By ADRIAN STEWART CO
AFM’s Ellaine Summer Abanco of Bacolod City emerged as the top performer in the premier 20-under division of the First Elite Chess Challenge held in Bacolod City, highlighting a tournament that drew more than 100 young wood pushers from across the Negros Island Region.
Abanco, a national PRISAA participant, Palarong Pambansa qualifier and NYSCC runner-up, topped the mixed field and also claimed the Top Female award in the 20-under category.
Meanwhile, Casey Josh Bariñan ruled the highly competitive 14-under division after surviving a tough field composed of some of the region’s rising young chess talents.
The tournament was organized by national arbiter Vicente Spark Argamaso in partnership with Negros Chess Club 64, Inc., serving as an unofficial youth chess gathering among players from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
In the 20-under category, Jireh Othilo Asuncion finished second, while Markley Partosa secured third place.
Ypon Zildjian and Markleley Partosa rounded out the Top 5.
AFM’s Michaell Jay Batadlan placed sixth, followed by Jhhurell Rodgun Ferrer in seventh, Kristian Jade Bardinas in eighth, Trident Spark Argamaso in ninth, and Kleint Cuelo in 10th place.
Other notable finishers included Justin Andrei Galoy, Lance Eubert dela Peña, Prince Ed Zyle Catalan, AIM’s Marl Edwynne Ahito, Danica Estrella, Jhared Bermudez, Rex Theodi Fababeir, Clifford Bhelle Talledo, Jo-an Letrada, and Clay Segovia.
In the 14-under division, Glysdi Just Gaid placed second behind champion Bariñan, while John Marco Agulto came in third.
Bob Arvie Ferrer finished fourth, AFM’s Amir Amores took fifth, Gem Perdrosa placed sixth, Lemer Toque ended seventh, and AFM’s Jayden Lawrence Moralidad finished eighth.
Aike Angelo Cuda landed ninth, while Maddison Faith Maghari finished 10th and earned the Top Female Scorer award.
The tournament also recognized Lucas Ysrael Maghari as the Youngest Male awardee and Gianna Catriona Maghari as the Youngest Female awardee.
Officials and organizers from Negros Chess Club 64, Inc. led the awarding ceremonies and closing rites, with support from local sponsors and chess stakeholders./ASC, WDJ