Former top kiddie player Wycliffe Aromin showed that he is one of the top young woodpushers here as he made it two in a row in 2nd University of the Cordilleras Jaguars Online Chess Tournament today.
The shortened search for young masters staged when face to face competitions are not yet allowed saw him win by the narrowest margin, a half point tie break that separated him from second placer Jhaphet Morales in the nine round tournament.
The Baguio City High School student Aromin fell just once but won eight games in the nine round tournament played on Lichess, the same output by the Union Christian College of San Fernando, La Union.
Morales was leading after five rounds but then fell to eventual third Ethan Gyzer Saong.
Aromin finished with 42.5 tie break points to edge his Region I opponent in the final reckoning.
Last May 9, Aromin gave up just a half point in the second day to score 12 points of a possible 14 and the victory.
Tied for sixth to 10th place during the first staging, Saong earned seven points and third place. He was tied for first place after six rounds but a loss on the seventh round to
He was just a half point off Benguet National High School’s Yoong Nam Ha, who was bridesmaid in the inaugural staging.
Ha’s victory over Aromin was the highlight of his day long quest after losing twice and drew once.
Melmich Marilag of Don Eulogio de Guzman Memorial National High School of Bauang, La Union finished in a five way log jam from fifth to ninth but took fifth honor despite 18.5 break points that is also in tie with John Joeffrey Barry of Saint Louis Laboratory High School.
The other five pointers were Xyrus Gil Arinos of UB High School, Shadrach Vincent dela Cruz of Gaddani National High School of Tayum, Abra and Wilzhanne Lorin of Saint Louis College, San Fernando, La Union.
Josiah Tristan Co also of UB completed the top 10 with 4.5 points.
Local female woodpsuhers got shut out in the podium after two siblings from Alaminos, Pangasinan and a lass from Tugegarao took the top three spots in the distaff side.
Kate Nicole Ordizo of Tabang NHS edged sister Ericka, 8.5-8.0 to win the Girls Master crown which missed inaugural winner Darlene Dannog of Apayao Science High School who was down with colds.
Krizza Mae Biggayan of Saint Louis University of Tugegarao finished with seven points and third place, down from her bridesmaid finish last May.
UB’s Donna Mendoza, sister of Far Eastern University standout Bea, is the best placed Cordilleranat fourth, followed by Angelika Catama of BCHS.
The sixth to 10th finishers are Francis Kim Malong (Camiling Catholic High School, Camiling, Tarlac), Iris Arinos of UB, Sheena Ross Buquingof BNHS, Eleann Louise Talawa and Frnacheska Delnagen of UC.
The top 10 received cash prizes and certificates, while the top three received medals also.
UC Sports Development Office director Danilo Cong-o said the online tournament is a way to distress but rued the fact that many could not join due to pending end of class when they have to submit their requirements.
He added that cash prizes will be sent through GCash, while certificates will be sent through the players GMail.
He said that this is the first time that a chess tournament is held involving schools after the lockdown and eventual cancellation of face to face teaching as well as all sporting events.
“This is the best way to distress, since we believe that you are already bored with your modules,” he earlier told the participants.
