Gladimir Chester Romero defeated Allan Gabriel Hilario to stay unscathed atop the heap after four rounds in the boys’ 12-under division of the Gov. Amor Deloso National Age Group Chess Championships at the Zambales Sports Complex in Iba, Zambales Friday night.
Romero, a Mindanao Leg qualifier, hiked his total to four points and could extend his unbeaten streak with another win against Victorious Zoe Buenaflor in the fifth round at press time of this tournament sponsored by Gov. Deloso and Congressman Cheryl Deloso, the Philippine Sports Commission and NCFP president Butch Pichay.
Cagayan de Oro’s Ruelle Canino, for her part, split the point with Francine Elaine Magpily to stay on top with 3.5 points in the girls’ under-12.
Canino, who swept the blitz, rapid and standard gold in the Mindanao Leg Batang Pinoy last month, won her first three matches against Hailey Shanaia Mon, Daren dela Cruz and Lyn Getubig, before being slowed down by Magpily.
Al Basher Buto turned back James Gilbert Bragais to stay undefeated after four rounds in the boys’ under-10.
The top three placers in their respective divisions will clinch spots to the national team seeing action in the ASEAN Age Group tilt in Myanmar in June.