The Philippines harvested a total of 16 gold, 37 silver and eight bronze medals to finish second overall behind Vietnam in the 21st ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.
International Masters Daniel Quizon and Michael Concio, Jr. spearheaded the country’s charge after winning two golds each in the premier Open Under-20 section in the 10-day event that drew a total of 315 wood pushers from 16 countries including those outside the region like Japan, China, New Zealand, South Korea, India and FIDE (Russia).
Also delivering for the Filipinos were FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Panabo, Davao del Norte (Open U18), Mar Viel Carredo of Quezon City (U12), Millery Gen Subia of Cabanatuan (U10), and Ruelle Canino (U16) and Ashzley Aya Nicole Paquinol both of Cagayan de Oro (U12).
NCFP chairman/president Prospero Pichay lauded the team, which was also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, for its feat.
“Once again, our young Filipinos proved once more their talents. Despite the adversities and enormous challenges before them, they brought honor and pride to our great nation,” said Pichay.
The Philippine sent in 50 players while Vietnam, which ran away with the overall title with a whopping 92-gold, 36-silver and 50-bronze haul, had 165.
