Arellano tops Milo Checkmate test

MANILA, Philippines - Jerome Gabriel Arellano of Sacred Heart Academy of Novaliches topped the junior division in the final evaluation of the fourth of six series of the Milo Checkmate year-round chess clinics at Starmall Edsa Shaw in Mandaluyong City over the weekend.

Arellano, 14, posted a perfect score of four points after five rounds of play in the one-day age-group tournament aimed at monitoring the performance of the students after a two-week chess lesson.

Tied for second in the junior section were Armand Gabriel Narvaja and John Rorre Yockte. Other winners were: 12-under – Zachary Aldridge Africa (first); Juan Angelo Pogoso (second); Jonas Endaya (third); Yoshiki Daranciang (fourth). 10-under – Andrea Louise Aluner (first); James Ganotisi (second); Jaydee Bonom (third); Allen Bindoy (fourth). 8-under – Cedric Kahlel Abris (first); Justice Carl Almojuela (second); Don Arnaldo Dizon (third); Max Andrei Licuanan (fourth).

Other awardees were Africa (most disciplined); Abris (most organized); Bonom (most improved); and Justin Asher Lee (exemplary display of sportsmanship). The trophies and medals were donated by the sponsoring Milo, the country’s No. 1 energy drink.

 Meanwhile, the fifth series will start on Sept. 6 and the clinic will be held every Saturdays. For details, contact the Metropolitan Chess Club at 0922-822-6319 or 0935-370-8808 or visit the fan page facebook: Milo Checkmate Chess Clinic and Sports Academy.