14 Davao Chess Players Advance In NAG Grand Finals

Veteran international campaigner John Marvin Miciano led the 14 chess players from Davao who advanced in the Grand Finals of the National Age-Group (NAG) Chess Championships in Manila.

Miciano and his fellow Dabawenyos earned their slots for winning in the 2015 Mayor Peter Miguel NAG Mindanao Qualifying last weekend at the Gaisano Mall Atrium in Koronadal City.

Miciano only needed a draw with fellow Dabawenyo John Ray Batucan in the fifth and final round to earn 4.0 points to top the group composed also of the Under 18 and 16 players.

Miciano ruled the Under 20 boys division followed by Batucan (3.5) and his twin brother James Rhey Batucan (3.0), who finished second and third, respectively.

Janes Hitfield Caingles also from Davao qualified in the Under 20 girls.

“The winners in the Grand Finals will represent the country to the ASEAN + Age-Group in Pattaya, Thailand this year,” said GM Jason Gonzales, Executive Director of the organizing National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Others qualifiers from Davao City include: Zsuzsa Tabudlong and Caissa Jane Gueverra in girls’ 18-under division; Bhing Joel Gimony and Gino Angelo Asuncion in boys 18-under; Honey Grace Buenafe and Floren Faith Gueverra in girls’ 16-under; Early Rhay Mantilla (boys’ 14-under); Blanche Ellyz Bongato and Queen Peralta (girls’ 14-under);Nathaniel Sanchez (boys’ 8-under); and Jackie Lou Andoy (girls’ 10-under class). (PNA) RMA/JFM/LCM/LOLITO T. DELOS REYES/LDP