SOME 20 children from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental vie for the national slots in the 2017 National Age-Group Chess Championships Mindanao Leg eliminations now underway at the NCCC Mall in Davao City.
Ruelle “Tawing” Canino will lead the Cagayan de Oro delegation, even that he’s been reportedly given an outright seat to the national finals in the 10-under boys level.
The 8-year-old Canino, last year’s Asean Age Group Chess Championships gold medalist and back-to-back national age group champion, will test his mettle in the 12-under Open against tougher male foes.
No less than the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) has given the green light to reserve a slot for Canino in the national finals.
“Seeded na daw siya sa national finals pero ipapugos daw siya padula sa 12-under boys as part of his training preparation,” confirmed Canino’s mother, Gina.
Tawing’s older brothers Romeo and Ronald and sister Rhea will also see action in their respective age categories.
Former RP-Asean Age Groupers Tristan Frech Ibaoc, Mary Joy Tan, Me Ann Baclayon and Chergaets Andres will also try their luck in the national finals along with Palaro veteran Clyde Harris Saraos of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
Making to the Oro list of participants in Davao as submitted by Johnnel Balquin, Mayor Oscar S. Moreno’s trusted guy in chess, also include Samantha Irish Balquin, Frietzelle Jean Quiem Acebes, Ralph Lawrence Labradores, JoelHoy, Joseph dela Rama, Adrian Othniel Yulo, Bhea Buen Ecal, Emmanuel Acierto, Christopher James Carcueva and David Ancheta.