by Marlon Bernardino.
Jeremy Marticio, a grade 9 student at Pulo National High School in Cabuyao City, Laguna dominated the 2021 Marinduque National Age Group Chess Championships Southern Tagalog qualifying leg held online over the weekend at tornelo.com.
The 15-year-old Marticio, whose stint here is being supported by Mayor Mel Gecolea, Sports Director of Cabuyao City Mr. Jerome Paul Lualhati and PECA president and Laguna Heroes Coach/Team Co-Owner Dr. Fred Paez, collected 5.5 points on five wins, one draw and one loss in seven outings, the same output of John Dave Lavandero and Hyo Seong Kim to rule the Boys Under 16 division.
This 2-day event (March 27 to 28, 2021) was co-sponsored by Marinduque Board Member Engr. John Pelaez and Engr. Verlie Quindoza and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.
Marticio was proclaimed champion due to a better tie break of 30.5 points against runner-up Lavandero with 28.5 points and third placer Hyo with 28.5 points.
Marticio scored victories over Jacob Del Rosario in the first round, Kenneth Sibulangcal in the second round, Phil Martin Casiguran in the fourth round, Allan Gabriel Hilario in the fifth round and John Lance Valencia in the seventh and final round.
His only loss was at the hands of John Dave Lavandero in the third round and only draw was with Zeus Alexis Paglinawan in the sixth round.
Finishing 4th to 10th places were Zeus Alexis Paglinawan (5 pts.), Arena Grandmaster Christian Gian Karlo Arca (5 pts.), Cedric Daniel Macato (5 pts.), Khent Darylle Delig (4.5 pts.), John Lance Valencia (4.5 pts.), Gabriel Umayan (4.5 pts.) and Phil Martin Casiguran (4 pts.).