University of Baguio chess player Marc Francis Ba-lanay edged Daryl Peñaflorida of Saint Louis University in the Benguet State University-College of Human Kinetics (BSU-CHK) online chess tournament on Aug. 7.
“I had the strong determination to win the battle. But during the game, I experienced a lot of struggles like conflicting schedules to help my parents and added to it was poor Internet signal,” said Balanay who is a fourth year BS Industrial Technology (Mechatronics) student.
The Cardinal representative, however, managed to compose himself leading to the championship match.
“As board one of UB Cardinals, I also want to gain more experience in order to lead my teammates before I graduate,” added Balanay, who hails from Sta. Marcela, Apayao.
Peñaflorida, a two-time champion in the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletics Association (Caraa) in 2018 to 2019, has outsmarted Wycliffe Aromin via tie break to face Ba-lanay in the championship rally.
“I want to be the world champion like my idol Manus Carl-sen,” said Peñaflorida, a first year Engineering student.
Aromin, who represented Benguet in the Caraa 2013, is an incoming Grade 11 student at Baguio City National High School.
At least 50 players from the Cordillera participated in the event, which is the 4th edition of Highland Chess Team Tournament under the flagship of BSU-CHK.
The tournament has employed Swiss System of rounds with five minutes and two seconds time control. – Carlos K. Mama-o, Jr.
April 20, 2024
