Docena, Manaloto grab solo lead in Malolos age-group chessfest

Malolos City---JERAD DOCENA and Heirry Manaloto clobbered their respective opponents to grab the solo lead in the on-going  Luzon leg of the 2013 National age-group chess championship 

here at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Malolos City, Bulacan.

The 15-year-old Docena, who hails from Antequera, Bohol subdued Jeazzir Kline Surposa of General Santos City in the second round before finishing Virgen Gil Ruaya of Antipolo City in the third round to lead the Boys under 20 divisions with perfect score of three points. The Pasay City resident Docena, a habitue of Spare and Strike in Bangkal, Makati City earlier clobbered John Eric Margarito of Quezon City in the first round.

"Jerad (Docena) is so talented that he could eventually be one of the Philippine’s best young player" Cebuano Grandmaster Richard Bitoon told National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

 “He has the obvious chess talent, he has the time, and he loves the game.” said Bitoon from Medellin, Cebu. 

Pichay for his part: “He’s a fighter, and he never gives up,” 

Manaloto, meantime the brilliant chess king of Tarlac, dismantled Jehoshapat Lemi of Vigan, Ilocos Sur,  local bet Clymar John Manipon and Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar of Malabon City, respectively to remain on top with 3.0 points in three outings in the Boys under 16 categories.

Organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel thru the initiative of NCFP Committee Chairman for Grassroots Development and Promotions Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, the Luzon age-group chess event is a qualifying tournament to select the country's representative in the ASEAN Age-group plus in Bangkok, Thailand in June. Tournament Director is NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales while IA Gene Poliarco is the Chief Arbiter.

Showing the way in the Boys under 12 and Under 14 are Dennis Gutierrez Jr. and Jhoemar Mendiogarin, who totes 3.0 points apiece.

Gutierrez Jr., the pride of Malolos City, Bulacan and San Fabian, Pangasinan defeated  Rafael Galio,  Lander Gabriel Fulcher and  James Michael Erese while the San Antonio, Quezon ace Mendiogarin routed Avel Louise Baldovia, Mark Perez and Carl Terence Valdellon, in order.

Other young woodpushers who tallied perfect 3.0 points are Jerish John Velarde and John Michael Castillo for the Boys under 8, Daniel Quizon for the Boys under 10, Jerlyn Mae San Diego and Princess Louise Ocita for the Girls under 8, Jessiel Marino for the Girls under 10, Jesca Docena for the Girls under 12, Alexis Charlotte Suede and Alexis Anne Osena for the Girls under 14, Shania Mae Mendoza for the Girls under 16 and Mikee Charlene Suede and Mariel Batulan for the Girls under 20.    -Marlon Bernardino