FEU chess delegation in the 16th IGB Malaysian Chess Challenge. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Far Eastern University standouts completed a podium sweep in the challenger division of the 16th IGB Malaysian Chess Challenge Monday night.
Filipino Christina Marcelo Olaybal, a National Master and UAAP MVP, turned back Indonesian Simanjuntak Morado in the ninth and final round to win the crown.
Olaybal finished with eight points, half a point ahead of the pack that included the 15-year-old Ruelle Canino, Frank Loyd Andes, and two more Filipinos bets in Cedric Kahlel Abris and Mark James Marcellana with 7.5 points apiece.
Andes took the silver after falling to his 15-year-old teammate Ruelle Canino, who eventually claimed the bronze after tiebreaks were applied. Abris was fourth while Marcellana fifth.
Interestingly, two more Filipinos made the top 10 in former national junior girls champion Vic Glysen Derotas (eighth) and Lemmuel Jay Adena (10th).
Other FEU bets Oscar Joseph Cantela and Arleah Cassandra Sapuan aso reigned supreme in the Open Under-16 rapid and Girls U16 in the Merdeka Day Age Group tilt, respectively.
It was a strong finish for the team coached by Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of FEU’s chess program is its commitment to nurturing young talents, fostering a lifelong love for the game and instilling values such as discipline, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship,” said Gonzales.
“Their success in Malaysia is not an isolated incident but the result of years of training, unwavering support, and a culture of excellence. “