by Kristel Satumbaga
Leonel Escote and Juan Samson Guillermo Cantela bested their 10th round opponents in the boys under-16 division yesterday in the Gov. Amor Deloso National Age Group Chess Championships at the Zambales Sports Complex in Iba, Zambales.
Escote downed Roniel Pansacula to remain at the helm with eight points while Cantela trounced Chrisus Joseph Sanchez for 7.5 points at second place to assure themselves of slots in the Philippine team bound to the ASEAN Age Group in Myanmar in June.
The Myanmar tilt will also give them a chance to earn International Master and FIDE Master titles.
Escote plays Clyde Harris Saraos while Cantela battles Chrisus Joshua Sanchez in the 11th and final round at press time in this tournament sponsored by Gov. Deloso and Congressman Cheryl Deloso, the Philippine Sports Commission and NCFP president Butch Pichay.
In the girls’ Under-16, Ma Elayza Villa dumped Irish Yngayo to propel to the top with 7.5 points, half a point ahead of erstwhile co-leaders Mary Joy Tan and Ruth Joy Vinuya, who battled to a draw.
Tan and Vinuya skidded to a share of second with seven points apiece.
In the girls’ U-14, Lovely Ann Geraldino pulled the rug from under former leader Heart Padilla to steal the solo lead with eight points with still a round remaining.
Padilla slipped to No. 2 with 7.5 points.
