Rubin delivers golden performance in first international tournament

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana chess prodigy Apple Rubin immediately hogged the limelight in her international debut.

Playing smart and with much confidence, the pride of Toledo City captured a gold medal in the girls 14 Under blitz category of the 22nd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships staged last August 22-30 in Vientiane, Laos.

Rubin scored an impressive 8.5 points out of nine capped by a decisive victory over Vietnamese Do Ha Trang in the final round to clinch the title.

The Grade 9 student of Luray II National High School also bagged three silver medals in the team competition of blitz, rapid, and standard events.

“Happy kaayo ko,” said Rubin, who earned the right to don the country’s tri-colors in the ASEAN tilt on account of her strong finish in the 2024 National Age Group Chess Championships Grand Finals last June in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

“I’m so thankful sa tanang nakatabang nako nga maka-join sa akong first international tournament ug very thankful ko ni Lord sa pag-guide sa akoa!” she added.

Rubin’s compatriot Kaye Lalaine Regidor from Sta. Rosa, Laguna also won gold in the girls 16 Under division.

Their final-day golden surge prevented the Philippines from a gold medal shutout in the week-long joust that showcases a high level of global chess talents from Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, and  Brunei.

Lawyer Jeah Jean Gacang, the team owner of Toledo-Xignex Trojans Chess Club who helps chart the career path of Rubin, couldn’t contain his gladness for what Rubin has achieved right in her maiden tour of duty on foreign shores.

“Nothing beats the power of prayer, combined with the power of resilience and determination. When God sees and hears the desires of your heart and your passion for something, He will surround you with people who will help you achieve it,” Gacang wrote on her Facebook.

Gacang thanked all those who, in one way or another, have greatly contributed in Rubin’s journey to success especially to the Toledo LGU headed by mayor Joie Perales and vice mayor Jay Sigue.

“It was a roller coaster ride but all worth it! Thank you everyone we made it! To God be all the Glory!” Gacang ended. — (FREEMAN)