NUMBER two seed Christian Pelione dominated the just-concluded 1st Negros Future Chess Masters 12 and Under Tournament 2018 with a perfect score over the weekend at City Mall Mandalagan.
The 10-year-old Pelione was a flawless champion in the inaugural age-group contest in seven games of 7 rounds of rapid play.
Other top four finishers were 2nd placer Dwayne Pahaganas (6.0/7pts, 32.5BH), 3rd placer Jhruell Ferrer (6.0/7, 31.5), and 4th placer Arnie Joanne Suravilla (6.0/7, 30.0).
Bacolod Chess Miters Association (BCMA) founding president and tournament director Ted Ian Montoyo expressed his gratitude for the winners and promising players and their parents who supported this tourney.
"Our chess program is focusing on the grassroots talents in Bacolod City. Part of that is to identify, develop and give talents a venue to improve their game and hopefully in life," Montoyo said.
Completing the top 15 placers are Jasmine Atienza, 5th; Jecuambz Cuambot, 6th; Johnmel Ignacio, 7th; Jamelin Lim, 8th; Amer Ice Uychiat, 9th; Shawn Agustin Paril, 10th; Ariette Jezka Villanueva, 11th; Kristian Jade Bardinas, 12th; Maveriex Lingco, 13th; Justin Marco Montoya of Jack & Jill School Homesite, 14th; and Aeralyn Sinining, 15th.
Special awardees in 10 and U were Joshua Wilfred Francisco and Roxxane Serrano, top 8 and U were Jet Ivan Sadia and Chiesa Cubos of Nazareth Institute, and best performer and youngest player 6-year-old Chanel Chu of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.
The winners received their respective cash prizes, trophies, and medals during the awarding ceremony on August 4. (HGD/SunStar Bacolod)