by Marlon Bernardino.
MANILA, Philippines—Ivan Travis Cu, a consistent winner of an online tournaments, stamped his class again by topping the National Age Group Chess Championship (Semi-Finals) Friday, May 14, 2021 at Tornelo platform.
The 12-year-old Cu, a grade six student of Xavier School, San Juan City, playing under the guidance of Xavier School Athleltic Director Larry De Las Peñas and coach International Arbiter Rolly Yutuc, outwitted Romualdez at a rook and pawn endgame with the black pieces to fashion out the victory in 64 moves of a London System Opening to emerge solo champion in the Under 12 age group category with perfect 7 points.
Cu scored victories over Karl Adrian Dalauta, Yosef Immanuel Morada, Mark Alfonso Azaola, Cassey Miguel Tabamo, James Tuanda, Paulo Efren Castino before beating Romualdez in the last round.
“Congratulations to our son, Ivan Travis Cu for an awesome showing in the National Age Group Chess Championship Semi-Finals (Friday, May 14, 2021). He scored a perfect 7 out of 7 in the competitive U12 Boys category participated in by the top players all over the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). Top 6 finishers will advance to the grand finals in June. It was a phenomenal performance and we are very proud of you.” said Mr. Teddy Cu, father of Ivan Travis.
“Let this tournament inspire you to continue your hard work and reach even greater heights. We’re behind you all the way. Luceat Lux.” he added.
The tournament is organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s president/chairman Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero ” Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr. in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission. Tournament Director is NCFP Chief Executive Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
Cu is on the roll in the online tournament winning the 2021 Zamboanga Sultans National Age Group Chess Championship Mindanao leg Under-18 Boys division last April 17, the Southern Luzon Under-12-category, 2nd place in the Northern Luzon Under-14-division and another runner-up place in the Visayas leg Under -16-section.
Cu also topped the 1st Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament held last February 13, 2021.
Cu gained attention after finishing second place in the Boys 10 and under 36th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships held at the Expo MAX Atria in Singapore on Dec. 27–30, 2019. Cu who amassed seven wins and one loss got a total performance of 1622 for his effort including his last round victory over Oscar Gao (elo 1595) of Australia