MANILA—National Master (NM) Jerish John Velarde of Imus City shone in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Under-17 Open Grand Finals held 21st September 2022 at the Dapitan City Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte. Visit chess-results.com for round by round results.
NM Velarde, a Grade 10 student of St. Martha Montessori School in Imus City, playing under the guidance of Imus City Mayor Alex “AA” Advincula, Congressman AJ Advincula and CFMI – JJM Construction, finished the tournament with 5.0 points out of 7 rounds.
The 16-year-old NM Velarde pocketed the top purse of P5,000 plus trophy for his stellar performance in the tournament sponsored by Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines under chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.
During the tournament, NM Velarde defeated Franklin Loyd Andes in the first round, Lemmuel Jay Adena in the third round, Zeus Alexis Paglinawan in the fourth round, Janmyl Dilan Tisado in the sixth round and Robick Vohn K. Villa in the seventh and final round.
His setbacks came against Jeremiah Luis Cruz in the second round and Ritchie James Abeleda in the fifth round.
“I didn’t look to the title, just to play my best,” said NM Velarde, who grew up in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. “I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” added NM Velarde whose next tournament is the upcoming 6th Eastern Asia (ASEAN) Youth Chess Championship to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from November 4 to 13, 2022.
NM Velarde was born in Imus City, Cavite. He now represents his hometown, Imus City, Cavite.
“Our hope in the NCFP is to produce future national team players and champions,” said national coach/ tournament director Grandmaster Jayson O. Gonzales, who is also the chief executive officer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines,
It shall be recalled that Reyes also won the National Age Group Chess Championships Under-12 Grandfinals last July 24, 2022 at the Robinsons Place Malolos, Bulacan.
Reyes is setting his eyes for the coveted FIDE Master (FM) title when he competes in the 6th Eastern Asia (ASEAN) Youth Chess Championship to be held November 4 to 13, 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand.