Cebuanos shine in ASEAN chessfest

CEBU, Philippines — A bunch of young but promising Cebuano pawnpushers led by Jave Mareck Lebumfacil Peteros stamped their respective classes in the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Age Group Chess Championship in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia recently.

Peteros made his first international stint a memorable one after emerging as the most bemedalled player among the five Cebuano members of Team Philippines who harvested a total of 58 golds, 40 of which came in the final three days of rapid and blitz actions.

Peteros, an aspiring chess master, hauled a total of five medals spotlighted by twin gilts in team rapid and team blitz. He also bagged silver in both the team standard and individual rapid and a bronze in individual blitz.

"It's my first international tournament and I am happy that all my hardwork, trainings and motivation have paid off. I am absolutely in awe and proud of my first achievements abroad. I would like to compete more in international events and dream of getting a chess title in the future," Peteros said.

"I am so grateful and thankful to all those who supported me especially my mom who never gave up on me since I started playing chess at six years old. I would like pursue my dream of becoming a chess master one day," he added.

Peteros' fellow Cebuano entries in Laila Camel Nadera, Krisen Yochabel Marie Sanchez, Alphecca Gonzales and Regina Catherine Quiñanola also stole part of the limelight during the week-long joust.

Nadera snared two golds in team rapid and team blitz plus a pair of bronze medals in individual blitz and individual rapid, Sanchez took one gold in team standard and a bronze in individual standard, Gonzales claimed gold in team blitz and a silver in individual blitz, while Quinañola picked up two silvers in team standard and team rapid and a bronze in individual standard. (FREEMAN)