LINGAYEN, Pangasina – Five young woodpushers from Pangasinan fared well in the 6th Governor Amado Espino Age Group Chess Championships, the first chess tournament of the 2016 Pangasinan Chess Festival, held recently here.
Leading the Pangasinan delegation, John Ruiz Bravo of Lingayen secured the championship in 14 and under category and Francis Noel Versoza of Malasiqui topped the 10 and under category.
National Master Giovanni Mejia of San Jacinto fell short in winning the championship in the 20 and under category as he bowed to Quezon City’s Jeth Romy Morado in the finals who pocketed P6,000 pot prize.
Mark Noah Ventayen of Lingayen also prevailed second best in the 8 and under event while San Fabian local Christian Rilloraza landed third in 12 and under event.
Champions in other age group events include: Jhoeman Mendiogarin of LPU Manila in 18 and under (P5,000 cash prize); Jan Darryl Batula of Baguio City in 16 and under (P4,000 cash prize); Del Emerson Dela Cruz of Dasmarinas, Cavite in 12 and under (P3,000 cash prize); and Shaina Gai Bagorio of Nueva Vizcaya in 8 and under (P2,000 cash prize).
Awarding the cash prizes to the winners on behalf of Governor Amado I. Espino, III, Provincial Sports Consultant Modesto Operania bared during the closing ceremony held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center that the Pangasinan Chess Festival, a pioneering sports development program sustained by the provincial government had produced a roster of local chess champions who are now making waved in national and international scenes,
“Our sports programs are aligned witn the youth development thrust of the province,” said Operania who stressed that under the leadership of Governor Espino, more sports programs will be introduced.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Chess League (PCL) President Don Sison expressed gratitude to the provincial administration for being supportive of the series of chess clinics and tournaments in Pangasinan, which he said, hone the skils of local chess players.
Two more component tournaments of the Pangasinan Chess Festival 2016 have been set on November 19-20 (6th Pangasinan Chess Championship) and on December 16-18 (8thGov. Amado Espino Cup – Open Chess Tournament.
By Dexter A. See
