Christian Mendoza Wins GMG Youth Chess Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 May 2023
Final Standings: (Seven Rounds Swiss System, 124 participants, 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment rapid time control format)
6.5 points---Christian Mendoza
6.0 points---Jian Carlo Rivera, NM Al-Basher "Basty" Buto, Allan Gabriel Hilario, Jeanne Marie Arcinue, NM Oshrie James Reyes
5.5 points---FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca, AIM Gabriel Ryan Paradero
Mandaluyong City---Christian Mendoza, who hails from Antipolo City, emerged champion in the recently-concluded GMG Youth Chess Challenge Rapid Chess Tournament (15 years old and below) at 2nd floor Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Mendoza finished with 6.5 points in the 7-round Swiss System format competition to pocket the champion's prize of P 5,000 plus medal.
"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," said Mendoza.
The 15-year-old Mendoza, a Grade 10 student of Antipolo National Highschool, bested Jian Carlo Rivera of Rodriguez, Rizal, National Master Al-Basher "Basty" Buto of Cainta, Rizal, Allan Gabriel Hilario of Manila, Jeanne Marie Arcinue of Legaspi, Albay and National Master Oshrie James Reyes of Santa Rita, Pampanga who settled for second to sixth placers, respectively, who all finished with 6.0 points apiece.
Top seed Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Dasmariñas , Cavite, seventh, leading other 5.5 pointers Arena International Master Gabriel Ryan Paradero of Pasig City via superior tiebreaks.
The third seed Mendoza posted sixth straight wins against Xian Aiken Cuartero (Round 1), Delia Marie Penaverde (Round 2), Lira M. Placer (Round 3), Jude Angelo Dableo (Round 4), Allan Gabriel Hilario (Round 5) and Woman National Master Jersey Marticio (Round 6). He split the points with National Master Oshrie James Reyes in the seventh and final round.
Backed up by Thailand based coach National Master Gerald Ferriol, GMG Youth Chess Challenge Rapid Chess Tournament (15 years old and below) was organized by Bayanihan Chess Club and was sanctioned by National Chess Federation of the Philippines in close cooperation, rated by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in close cooperation with Balinas Family, Ms. China Aurelio and Ms. Mimi Casas of Open Kitchen and Mr. Richard Poblete-Ramos of Eurobake Restaurant - Bakeshop and supervised by the Backed up by Thailand based coach National Master Gerald Ferriol, GMG Youth Chess Challenge Rapid Chess Tournament (15 years old and below) was organized by Bayanihan Chess Club and was sanctioned by National Chess Federation of the Philippines in close cooperation, rated by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in close cooperation with Balinas Family, Ms. China Aurelio and Ms. Mimi Casas of Open Kitchen and Mr. Richard Poblete-Ramos of Eurobake Restaurant - Bakeshop and supervised by the Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation (PACC).
The event aimed to develop good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie.
Earlier, Atty. Rodolfo Enrique "Rudy" Rivera and Mr. Jessie Villasin made the ceremonial moves kicking off the one-day tournament also graced by Ms. Mimi Casas, Marco Polo Sanido and Alisangco siblings Novenik William and Nikonov Samuel.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Weigh-in Results: Collazo and Valdez On Weight for Flyweight Showdown in Oceanside
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Jun 2026“I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me.” Tony Yoka prepares for Murat Gassiev
Sat, 20 Jun 2026Alex Eala continue her magical run by beating World No. 8 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Jun 2026BOXING LEGEND: JIMMY CARRUTHERS
By Ray Dunbar, Fri, 19 Jun 2026WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH H2O SYLVE vs. JOJO DIAZ
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Collazo vs. Valdez Final Press Conference Quotes
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Alex Eala beats World No.2 Elena Rybakina
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Jun 2026Undefeated Cuban Middleweight Pedro Veitia Scores Electrifying Stoppage of Previously Unbeaten Taiwo Afolabi
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Riyadh Season boxing events will stream free starting in November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 19 Jun 2026Heavyweight Contender Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo Returns June 28 in Main Event of "Fist of Fury 11"
Fri, 19 Jun 2026DC Eagles routs Perfect, 5-1 in R5
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 19 Jun 2026PCCI Las Piñas Leaders to Visit Lipa for the June 20 JCI Rapid Chess Tournament
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez eyes five squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Jun 2026PACHECO CLASHES WITH ALEEM ON STACKED LA CARD
Thu, 18 Jun 2026Rising Mexican Contender Neider Valdez Steps in to Face Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo in WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Championship Fight
Thu, 18 Jun 2026