Face-to-face national juniors’ chess tilt set

Country’s top chess prospects test their mettle over the board after a two-year hiatus in the Philippine National Juniors Championships starting Friday at Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence building in Quezon City.

FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri in the boys’ side and Vic Glysen Derotas in the girls’ event banner the field of qualifiers who made the cut after a nine-round tournament online.

The four-day event featuring 20 players—10 boys and 10 girls—dangle prize money and berths to next year’s Philippine National Championships plus a chance to represent the country in international tournaments.

“This our first over-the-board tournament after holding online tournaments in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic so everybody is just excited to play,” said NCFP chief operating officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

Jeremiah Luis Cruz, Karlycris Clarito, Jr., Khent Darylle Delig, Adrian Othniel Yulo, Jarvey Labanda, Christian Marcelo Olaybal, Israelito Rilloraza, Johnmari Joseph Lu and Ronald Canino complete the boys’ cast.

Meanwhile, Ma. Eliza Villa, Rinoa Mariel Sadey, Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, Bea Mendoza, Jarel Renz Lacambra, Lexi Grace Hernandez, Precious Eve Ferrer, Ruelle Canino and Darlyn Villanueva make up the girls’ side.

The event is backed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez, NCFP president Butch Pichay, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino and Chess Movement, Inc. chairman Dr. Ariel Potot.

The 15-year-old Nouri, the country’s youngest FM title at seven, is favored to win the boys’ title while the 20-year-old Derotas is fancied to repeat after winning same event was done face-to-face two years ago. Celest Flores-Colina