MANILA – National Master Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan City ruled the Chess Palace Philippines Age-Group Chess Championships Under-12 division nationwide online chess tournament held via the tornelo platform on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
The 12-year old Cu, a Grade 7 pupil of Xavier School in San Juan City came out on top with 6 points on account of six wins and one loss in seven outings in this 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format organized by Chess Palace Philippines in cooperation with Pwede Pa Kami Group Chess Club sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and officiated by Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation, Inc.
Cu scored victories over Aelona Lou Tomas Mendoza in the first round, Z.M. in the second round, Aaron de Asas in the third round, Cassey Miguel Tabarno in the fourth round, Jian Carlo Rivera in the sixth round, and National Master Al-Basher Buto in the seventh and final round.
His only setback was at the hands of Keith Adriane Ilar in the fifth round.
“Congratulations, NM Ivan, for securing the championship in the Chess Palace Philippines Age Group Championship Under-12 division. This competitive battleground pitted top young chessers in a seven (7) round Swiss system competition with a time control of 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment, played on the Tornelo platform,” father and coach Mr. Teddy Cu said.
“Coming in first in this tournament is the result of your hard work and rigorous training. With even more practice, we know you will continue to rise to greater heights. Keep up the good work, Ivan! Thank you to the organizers – Chess Palace Philippines, in cooperation with PPKGCC and sanctioned and officiated by the NCFP. All this would not be possible without the grace of our Lord,” he added. (PR) – bny