MHAGE GERRIAHLOU SEBASTIAN edged Jarel Renz Lacambra to show the way in the girls’ section of the Philippine National Juniors Chess Championships at the PACE Center along North Avenue in Quezon City over the weekend.
Sebastian, 15, remained perfect with five points after he beat Precious Eve Ferrer, Ma. Elayza Villa, Divine Grace Luna and Lexie Grace Hernandez.
The Far Eastern University standout will have her hands full though against closest pursuer Ruelle Canino, a 13-year-old phenom from Cagayan de Oro, when they face each other in the sixth round on Monday.
The prodigious Canino smashed Grace Hernandez to improve to four points in the event supported by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Chess Movement Inc. chairman Dr. Ariel Potot.
Fide Master Alekhine Nouri and Adrian Othniel Yulo trounced Khent Darylle Delig and Christian Marcelo Olaybal, respectively, to lead the premier open division with four points each.
Nouri, 15, however, owns the better tiebreak after he beat Yulo in the previous round.
Ronald Canino drew with Jarvey Labanda to trail the leaders by half a point at 3.5 points.
The winners in the tournament will be the country’s representatives to the Asian and World Championships, according to NCFP chief executive officer Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.