Villanueva, Lavandero rule youth online chess tilt

Drinian Villanueva of Tanauan, Batangas and Danica Jolly Lavandero of Cebu topped the 7-and-under division to lead the winners of the National Youth Online Chess Championships.

Villanueva reigned supreme in the boys’ side with 9.5 points while Lavandero took the girls’ title by finishing seven points in the event that drew hundreds of participants including four-year-old Gab Miguel Rafael Barcenola from Cavite.

Seven-year-old John Curt Valencia of Dasmarinas stole some of the spotlight by ruling the boys’ 9-under with 9.5 points while Daniela Bianca Cruz copped the girls’ 9-under crown with 10 points.

Other winners were King Whisley Puso from Sta. Rosa, Laguna (11U), Kaye Lalaine Regidor (11U), Oscar Joseph Cantela (13U), Daren dela Cruz (13U), Chester Neil Reyes (15U), FIDE Master Jerlyn Mae San Diego (15U), Paul Matthew Llanillo (17U), Mary Joy Tan (17U).

Meanwhile, International Master Rolanda Nolte overcame the strong challenge by the young guns to win the Masters Challenge section 10 points, or two points ahead of Darry Bernardo.

The tournament was organized by the Endgame Sports Multi-Events, Inc.