NM Velarde tops National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Under-17 Open Grand Finals
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Sep 2022
MANILA---National Master (NM) Jerish John Velarde of Imus City shone in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Under-17 Open Grand Finals held at the Dapitan City Cultural Complex in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday.
NM Velarde, a Grade 10 student of St. Martha Montessori School in Imus City, playing under the guidance of Imus City mayor Alex "AA" Advincula, Congressman AJ Advincula and CFMI - JJM Construction, finished the tournament with 5.0 points.
The 16-year-old NM Velarde pocketed the top purse of P5,000 plus trophy for his stellar performance in the tournament sponsored by Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos and organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines under the leadership of it's chairman/president Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr.
During the tournament, NM Velarde defeated Franklin Loyd Andes in the first round, Lemmuel Jay Adena in the third round, Zeus Alexis Paglinawan in the fourth round, Janmyl Dilan Tisado in the sixth round and Robick Vohn K. Villa in the seventh and final round.
His setbacks came against Jeremiah Luis Cruz in the second round and Ritchie James Abeleda in the fifth round.
"I didn't look to the title, just to play my best," said NM Velarde, who grew up in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
"I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy," added NM Velarde whose next tournament is the upcoming 6th Eastern Asia (ASEAN) Youth Chess Championship to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from November 4 to 13, 2022.
NM Velarde was born in Imus City, Cavite. He now represents his hometown, Imus City, Cavite.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
Thu, 19 Feb 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
Thu, 19 Feb 2026BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
Thu, 19 Feb 202675 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
Thu, 19 Feb 20264 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026