National Master (NM) Mar Aviel Carredo emerged as the champion in the 2024 National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals held last June 24 to 28 at the Dapitan Sports and Cultural Complex, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. In photo are, from left, John Curt Valencia, National Master Mar Aviel Carredo and National Master Phil Martin Casiguran
NM Carredo, who plays for the Dasmariñas Chess Academy under the guidance of Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga, Coun. Kiko Barzaga and national coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas pocketed the title for ruling the U14 Boys Standard FIDE tournament hosted by Dapitan City Mayor Mayor Frederick Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos.
He had an undefeated campaign after tallying 12 points on account of 11 wins and 2 draws in the thirteen-round competition.
NM Carredo defeated AFM Jaymiel Piel , Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz and Aaron Aton in the first three rounds, respectively.
He snapped his third-match winning streak when he had a draw against David Leonard Azuela.
However, NM Carredo went on to win against AFM Lord Yofiel Young, Efren Castino Paulo, Chrys Eril Ladista, AFM John Peter Allen Cabales, Jed Axcel Tubio, Rafiel Irvin Lacorte and Nathan Segara, in that order.
He drew with Keith Adriane Ilar in the 12th and penultimate round before beating Yorhy Gabriel Sapigao in the 13th and final round.
NM Carredo, an incoming Grade 8 pupil of Dasmariñas Integrated High School also won silver in the rapid and blitz event.
Another Dasmariñas Chess Academy bets John Curt Valencia and National Master Phil Martin Casiguran also made the podium in their respective categories.
The 11 year old Valencia, a Grade 6 pupil of Dasmariñas 2 Central School took the gold in the Standard U12 Boys division. He also won the silver in the Blitz competition.
The 13 year old Casiguran, an incoming Grade 8 pupil of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, on the other hand, won the bronze in the Standard competition of the U18 Boys class. Rigil Kent Rosell of Lipa City, Batangas won the gold while Zeus Alexis Paglinawan of San Mateo, Rizal took the silver.