by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—Knarf Lawrence Batislaong (in photo) emerged solo champion in the Boys category while Aliyah Lumangtad bested Mary Joy Asis Tan by tie break to capture the Girls crown in the just ended Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation Secondary Online Rapid Chess Championship 2021 Palarong Pambansa Continuity Plan Pilot Event virtually held at Tornelo Platform last Sunday.
Batislaong outdueled National Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Region XI in the seventh round and Charliemagne Arias of Region XI in the eight round before halving the point with Wenlan Temple of Region XII in the final to finish with eight points, a full point ahead of runner-up place James Catayas of Region XIII and third placer Arca, each with 7 points apiece.
” I am so very happy because this is my first time to win a national event. Besides, I didn’t expect to win the tournament, Ill just play my very best,” said the 15 years old Batislaong, a Grade 10 Student of Tacurong National High School, playing under the guidance of FIDE Arbiter Margie Cobrado Narcilla.
Lumangtad and Tan, meantime tallied 7.5 points each followed by third placer Nathalie Liscano of Region XII who accumulated 7 points.
Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Director Joel Erestain and MVPSF Program Director Community Sports and Youth Development head Oscar P. Moreno Jr. said that the Top 10 finishers will advance to the grand finals.-
Final Standings: (Mindanao Leg)
(Boys Division)
8 points—Knarf Lawrence Batislaong of Region XII
7 points—James Catayas of Region XIII
7 points—NM Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Region XI
6.5 points—Wenlan Temple of Region XII
6.5 points—Joemel Narzabal of Region IX
6 points—Lamont Alexander Baptista of Region XI
6 points—Jerome Pullos of Region XI
6 points—Andrei Ainsley Dolorosa of Region XI
6 points—John Gerald Esencia of Region XI
6 points—Julian Rogelio Labaja of Region X
(Girls Division)
7.5 points—Aliyah Lumangtad of Region XI
7.5 points—Mary Joy Asis Tan of Region X
7 points—Nathalie Liscano of Region XII
6.5 points—Lynn Jael Maureal of Region X
6 points—Trina Mhariz Temple of Region XII
6 points—Sara Deloso Dalagan of Region X
6 points—Kyla Deloso Dalagan of Region X
6 points—Lyn Getubig of Region X
6 points—Mechiel Cabating of Region XIII
6 points—Jenaica Betty Lynn Julom of Region XII