by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes, a 9- year-old chess prodigy won the 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championships Grandfinals Under-10 division held online via the Tornelo platform from June 26 to June 29, 2021. He became the Philippines’ youngest National Master.
From left to right: Mrs. Jasmine Constantino Reyes, National Master Oshrie Jhames Constantino Reyes, Santa Rita Mayor Ferdinand L. Salalila and Mr. Jimmy Reyes.
Reyes, a grade 4 student of EZEE, Guagua, Pampanga, collected nine points on eight wins, two draws and one loss to win the 1 hour + 30 seconds increment Standard time control Single Round Robin format.
Reyes scored victories over Phil Martin Casiguran in the second round, John Curt Valencia in the third round, Miel Harson Pabalinas in the fourth round, Aldrin Bernardo in the fifth round, Rafiel Irvin Lacorte in the sixth round, Sebastian Marbas in the eight round, Joash Alton Gumiran in the ninth round and Jaden Cedric Abesamis in the tenth round.
He split the point with Ronell Jose in the seventh round and Jan Calvin Abesamis in the eleventh and final round. His loss to Christian Tolosa in the first round.
Reyes, a resident of Barangay Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga is the youngest in the Philippines to receive the National Master title, breaking the record previously held by Oliver Barbosa who got the elusive NM title at the age of 11.
With his latest feat, Reyes received two National Master norms plus one Candidate National Master title, P3,000 top purse and is set to represent the country in the Asian Youth, World Youth & World Age Group FIDE Events U10 & U11 Age category later this year.
Reyes already got his first 2 NM norms plus 1 CNM title after winning the National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals Under-11 division last June 14 to 17, 2021.
According to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chief Operating Officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, having three National Master norms is equavallent of National Master title.
Jubail Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Mr. Jimmy Reyes had something to say to his son OJ:
“Kuya OJ has captured the elusive Chess National Master Title at 9 yrs old as one of the newest and possible youngest National Master (NM) in Philippines Chess History. Truly pride of all Kapampangans. Congrats Chess National Master (NM) Oshrie Jhames Reyes. Champion – 2021 National Youth & School Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals -U11 Age Category, Champion – 2021 National Age Group Hybrid Chess Championship Grand Finals -U10 Age Category.Thanks to all who contributed to OJ ‘s Victory,”
Coaches, trainors and mentors who became part of OJ’s chess development are Alberto Corria (late Mang Palasky), Levis Miranda, Abel Dimalanta, Juan Rojano, Robin Chico, Jeffrey Pascual, Glenn Hullana Garcia, IM Barlo Nadera, Dale Bernardo, NM Homer Cunanan, NM / AGM Marlon Bernardino, CM Genghis Imperial, NM Romeo Alcodia, FM / AGM Robert Suelo Jr., GM Joey Antonio Jr., GM Jayson Gonzales (OJ’s Master Class trainor) , WGM Janelle Frayna (OJ’s Master Class trainor, Edward Serrano, Jose Camaya, Garry Reyes, Archimedes De Leon, Anthony Tungul, Ricard Copones and Noel Jay Estacio.
Sponsors who became part of OJ chess development Jake Carlos, Ryan Ace Tan, Darwin Isip, Jomar Cayanan, Rico Laxamana and Christian Henry Lacson.
Final Standings:(Under-10 division, Standard chess, Single Round Robin format)
9 points—Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes
8 points—Christian Tolosa
7.5 points—Phil Martin Casiguran
7 points—Joash Alton Gumiran, Sebastian Marbas
6.5 points—John Curt Valencia
6 points—Rafiel Irvin Lacorte
5 points—Jan Calvin Abesamis
4 points—Ronell Jose Co
2.5 points—Aldrin Bernardo