MANILA – Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III yesterday lauded the Philippine chess team for winning 95 medals to finish second behind Vietnam in the recent 15th ASEAN Plus Age-Group Chess Championships in Sands Cotai Central, Macau.

Of the record medal haul, the Philippines won 35 gold medals and bagged 43 silver and 17 bronze medals, surpassing the 24-28-13 output in last year’s edition in Thailand.

“Filipinos stand as one of the chess powers in Asia. We have consistently produced talents that have done the nation proud in regional tournaments,” Pimentel said in a press statement.

He specially mentioned 8-year old Precious Yecla, who became the youngest Woman FIDE Master, and Michelle Yaon who was also installed as a new WFM in the multi-nation tournament. The two became the instant toast of the 47-member Philippine delegation.

"We are proud and grateful of you. The medals are treasured independence day gifts to our people,” Pimentel said.

Paulo Bersamina earned his International Master title and Janelle Mae Frayna and Jan Jodilyn Fronda also gained their own IMs on the distaff side, highlighting the Filipinos’ respectable showing in the high-powered field of international campaigners that came from 50 nations in five continents.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov was the guest at the 10-day tournament that drew more than 600 players and team officials and delegates from 11-member countries of ASEAN and neighboring countries like China.

Competitors were entered in several categories, namely Under-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, U-18 and U-20.

Pimentel said he expects the new crop of Filipino pawn pushers to continue performing at a high level in bigger tournaments here and abroad.*PNA

back to top

Priests, pastors hold friendly table tennis
Nat’l chess team cited
Spurs on brink of 5th NBA title