Nazario, Grafil grab lead in Shell nat’l active chess

MANILA, Philippines - Marc Nazario of UP and La Salle’s Grafil swept their first five matches to seize the lead in the boys’ juniors division while Gladys Romero of FEU took charge in girls’ play halfway through the start of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships at SM Megamall Event Center Wednesday.

The third seeded Nazario toppled Justin Corpin, Carlos Presente, Christian Cabida, Kyz Llantada and Jerich Cajeras while Grafil, ranked No. 10 in the 100-player field, bested Steven Lanada, Paulo Andres, Anfernee Bonifacio, Cyrene Romero and Timothy So Kua to show the way in the premier 20-and-under category of the annual event sponsored by Pilipinas Shell set over nine rounds.

Romero, on the other hand, put on a strong start to take the solo lead in the distaff side, beating Angel Aquino, Joribene Bonifacio, Nikki Yngayo and Virgenie Ruaya, half-a-point ahead of Arvie Lozano, Jessica and Kyla Camacho, who had posted 3.5 points in the seven-round tournament kicking off the five-leg circuit aimed at discovering talents and developing them into future national masters.

Earlier, Jackie Ampil, Pilipinas Shell Social Investment manager, and National Master Roland Perez, one of the top alumni of the annual event, made the ceremonial moves. Perez later talked about the event’s theme “Inspiring the nation’s future leaders.”

Top seed Mikee Suede took a numbing second round loss to Ruaya but won the next two games to lead the three pointers along with Michella Concio, Ynna Canape, Lucelle Bermundo, Highzzy Manaloto, Yngayo and Ruaya.

National U’s Ryan Magtabog stayed in contention in boys’ juniors with 4.5 points.