MANILA – Knarf Lawrence Batislaong of Region XII went through a series of matches before emerging as solo champion in the boys’ category of the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation Secondary Online Rapid Chess Championship 2021 Palarong Pambansa Continuity Plan Pilot Event virtually held at the Tornelo Platform on Sunday (Dec. 5).
Batislaon outdueled National Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Region XI in the seventh round and Charliemagne Arias of Region XI in the eighth round before halving the point with Wenlan Temple of Region XII before claiming the championship.
“I am so very happy because this is my first time to win a national event. Beside i didn’t expect to win the tournament, Ill just play my very best,” the 15-year-old Batislaong said.
In the girls’ division, Aliyah Lumangtad of Region XI bested Mary Joy Asis Tan of Region X to capture the title.
Lumangtad and Tan, meantime tallied 7.5 points each followed by third placer Nathalie Liscano of Region XII who accumulated 7 points.
Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Director Joel Erestain and MVPSF Program Director Community Sports and Youth Development head Oscar P. Moreno Jr. said that the Top 10 finishers will advance to the grand finals. (PR) – bny
