by Marlon Bernardino.
Oshrie James “OJ” Constantino Reyes (above left) humbled Rafiel Irvin Lacorte in the sixth round then drew with Pat Ferdolf Macabulos in the seventh and final round to capture the Under 10 crown while Gaye Thalia Ventura (above tight) took the Girls Under-8 plum in the National Age Group Chess Championship Semi-Finals online tournament Friday, May 14, 2021 at Tornelo platform.
The 9-year-old Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga, outwitted Lacorte after 36 moves of a French defense then split the point with Macabulos after 32 moves of a Four Knights Game for a six-point total in the seven-round Swiss system tournament to finish solo first in the boys’ 10-and-under division. Reyes, who swept his first four matches, settled for a truce with John Curt Valencia in the fifth round.
Macabulos and Valencia, wound up tied for second with 5.5 points.
The 6-year-old Ventura, a grade 1 student of Francisco E. Barzaga Memorial School in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, on the other hand defeated Millery Gen Subia after 50 moves of Modern defense to top the Girls U-8 class with 6 points.
Mary Janelle Tan and Glaiza Celine Romero finished second and third placers with 5.5 points apiece.
“Congrats Kuya Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes for winning the prestigious National Age Group Championship U10 Semi Finals. Road to Grand Finals.” said Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes, father and coach of OJ.
“Thank you to all who believe and support our very own, one of Pampanga’s Youth Chess Warriors. Mabuhay Balen Santa Rita & Guagua, Province of Pampanga.” added Mr. Jimmy.
The event 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.