Singapore—Joannah Love Marie Olay bagged the championship trophy in the under 16 girls division of the CASPL Christmas Rapid Chess Challenge 2019 held at the Singapore Sports Hub Library here last December 29, 2019.
Olay, who is fondly called “Hearty” in the chess world, is the daughter of IM elect Edgar Reggie Olay. The pride of Kidapawan City/Davao City tallied 5.5 points in six outings to claim the title.
Jayden Lee of Singapore won the overall title after accumulating 5.5 points. He bested Hearty in the tiebreak.
Jeanne Reese Marie Olay finished runner-up place in the under 12 girls category while Jasmine Reign Marie Olay won the under 8 girls class.
Meanwhile, International Master Emmanuel Senador took the crown in the Asean Chess Academy Christmas Rapid Chess Championships took place at the Upper Bukit Timah here last week.
The pride of Iloilo City Senador had better tie break points against fellow six pointers Marcus Chen of Singapore who settled for 2nd place.
Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. came in third with 5 points followed by 4th place AGM Robert Suelo who had 4.5 points.
The Singapore Chess Federation organizes year-round chess tournaments. It is the principal authority over all chess events in Singapore and was founded in 1949.
Participants from all over Asia join these tournaments. The federation’s promotion of the game has caused participation in its youth and interschool events, among others, to jump many times over. As a result, Singapore has one of the highest number of chess players in schools per capita in Asia.
The Federation is affiliated to the world governing body, FIDE, and is part of the ASEAN Chess Confederation and the Asian Chess Federation.
The current President is Christopher Lim whose tenure runs 2019-2021.