"OJ" Reyes wins 1st Governor Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial Youth Chess Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Jun 2023
MANILA---Filipino chess wizard Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes, a certified National Master (NM), dominated the 1st Governor Francisco G. Nepomuceno Memorial Youth Chess Challenge (FIDE Rapid event) held at the Marquee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga on Sunday, June 11.
The 11-year-old Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga native, graduating grade 6 pupil of Santa Rita College (SRC), collected 6.5 points in seven outings to win the event organized by National Arbiter Jose Fernando "Fer" Camaya.
With his feat, Reyes received the top purse of P6,000 plus trophy in the one-day FIDE rated rapid event, applying the time control of 15 minutes plus 3 seconds increment, backed up by sportsman/ entrepreneur Mr. Francisco Nepomuceno Antonio, Prosel Pharma Inc. and Coffee cat Cafe.
Reyes scored victories over Kyle Andrei Dinglasan in the first round, Sian Hevn Casares in the second round, Arena Fide Master Ronell Jose Co in the third round, Rian Edora in the fourth round, Karl Richard Ballobar in the sixth round and Mike Emmanuel A. Mendoza in the seventh and final round. He split the point with Mar Aviel Carredo in the fifth round.
“OJ reigns as the champion in the strong field chess tournament by converting his difficult game positions into victories that overpowered his co-chess players with a superb performance with almost perfect score of 6.5 points out of 7 rounds, rapid time control,” said Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jaime “Jimmy” Reyes, OJ’s father.
"I'm so happy to have been part of such an incredible event," said the young and amiable Reyes, an incoming Grade 7 student of University of Santo Tomas under the guidance of coach Grandmaster candidate Ronald Dableo.
OJ is in rigid training under the wings of his personal coach International Master Eric Labog.-Marlon Bernardino-
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