Isabela Chess University Wins Region 2 Chess League Title
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Dec 2025
Isabela Chess University (ICU) capped a remarkable and dominant weekend after emerging as the overall champion of the Region 2 Chess League, a highly competitive tournament composed of seven legs and featuring more than 20 teams from across the region.
After the completion of the seven-leg series, only the top eight teams qualified for the quarterfinals, which were held on December 21, 2025, at New Market, Alicia, Isabela. The knockout stage brought together the strongest teams in the league and produced intense and closely fought matches.
Isabela Chess University delivered an impressive run in the elimination rounds, first eliminating CAPCA Team B, then overcoming Isabela Chess University Team B to book a place in the finals.
In the championship match, ICU faced tournament favorite Kidz Chess Club Tuguegarao City. Showcasing superior preparation, discipline, and teamwork, Isabela Chess University dominated the finals and clinched the championship with a decisive 5.5–1.5 victory.
The championship-winning Isabela Chess University Team A was composed of Penelope Kate Sanchez, Davyd Leiniel C. Sigua, Roldio Torres, John Carlo Gauan, Alaine Ibadlit, Dwayne Mesia, and Seth Esteban.
Meanwhile, Isabela Chess University Team B earned praise for finishing 4th overall, despite being widely considered underdogs throughout the tournament. Team B’s strong showing underscored the depth of talent within the university’s chess program. Its members were Arbie Obana, Jheryl Ruiz, Jared Keanne B. Cudal, Sebastian James B. Cudal, Anika Caole, Russell Martinez, and Nicos Ibana.
Adding to ICU’s outstanding weekend, the university also dominated the side events held alongside the league finals. International Master and FIDE Trainer Joel Banawa, head coach of Isabela Chess University, captured the Year-End Rapid Championship, posting an impressive 6.5 points out of 7.
Further success came in the youth category as Naphtali Ruano of Isabela Chess University claimed the Under-17 Rapid Championship, finishing with a strong 6 out of 7 points.
With victories across team and individual events, the weekend proved to be a total domination for Isabela Chess University, firmly establishing the institution as a major force in both regional and developmental chess in Region 2.-Marlon Bernardino-
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