Eight-year-old Marius Constante sweeps 5-round chess fest in Cebu
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 14 Jun 2025
Cebu City---Unforgettable display of skill, determination, and resilience as eight-year-old Marius Constante was the star of the show, putting on a breathtaking performance staged a stunning turnaround by sweeping all his matches to capture his first-ever national title winning the 2025 Philippine Children Chess Championship Under 8 Boys division held from June 10 to 13, 2025 at the Gmall of Cebu, Cebu City.
The incoming Grade 3 pupil from Novaliches, Quezon City, seeded first, delivered a flawless performance with five wins in the five-round Swiss System format National Chess Federation of the Philippines tournament. His perfect score edged out second seed Zeus Mael Bernil, who settled for second with four points, while Stefhen Anchita, Phil Rholand Templonuevo, Chezy Sage Knyckxon Tee and Mikhail Paul Nathan Leyco shared third to sixth places, respectively, with 3.5 points each.
"I am very happy and super grateful to the Lord because he gave me this victory," said Constante, playing under the guidance of Arena Grandmaster Jose Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi and FIDE Master Noel Dela Cruz.
Constante opened his campaign in sizzling fashion, defeating Kyle Ahmar Impas in the first round, Franz Mikhael Demure in the second round, Phil Rholand Templonuevo in the third round, Magnus Mikhail Barba in the fourth round and Stefhen Anchita in the fifth and final round.
Mary Ann Zabanal Constante, proud mother of Marius, credited Jose Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi and Coach Noel Dela Cruz for the preparation for his son, especially lessons learned during their training.
"Thank you Sir Jose Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi and Coach Noel Dela Cruz for providing utmost support to Marius. With their support on Marius’ tournaments and training, he was able to perform well in the tournaments.” she said.
The young Constante is fresh from 8th overall strong finished with 5.0 points in seven outings on account of five wins and two loses in the 2 day (Saturday and Sunday) Metropolitan Chess Club Standard Chess Tournament held at Starmall Complex, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, hosted by former olympian WNM Mila Emperado.-Marlon Bernardino-
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