Bacojo, Mejia earn Philippine chess team slots

MANILA, Philippines — Mark Jay Bacojo and Cherry Ann Mejia claimed berths to the national team after conquering the Philippine Sports Commission-National Chess Federation of the Philippines selection tournament grand finals at the PACE Monday.

Bacojo split the point in the 13th and final round with reigning national juniors champion Michael Concio Jr. as the two ended up on top with nine points apiece.

But Bacojo took first place after emerging with a higher tiebreak score.

For Mejia, she halved the point with April Joy Claros in the ninth and final round to finish solo first with seven points.

Bacojo and Mejia’s feats earned the chessers a spot to the national squad that includes newly minted Grandmaster Daniel Quizon, Bacojo’s childhood friend.

Also earning spots in the national pool were Concio, Christian Gian Karlo Arca, IM Barlo Nadera, FM Austin Jacob Literatus, FM Alekhine Nouri and IM Rolando Nolte in the men’s; and Francois Marie Magpily and Kate Nicole Ordizo in the women’s.