San Diego, Marticio Lead Philippine Girls to FIDE Online Olympiad


by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Jerlyn Mae San Diego (above right) of Dasmarinas City, Cavite and Woman National Master Jersey Marticio (above left) of Cabuyao City, Laguna defeated their last round opponents, respectively, to share the top honors at the conclusion of the Selection Event for 2021 FIDE Online World Chess Olympiad – Grand Finals (Girls) Division Wednesday held online at Chess.Com Platform.

The 16 year old San Diego, one of the top players of Dasmarinas Chess Academy put up by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. and national coach FM Roel Abelgas toppled Kate Nicole Ordizo of Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

The 14 year old Marticio, on the other hand, under the care of Cabuyao City Mayor Atty. Rommel “Mel” Gecolea, Sports Director of Cabuyao City Mr. Jerome Paul Lualhati, Cabuyao City Chess Committee Head and Philippine Executive Chess Association President Dr. Fred Paez, routed Woman National Master Kaye Lalaine Regidor of Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

With the win, San Diego and Marticio both finished 8 points apiece in nine outings and will thus lead the country’s girls team to the second FIDE Online Olympiad slated August 13 to September 15, 2021.

Also making the team were IM Paulo Bersamina and GM Darwin Laylo for the men’s, WNM Francois Marie Magpily and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna for the women, IM Michael Concio Jr. and FM Alekhine Nouri for the boys.

Tournament director is FST/GM Jayson O. Gonzales while Chief Arbiter is IA Reden Cruz.

Final Standings: (Girls Division)
8 points—Jerlyn Mae San Diego, WNM Jersey Marticio
5.5 points—Kate Nicole Ordizo
4.5 points—WNM Mary Joy Tan
4 points—WFM Allaney Jia Doroy, WIM Kylen Joy Mordido
3.5 points—WNM Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, Jarel Renz Lacambra
2 points—WNM Kaye Lalaine Regidor
WIM Kylen Joy Mordido, Jarel Renz Lacambra, Marielle Agne Juzeia