Cutiyog wins girls U16 title in Dumaguete City chess tourney

MANILA – Jirah Floravie Cutiyog topped the girls Under-16 standard division in the standard event of the National Age Group Chess Championships Eliminations at the Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City on Tuesday night.

The 15-year-old defeated Kristel Love Nietes in 58 moves of Scandinavian Defense to claim the title with 7.5 points in the tournament presented by Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria in cooperation with Negros Oriental Congressman Manuel Sagarbarria.

“I am very happy with my victory because almost all of the top players in Dumaguete and nearby provinces, as well as those from Metro Manila, joined the tournament," said Cutiyog, a Grade 9 student of Bethel Academy of Sta. Clara in General Trias, Cavite.

Cutiyog scored victories over Alyssa Gale Deposoy (Round 1), Giesel Pacubat (Round 2), Maryss Annxeniel Caldoza (Round 3), Zhaoyu Capilitan (Round 4), Anna Beatrice Bombales (Round 5), Yezka Mendoza (Round 7) and Nietes (Round 8). She drew with Florence Gayle Isabedra (Round 6).

"It was another awesome performance for Jirah Floravie Cutiyog," said Arena FIDE Master Ederwin Estavillo, who coaches the City of General Trias team.

Other winners were John Jerish Velarde (boys U18), Jersey Marticio (girls U18), Gabriel Ryan Paradero (boys U16), Jaymiel Piel (boys U14), Jemaicah Mendoza (girls U14), Sebastian Damonsong (boys U12), Cyreine Jean Borce (girls U12), John Kristoff Bautista (boys U10) and Khana Kathrine Ventolero (girls U10).

The top eight players in each category have earned slots in the Grand Finals scheduled from June 22 to 30 at the Dapitan City Sports Complex in Zamboanga del Norte.

“The top eight of each category will clinch slots to the grand finals in Dapitan where we will have truly the best of the best,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer Jayson Gonzales. (PNA)