TOP-RANKED John Ray Batucan of Davao absorbed an upset loss at the hands of ninth-seeded Sumail Sekak III of Cotabato City in the first round of the ongoing Mayor Peter B. Miguel National Age-Group Chess Championships Mindanao Leg at the Gaisano Grand Citimall, Koronadal City.
Sekak, thus, joined first round winners Earl Cyrus Catedral, Davao City's John Marvin Miciano, Carl Zirex Sato, Alberto Diolola, Jr., Gino Angelo Asuncion, Bhing Joel Gimony and Baltazar Rafales, Jr. in boys 20-under event.
Rafales, seeded 12th, of South Cotabato also humbled fourth-seeded Romeo Canino of Misamis Oriental.
In boys 14-under, 14th-seed Alritz Jefferson Amor stunned fourth-ranked Chrisus Joseph Sarchez of Koronadal City to pace after first round along with Japheth Aaron Caresosa, Ronald Canino, Chrisus Joshua Sarchez, Kurt John Placencia, Marc Jason Comendador and Charles Faith Ayon.
Matches were still being played as of Saturday.