8 Checkmate kids vie for US berths

MANILA, Philippines - Eight Milo Checkmate players compete in the final selection for the team bound for the United States in the final qualifier set Jan. 9 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City.

Al Mathew Canafe and Judino Tadeo Macayan head the aspirants who survived the elims in their respective groups. The other players are Stephen Kyle Cinco, Richmond Obogne and Jonathan Abo (12-under) and Stella Aquino, Roselle Vicencio and Reu Sebolino (juniors).

Five slots will be disputed – three from 12-under section and two from junior division. Already seeded to the team by virtue of their fine performance abroad are 13-year-old Malcolm Kwok, 15-year-old Claudio Olar Jr. and 14-year old Carmella Galve.

Meanwhile, Checkmate enrollees, sponsored by PHIMCO Industries Inc., Cavacon Corporation, Claret School of Quezon City and Special Science Class ‘75 Quezon City chapter, shone in international meets with six-year-old Stephen Rome Pangilinan topping the 8-under division of the 2009 Susan Polgar’s World Open Girls and Boys held in Las Vegas while 12-year-old Gino Cabual placed third in the Unrated section of Las Vegas International Chess Festival.

Kevin Anthony Sicat and Daniel Lopez also came up with impressive finishes in the recently concluded Melbourne Chess Club Weekender Cup.