Ellaine Summer Abanco, a certified online Arena FIDE Master (AFM) was crowned champion in the 20 years old and below Kabankalan City First Elite Chess Challenge 2026 at the City Mall, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 9.
Abanco, a Grade 9 student at STI- West Negros scored a total of 5.0 points after the 6-Rounds Swiss System competition that used 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control.
She went home with the P4,000 cash prize.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, my sponsors, my supporters, and to God,” said the 14-year-old Abanco, a standout from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Abanco is set to compete in the Palarong Pambansa 2026 to be held on May 24-31 in Agusan del Sur.
Jireh Othilo Asuncion of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental scored similar 5.0 points to settle for second place to earn P2,000 followed by third place Markley Partosa of Dauin, Negros Oriental who notched 4.5 points to receive P1,000.
Zildjian Ypon, Al Docto, AFM Michaell Jay Batadlan, Jhurell Rodjun Ferrer, and Kristian Jade Bardinas finished the tournament with identical 4.0 points.
Rounding out the top 10 with 3.5 points each are Trident Spark Argamaso and Kleint Cuelo.
The event was organized by NA Spark Argamaso Vecente, supervised by NA Antonio Martin Olendo, FA Ma. Hazel Olendo and NA Wilmier Barron.* Marlon Bernardino
