SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental — Young chess players from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental are making their mark in the 7th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships, with three local bets starting strong in the Under-10 boys division.

Cagayan de Oro's Bradkint Gayramon and Kyros Andrei Magsalay, along with Arena Candidate Master (ACM) Navi Icalina of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, remained unbeaten after the first three rounds on Saturday.

They are among more than 200 young players from across the country competing in the age-group tournament at AMORAP Adventure Park, which uses a standard time control of one hour per game.

For the young competitors, the tournament provides an opportunity to test their skills against players from other parts of the country while gaining valuable experience in competitive chess.

Lapad leads MisOr challenge in U14

Batang Pinoy champion Arena International Master Mikael Jerahmiel Lapad of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, also made a strong start in the Under-14 boys division.

Lapad and Dennis Anthon Labrador of Valencia City, Bukidnon, each scored two wins and a draw for 2.5 points, trailing unbeaten leader Alexander Jess Baguio, who had three points.

The competition also features Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 divisions for boys and girls, giving young chess talents different age categories in which to compete.

Tournament opens opportunities for young players

ASEAN organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo said the organizers included the age-group competition to give young players more opportunities to develop their skills.

"We have a decent sprawling venues so we take the opportunity to include the age group chessers in the ASEAN tourney as one strong initiative for development by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the full support of Misamis Oriental Governor Henry Oaminal Jr," Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.

The participation of more than 200 children highlights the interest in competitive chess among young Filipinos and gives emerging players a chance to gain experience in an international tournament setting.