Aklanon woodpusher earns berth to ASEAN age group tourney

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Precious Day Ame Yecla of Kalibo, Aklan placed second in the tight battle for girls’ under-8 division crown at the conclusion of National Age-Group chess championships grand finals.

The tournament held from April 21 to 28 gathered more than 190 participants from different provinces in the annual chess event of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) at the Leachar Resort and Leisure Park in San Antonio, Quezon.

Yecla, an incoming grade 3 pupil from Saint Dominic School of Kalibo, collected 10.5 points in the 13-round Swiss-system tournament, to trail a half point behind champion Arianne Pearl Caalim of Naga City.  

With the victory, the eight-year old Yecla will represent the country in the 15^th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Macau, China on June 3 to 12. 

The fifth-ranked chess player from Aklan had a good start after posting convincing wins against Marjeri Janapin of Taguig City, Daren dela Cruz, Princess Mae Ann San Diego, Arianne Pearl Caalim of Naga City, Florence Gayle Isabedra of Quezon, Gail Althea Gonzales, Zea Canasta of Masbate City and Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City in the first eight rounds. 

She drew a bye in the ninth round then subdued Jaina Ayu Albarece in the 10^th round. 

Yecla suffered her first loss in the next round after bowing from Candice Faye Caalim of Naga City. 

In the 12^th round, Yecla split the point with Aliyah Rae Lumangtad. She outsteadied Casey Manlosa of San Fernando, Cebu in the penultimate round of the 13 player’s field.  

The tournament is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee and hosted by the municipal government of San Antonio, Quezon, led by Mayor Erick M. Wagan and Vice Mayor Jay S. Vesuño.