FACE-TO-FACE chess action returns on Friday with the Philippine National Juniors Championships set at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) building along Mindanao Ave., Quezon City.
Fide Master Alekhine Nouri and Vic Glysen Derotas are players to watch in the 20-strong field—10 boys and 10 girls—that made the nine-round tournament via online qualifiers.
Completing the boys’ section are Jeremiah Luis Cruz, Karlycris Clarito, Jr., Khent Darylle Delig, Adrian Othniel Yulo, Jarvey Labanda, Christian Marcelo Olaybal, Israelito Rilloraza, Johnmari Joseph Lu and Ronald Canino.
Making up the girls’ side are Ma. Eliza Villa, Rinoa Mariel Sadey, Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, Bea Mendoza, Jarel Renz Lacambra, Lexi Grace Hernandez, Precious Eve Ferrer, Ruelle Canino and Darlyn Villanueva.
The winners will qualify for the Philippine National Championships and get the chance to play in the Asian and World Juniors Championships next year. They will also receive cash prizes in the four-day event supported by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Philippine Olympic Committee POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Chess Movement Inc. chairman Dr. Ariel Potot.
“This our first over-the-board tournament after holding online tournaments in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic so everybody is just excited to play,” said NCFP chief operating officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, who said they will implement strict health protocols.
Nouri, now 15, is the country’s youngest player claim a Fide Master title at 7.
The 20-year-old Derotas, on the other hand, is fancied to top the girls’ side having ruled the same competition two years ago at the Alphaland in Makati City. Jeth Romy Morado won the last juniors crown in 2019.