Bernardo, Docena bag Shell kiddies

MANILA, Philippines - Dale Bernardo put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the kiddies boys’ crown while Jesca Docena recovered in time to pocket the girls plum in the 21st Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships grand finals at SM Megamall Event Center last Sunday.

The third seeded Bernardo, runner-up to Northern Luzon leg champion Israelito Rilloraza, swept his last four matches to finish with 8.5 points, posting a big 1.5-point victory over No. 8 Haince Patrick De Leon, who wound up with seven points.

Rilloraza, Robin Ignacio and Julius Gonzales tied for third with 5.5 points while Chris Pondoyo ended up with four points and Aldin Ranario and Candidate Master Stephen Pangilinan pooled three points apiece. Joshua Panes and Jeffu Dorog scored identical 1.5 points in the 10-player round-robin finals sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

Bernardo trung up eight straight wins to clinch the 14-U  crown.

GM Eugene Torre graced the awards rites along with Shell vice president for communications and government relations Roberto Kanapi, Shell social investment manager Jackie Ampil, Shell marketing and business development manager for global commercial fuels Danny Kumar and Shell retail marketing manager Stephanie Cua.

Kyle Rhenzi Sevillano and Jean Karen Enriquez took the boys’ and girls’ juniors crown while the other awardees were Jazelle Villarin (Congeniality), Osena (Fastest Game) and Vince Medina and Timothy So Kua (Sportsmanship).