by Marlon Bernardino.
Chess wizard Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Reyes (above left) put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the kiddies boys crown, while wunderkind Bonjoure Fille “The Flash” Suyamin (above right) sustained her fine start to pocket the girls plum in the National Youth & Schools Chess Championship – North Luzon Leg online tournament on Friday, April 16, 2021.
The 9 year old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga finished with 5 wins and 2 draws for a total of 6 points, the same output of Mark Gabriel Usman. Reyes, however, was proclaimed champion in the Under-13 Boys category due to better tie break points.
Reyes scored victories over Cleiford Kortchnoi Molinyawe in the first round, Marion Erx Daabay in the second round, John Curt Valencia in the third round, Yaneah Sofia in the sixth round and Sumer Justine in the seventh and final round. He split the point with Keith Adriane Ilar in the fourth round and Mark Gabriel Usman in the fifth round.
“Congrats kuya Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes (9 yrs old, grade 4 student of EZEE, Pampanga) for snatching the title for nationwide “National Youth & School Chess Championship (U13), North Luzon Qualifying leg.” said Jubail, Saudi based Jaime “Jimmy” Reyes, OJ’s father and coach.
Yosef Immanuel Morada, John Curt Valencia and Yaneah Sofia Morada tied for third with 5 points while Sumer Justine Oncita, Jayson Jacobo Tiburcio and Joshua Manire ended up with identical 4.5 points in this event, hosted by Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino in close cooperation with City Sports and Youth Development led by OIC David B. Bayarong, FIDE national instructor Joel Escorial Villanueva, the Philippine Sports Commisison, the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s Chairman/ President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and tournament director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
In the Under 15 Girls section, the 11 year old Suyamin, a grade 5 section Daniel pupil of Del Rosario Christian Institute Of General Trias tallied perfect 7 points to romp home with the title.
Suyamin, one of the top players of General Trias City Chess Club under the guidance of coach Ederwin Estavillo swept all her matches against Angel Laurice Paradela, Sophia Jabagat, Yezka Mendoza, Kaye Lalaine Regidor, Lorraine Paradela, Daniella Louise Dee and Raya Georgette Paradela, respectively. She finished 1.5 points ahead of Kaye Lalaine Regidor who had 5.5 points. Sophia Jabagat wound up with 4.5 points and shared third place with Lorraine Paradela.
“Congratulations Bonjoure Fille Suyamin for winning the prestigious chess tournament. We are proud of you,” said her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Suyamin.
Other category winners were Drinian Villanueva (Boys U9, 7/7), Christian Tolosa (U11, Open 6/7), Joemel Narzabal (Boys U15, 5.5/7), Juncin Estrella (Boys U17, 6.5/7), Gllasea Ann Hilario (Girls U9, 7/7), Ma. Theresa Barry (Girls U13, 5/6) and Ruelle Canino (Girls U17, 7/7).-Marlon Bernardino-
Final Standings:
(Under 13 – Boys, 7 Round Swiss-System)
6 points—Oshrie Jhames Reyes, Mark Gabriel Usman
5 points—Yosef Immanuel Morada, John Curt Valencia, Yaneah Sofia Morada
4.5 points—Sumer Justine Oncita, Jayson Jacobo Tiburcio, Joshua Manire
(Under 15 – Girls, 7 Round Swiss-System)
7 points—Bonjoure Fille Suyamin
5.5 points—Kaye Lalaine Regidor
4.5 points—Sophia Jabagat, Lorraine Paradela