Mirano stays perfect in Davao age-group chess tourney
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Top seed Mira Mirano of Aklan is leading the Under 14 girls category after five rounds in the 2011 National Age-Group Chess Championships in Davao City.

Thirty chess players in the Under 14 girls category are vying for the top spot to represent the country in ASEAN Age Group championship in Tarakan, Indonesia on June 11 to 20.

Aklan sports coordinator Wilfredo Neri said the chess tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is being held at the Gaisano Mall, Davao City from April 25 to 28.

Mirano (FED rating 1793) defeated 7th seed Janeil Basbas, 19th seed Shania Mae Mendoza, 10th-ranked Janin Crisologo, 3rd seed Dhona Yngayo (FED 1648) and 5th seed Crisselne Alcarz for her five straight win in this tough seventh-round tournament hosted by Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

Mirano of Saint Gabriel College High School department will meet Ella Grace Moulic in the sixth round. Overall, Mirano has a one point over Yngayo, Moulic and Alcarz with two rounds left.

Meanwhile, 7th seed Christian John Dumo of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School (KPES) notched victories over second-ranked Ces Nickel Butal and Billy Samuel Ventanilla after four rounds to stay in contention in the field of 16 players in Under 8 boys category.

In the Under 8 girls, Marysol Frances Quitong of Bulwang Elementary School in Numancia, Aklan scored wins over Me Ann Joy Baclayon and Kheam Ara de Guzman to share 5th to 8th places after four rounds.

Lianne Tiffany Garingalao of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School (KPES) also defeated Rodelyn Rico and halved the point with Kristensen Banguiran and Honey Grace Buenafe while Alea Bianca Garingalao, also of KPES, whipped her opponents – Rizalle Gegare and Caissa Jane Guevarra, in the Under 12 girls category.

Two Aklan chess players – Kevin Mirano and Susan Grace Neri will also played in the National Juniors Chess Championships from April 29 to May 3 in Davao City.