Oro’s Canino siblings make successful campaign in Thailand

CAGAYAN de Oro’s Canino siblings, Ronald and Ruelle, performed strongly in the recent Thailand Open 2019, finishing runner-up and top juniors, respectively, in Challenger’s category of the Amateur chessfest held at the Pattaya Beach resort in Thailand.

The 16-year-old Ronald Canino, now playing for Perpetual Help in Manila, actually tied with AGM Anand Tushar at six points each but lost the title to the top-seeded Indian master in the Bucholz tiebreaker.

His younger sister Ruelle “Tawing” Canino, 11, of Kauswagan Elementary School waxed hot early but lost steam in the later part of the 7-round Swiss System tourney.

Little Tawing’s 4.5 output was enough of an assurance, however, she also bagged the top juniors award on top of her winning the 12-under girls championship and third-place honor in mixed 12-under event for boys and girls.

Ronald Canino, the former standout of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School before his ascension to the University of Perpetual Help senior varsity chess team, won over Nilwadee Nilkhumhaeng, Ali Farbood, Marvin Ting, Khuong Duy Dau and James Infiesto and drew with Max Dave Tellor and Carl Zirex Sato.

“Sayang walay pildi si Ronron sa tiebreaker lang gyod sila nagdaug ni AGM Tushar,” said their ever supportive mother Gina, who accompanied her talented kids’ campaign in Thailand.

Ruelle Canino, on the other hand, bested Corazon Lucero, Felix Aguilera, Chew Ming Thomas Hoe and Arnold Agustin. She managed a draw with former National Shell Active junior champion Marvin Ting of the Philippines, but yielded to AGM Tushar and fellow Filipino Infiesto in the crucial round.