Kwan is Kiddies Chess Queen in Queen City of the South
By Winchell Campos
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 23 Jun 2024
CEBU City—Adina Vera Kwan crowned herself queen of Cebu by scoring a rare sweep in the Cebu leg of the June 1000GMs (grandmasters) kiddies chess championships Saturday here.
In the 11 years-and-under category where both boys and girls competed alongside each other, Kwan proved immovable and focused as she beat all seven opponents in this Swiss System tournament held at the CityMall in the Bacalso district.
Surprisingly, Daniela Chaeline Villalon made it a 1-2 finish for the girls as she finished solo second with 5.5 points in this tournament sponsored by the 1000GMs organization, in Cebu, also known as the Queen City of the South.
Seeded sixth, Kwan was prepared for all comers as she showed her mastery of the London System, her pet opening with the white pieces as well as the Sicilian Najdorf as black, among other opening lines.
After breezing past her first two assignments, the 10-year-old University of Cebu standout beat third seed Juan Miguel Templonuevo, seventh seed Villalon, fifth seed Danica Jolly Lavandero, 12th seed John Patrick Rabor in blazing fashion.
Adina Vera Kwan (C) is 1000GMs Cebu Leg Champion.
By the seventh round, Kwan was already a whole point ahead of eighth seed Renz Jay Oporto, who was at erstwhile solo second. The charming lady chesser never let her guard down a bit as she essayed the London Opening to win handily, getting a high-five from her father, who was there every step of the way, after the match.
Despite the loss, Oporto wound up third with the highest tiebreak points among fellow five-pointers.
Unheralded and unrated Josue Contaoi beat top seed Duane Gabriel Esmoso in the last round and finished fourth. Also with five points were Templonuevo, fourth seed Ian Geoff Caylan and another female chesser, Blessy Valine Padayao.
Danica Jolly Lavandero rounded out the top 10 which included Mikhail Paul Nathan Leyco and John Patrick Rabor.
Cebu-based International Master Rico Mascarinas Sr., who was present to support Rico, Jr., in the 12-16 age group, gave an inspirational speech at the closing ceremonies.
The 71-year-old Cebuano and many-time Olympian Mascarinas, encouraged the kids and their parents to continue their passion for the sport and was awe-inspiring in recalling his sterling career which has spanned more than five decades.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Winchell Campos.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026