Laguna’s Marticio bags Nat’l Age Group Girls U16 title

MANILA, Philippines – Cabuyao-Laguna’s Jersey Marticio ruled the Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals Under-16 Girls division held in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Sunday, April 9, 2023

The 15-year-old Marticio, a Pulo National High School Grade 10 student came out on top with 9.5 points on account of eight wins and three draws in eleven outings in 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment time control round-robin formatted tournament, organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and officiated by Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation, Inc.

“I’m very happy and very grateful for this chess competition because we’re going into the 21st ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand,” said Marticio.

Marticio’s stint was supported by Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez, Mayor Dennis Hain, Vice-Mayor Leif Opiňa, Brgy. Captain Algire, Engr. Rommel Ortillo and Arlene Malayo.

Marticio is a product of the grassroots chess program of Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) president Dr. Fred Paez.

According to NCFP CEO GM Jayson O. Gonzales, the champion in each group will represent the country in the upcoming 21st ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand to be held on June 17 to 27, 2023.

Meanwhile, Tyrhhone James Tabernilla of Imus City, Cavite topped the boys’ under-16 division by edging Cedric Kahlel Abris of Mandaluyong City. Both Tabernilla and Abris finished the 11 rounds tournament with identical 8.5 points each. However, the former won the title via higher tiebreaker points, in this weeklong tournament bankrolled by Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy.

Other winners were Christian Gian Karlo Arca and Franchesca Largo (U-18), Keith Adriane Ilar and Kaye Lalaine Regidor (U-14), Mar Aviel Carredo and Zhaoyu Capilitan (U-12) and Steve Zacky Bolico and Mary Janelle Tan (U-10). – Marlon Bernardino