Young Filipino chesser shines in Singapore chessfest

MANILA, Philippines — Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia finished tied for first in the 35th Singapore National Age Group Chess Championships last Sunday.

The 14-year-old Faeldonia, a grade 8 National U student trained under National Master Rudy Ibañez and supported by Odiongan, Romblon Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic, defeated Fook Weng Pheng of Malaysia in 35 moves of a Chebanenko Slav in the eighth and final round to seal the win.

The Manila-based Faeldonia who hails from Odiongan, Romblon, is the 2018 national  Under 14 age group champion.

He tied with top seed Sean Christian Goh of Singapore on similar seven points in eight outings.

Faeldonia’s Singapore stint is supported by Mayor Fabic, Arellano University, Manila councilor Anton Capistrano, sportsman Reli de Leon, eight-time Illinois champion International Master Angelo Young, NM Edgardo Garma, seven-time Philippine executive champion Dr. Jenny Mayor and Fide Master elect Robert Suelo Jr.