Sunday, May 18, 2008 John Ray Batucan: From Toril to Vietnam By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan
WHO would ever think that this 11-year-old from Barangay Daliao, Toril, Davao City will represent the country to the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships in Danang, Vietnam from June 8 to 19.
John Ray Batucan, RR to his family and friends, is set to make his international debut in the Vietnam Fide (World Chess Federation)-rated tournament that is expected to gather the best youth woodpushers in Southeast Asia.
He gained a slot for the Vietnam joust after emerging under-12 boys division champion in the 2008 Age-Group Chess Championship held at the Bulwagan Kaban ng Hiyas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila on April 1 to 6, 2008.
But RR's dream to compete abroad might be foiled due to funding problems.
"Hapi ko nga naka-champion ug magdula sa Vietnam pero murag dili ko madayon kay wala may money akong papa (I'm happy to become champion and get to play in Vietnam but I might not make it because we have no money to spend for my trip)," he said in a text message to Sun.Star Davao Saturday.
RR is the youngest son of Neptali Batucan Jr., a taxi driver, and Marilyn Belleza Batucan, a teacher.
With his Vietnam stint still uncertain, let me tell you why this young ace from Toril deserves to play in the Southeast Asia age-group chess spectacle.
He started pushing chess pieces at the age of eight.
"My father motivated me to play chess. He encouraged me then and he continues to inspire me to be the best that I can be in this sport"" he said.
An incoming Grade 5 student at the Don Juan dela Cruz Central Elementary School, this boy wonder first competed in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Day Chess Tournament on December 16 and 17, 2005 in Barangay Matina, 74-A where he bagged the runner-up honors in the kiddies under-16 event.
The next day, December 18, he redeemed himself by winning his first championship trophy during the Youth Day Chess Tournament under-18 event in Barangay Daliao, Toril.
He recalled, "I was so happy that time. I gained self-confidence with that victory."
The year 2006 was even more colorful for RR. He triumphed anew as junior under-18 champion in the Araw ng Barangay Daliao Chess Tournament on Valentine's Day.
He then clinched back-to-back titles in the San Vicente Fiesta Celebration Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 held April 6 and 7 in Toril and in the first leg of the BKCC-NCFP Kiddies Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 on April 8 at the Blue Knight Chess Club along Bonifacio St.
BKCC club director Ronnie Tabudlong shared, "I first met John Ray in July 2005. His father introduced me to him in a visit at my club. His father wanted him to be a member of my chess club. Right there and then, John Ray registered for the first BKCC tournament."
He said RR is a silent type of person and a humble player. He added, "I've been observing his games and I could see that he will have a bright future in chess because of his natural talent and his determination to win."
Tabudlong said RR pays attention to his mistakes and is very much eager to learn.
"I decided to give him a lot of chess playing software program compact disks for his personal training at home. His mother bought him a desktop computer for his training. His parents are very supportive of him," he said.
Still very much a child, RR tested the waters in the men's world. He competed in the class B open event of the Araw ng Barangay Bago Gallera in Talomo on April 22 and 23. He landed at the third spot among dozens of adult players. He also placed third in the kiddies under-14 BKCC-Pro Kiddies Chess Tournament on Labor Day.
His first exposure into the Big City was during the 2006 National Age-Group Chess Championships held at the St. Francis Square, Mandaluyong City on May 21 to 25 where he pocketed the bronze medal in the boys under-10 category.
From there, he saw action in seven more tournaments in 2006 including title victories in the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Kadayawan Age-Group Chess Tournament in August, Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet and in the Tagum City Parochial Fiesta in November, Chadric Builders Christmas Open & Kiddies Chess Tournament at the NCCC Mall and SK Tournament in Barangay Matina.
A second runner-up finish in the BKCC under-14 chess competition ushered RR's campaign in 2007.
He also placed third in the kiddies under-14 of the Araw ng Daliao Chess Tournament on February 14 before topping the Engineer Allan Diez Chess Tournament kiddies under-14 on February 27.
He represented Davao City during the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet on March 21 to 23 in Pantukan, Compostela Valley and won the gold medal in elementary boys board 2. That feat got him a slot to the Palarong Pambansa in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
At his second stint in the National Age-Group Chess Championships, RR played in the boys under-12 for the first time. He placed ninth.
But he didn't stop from that debacle. He persevered to improve his skill and bounced back with 10 more titles to his name.
He reigned in the BKCC under-14 Tournament, Kabasan Festival 2007 under-14 in the Island Garden City of Samal, 2007 Kiddies Chess Championship dubbed "Battle of Chess Achievers" at the Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao Open Age-Group Chess Championships under -12, RRD Kadayawan 2007 Chess Tournament, BKCC Chess under-16 at the Market Basket in Lanang, DCAA Meet, First Leo Avila Chess Tournament under-16, 2nd Leo Avila Chess Tournament under-16 and Pamaskong Handog ni Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Chess Tournament.
This year, he copped the boys elementary gold in the Davraa Meet held in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental before flying to Puerto Princesa City last month for the 2008 Palarong Pambansa where his tandem with Austin Jacob Literatus placed fourth in the team event.
He also ruled the Futures Chess Tournament.
And with the looming challenge that awaits him in Vietnam, RR's belief that "There is no glory without sacrifice" will certainly pave the way for him to conquer the odds there.
"Going to Vietnam is my biggest contribution as a Filipino because I'm competing there not for myself but for the country," he said.
As part of his preparations, he said he trains everyday. More so now that it's summer break.But on regular school season, he said, "I train everyday, one hour before I go to bed because I attend classes during the day. During weekends, I spend more time in training."
He dreams to become an International Master (IM) like Bobby Fisher. But his greatest dream as an athlete is to become a super grand master like Filipino child genius Wesley So.
Considering all RR's achievements, he does deserve to play in Vietnam. This rare opportunity is just too good to pass. Any help from kind-hearted souls are most welcome.
