Turqueza rules Phoenix national junior chess tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Mari Joseph Turqueza firmed up his claim as the country’s top junior chess player as he ruled the Phoenix Petroleum-National Juniors tournament at the NCCC Mall in Davao City last Tuesday.          

Turqueza, who also ruled the Davao City Mayor Duterte boys’ 20-and-under crown last week, beat top seed Sheider Negato in the eighth round then drew with No. 2 Richielieu Salcedo in the final round to capture his second straight title.

The 18-year-old psychology student at San Sebastian pooled eight points, including seven victories, to claim the top P15,000 purse and the right to represent the country in the World Juniors slated Aug. 1-16 in New Delhi, India.

“I’m very happy with this win,” said Turqueza, also a veteran of the Shell active chess circuit. “After being away from my family, I’m proud to bring home these trophies.”

Janelle Mae Frayna, on the other hand, reigned in the girls side, finishing with 7.5 points on six wins and three draws in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with Phoenix Petroleum and the Davao City government.

Giovanni Mejia trounced last year’s champion Paulo Bersamina in the eighth round then closed out with a victory over Joey Florendo to finish second with 7.5 points. He received P10,000.

Salcedo and Christian Yves Fiel shared third place with seven points while Nebato, Kevin Mirano, Jerad Docena, Jerwell Andoy and Kyz Llantada wound up tied for fifth with 6.5 points.

Frayna, a mainstay of the multi-titled FEU team in the UAAP, finished half a point ahead of Rowelyn Acedo and Mikee Charlene Suede in the 46-player girls tournament.

Frayna capped her campaign with a win over Jessa Marie Balbona and a draw with Judith Pineda in the last two rounds. She took home P10,000.

Acedo and Suede pocketed P6,000 each.

Acedo drew with Ynna Sophia Canape and Jean Karen Enriquez, while Suede trounced Cherry Ann Mejia and Dhonna Yngayo to finish with identical scores of seven points.