Fernandez tops Shell chess

MANILA, Philippines—Alfer Joseph Fernandez stunned top seed Yves Christian Fiel in the fifth round then nipped fellow University of the Visayas bet Michael Silvederio in the tie-break to bag the boys’ juniors division crown in the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships-Visayas leg at SM Cebu-Activity Center last Sunday.

Fernandez, who with Fiel and Vincent Balena swept their first four matches in the 20-and-under category, also toppled Balena in the sixth round then drew his last two games against Silvederio and James Torres to finish with seven points.

Silvederio matched that output with a final round victory over Balena to clinch the other berth in the grand finals of the annual event sponsored by Pilipinas Shell set next month at SM Megamall.

Also advancing to the national finals slated Oct. 8-9 were Jessa Marie Balbona (girls’ juniors), Allan Pason and Kyle Rhenzi Sevillano boys’ kiddies) and Vic Glysen Derotas (girls’ kiddies).

Fiel wound up tied for third with Torres and Yuri Cauba at 6.5 points.

Balbona scored 3.5 points in the last four rounds, including a final round victory over Sheila Sepanton, to tally six points in the seven-round girls’ for 20-and-under class.