WHILE Corpus Christi and Xavier University remain as chess powers in inter-school tourney in Cagayan de Oro, Merry Child School and Bulua Elementary School have begun to make their presence felt.

In the recently concluded 2nd Dancesports and Age-Group chess competition held this time around at Barangay 24 covered court, students from Bulua-based schools were able to keep pace with the favored bets.

Vincent Salcedo of Bulua Elementary School produced a perfect score of 5 points to win the 10-under rivalry which saw Merry Child compatriots Ben Dominic Borja and Christian Coquilla sharing second to 3rd places with similar 4 points.

At joint 4th were Andrew Felicilda of South City Central School and and Alwyn Dave Borres of West City Central School.

It's a 1-2 finish for fellow XUGS bets Othniel Yulo and Karl Francis Honculada in the 8-under section, followed by Andrei John Felisilda at 3.5 points and joint 4th John Paulo Nery IV of Xavier University Grade School, Noel Francis Labis of West City Central School and Honey Grace Baclayo of Merry Child School at 3 points each.

So dominant are the Corpus Christi chessers in 14-under level that CCS varsity mainstays Chester Coquilla, Alyssa Jamaca, Ma. Caissa Lumancas, Leuvin Paul Salgados, and Monique Rodriguez all finished from one to 5th places.

Dancesports organizer Joe Awitin, National Arbiter Lorenzo Cuizon and his wife, Woman National Master (WNM) Cecile Cuizon of the City Sports chess program, awarded plaques and medals to the winners.

Over at the Capitol Chess Club, veteran Class B player Renan Cantilado defeated Keith Ibaoc of Corpus Christi School in the final round to rule its Level 3 tourney.

West City Central's Alwyn Dave Borres improved by ruling the Level 1 and 2 division ahead of 2nd placer Gian Espiritu of Lourdes Grade School and Neil Fernandez. Arbiter was Capitol chess trainor Johnnel Balquin. (LLS)