March 29, 2024

Young woodpusher Wycliffe Aromin topped the recently concluded 2nd University of the Cordilleras Jaguars online chess tournament. 
Aromin topped the boys’ category with a half-point margin in the tie break, 42.5 points, against second placer Jhapet Morales’ 42 points in the nine-round tournament.  
The Baguio City National High School student Aromin and Union Christian College of San Fernando, La Union student Morales both fell once throughout the event played on Lichess on July 10.
The third place in the boy’s side was Ethan Gyzer Saong who scored 33.5 in the final round, taking over last May’s silver medalist Yoong Nam Ha of Benguet National High School who settled for fourth place with a 30.5 point in the tie break.
Kate Nicole Ordizo of Telbang National High School in Pangasinan ruled the women’s category with 8.5 points, edging her sister Ericka, 8.0, to win the girls’master crown.
Krizza Mae Biggayan of Saint Louis Tuguegarao finished at third with seven points.
University of Baguio’s Donna Mendoza, sister of Far Eastern University standout Bea, placed fourth followed by Angelika Catama of BCNHS.
The top three winners received medals and cash prizes while others in the top 10 also got cash and certificates.
UC Athletic Director Danilo Cong-o said the event was originally opened for Cordillera athletes but the organizers have included woodpushers from north and central Luzon to help them to be productive.
Cong-o said the online event would be expanded to other sports activities to help athletes sharpen their skills even virtually. – Ofelia C. Empian