Ronald Canino topped the boys’ 16-under division to lead 41 other qualifiers to the Nationals Finals in the 2018 National Age Group Open Championship Mindanao Leg held in Tagum, Davao del Norte over the weekend.
Canino, a 14-year-old Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School student, finished with 5.5 points, ahead of Japeth Aaron Caresosa and Philgymn Villajuan, who likewise advanced by finishing in the top three with five points apiece.
Her younger sister, Rhea Jean Canino, also made it through by reigning supreme in the girls’ 14-under section after edging Lorebina Carrasco II via tiebreaks after the two wound up tied on top with four points apiece.
Carrasco finished second and also made the cut along Shaina Grace Garcia, who finished third with 3.5 points in this event sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by Butch Pichay and organized by Chess Events Internacionale.
Antonella Berthe Racasa ruled the girls’ 12-under category after denying another Canino, Ruelle, a title.
Racasa and Canino ended up tied at the helm with 5.5 points but the former had a better tiebreak score to claim the crown.
Aliyah Rae Lumagtad took No. 3 with 4.5 points.
Among those who topped their sections and qualified were Tristan Frech Ibaoc, Jearaine Chato, Carl Zirex Chato, Aizel Jane Gicole, Mary Joy Tan, Haein Angelito Aparte, David Rey Ancheta, Clint Cavin Atoc, Kaye Lalaine Regidor, Stephen Louis Odi and Zhaoyu Capitilan.
