers out of 50 participants are Lila Alyssa Seriña of Cagayan de Oro, Paulo Efren Castino (Jasaan), Arena Fide Master Janin Dhrey Querequere (Balingoan), Teddy John Daigon (Bukidnon), Rena Dalagan (Tagoloan) and Jan Calvin Abesamis (Cagayan de Oro).
Jasaan’s female compatriots Tan and Querequere also won golds for Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, respectively, in the Vigan Batang Pinoy chess meet.
“The turn-out of this world-rated chess event in Cagayan de Oro for young players is fascinating. How I wish I could help again in sponsoring another one in the near future,” said the now US-based Erwin Culanag, former City Information Officer of Cagayan de Oro, in his successful collaboration with the organizing Golden Chess Friends presided by Ben Wabe and aided by Lorenzo Cuizon as chief arbiter.
