The Manila Times

NM Velarde tops under-17 chessfest

NATIONAL Master (NM) Jerish John Velarde of Imus City shone in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Under-17 Open Grand Finals held at the Dapitan City Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday.

The 16-year-old grade 10 student of St. Martha Montessori School in Imus City finished the tournament with 5.0 points and pocketed the top purse of P5,000.

Velarde, who is supported by Imus City Mayor Alex “AA” Advincula, Cavite Third District Rep. Adrian Jay “AJ” Advincula, and CFMI-JJM Construction, defeated Franklin Loyd Andes in the first round, Lemmuel Jay Adena in the third round, Zeus Alexis Paglinawan in the fourth round, Janmyl Dilan Tisado in the sixth round and Robick Vohn Villa in the seventh and final round.

His setbacks came against Jeremiah Luis Cruz in the second round and Ritchie James Abeleda in the fifth round.

“I didn’t look to the title, just to play my best,” said Velarde, who grew up in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” added Velarde who is slated to play in the 6th Asean Youth Chess Championship to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from Nov. 4-13, 2022.

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2022-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/282213719686762

The Manila Times