It was a tense but exciting weekend for Negrenses at the Gov. Bong Lacson Invitational Chess Cup – Occidental vs. Oriental that kicked off at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on September 24-25 but Negros Occidental eventually bagged three championship trophies at the tournament.
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has finally eased up, there is no reason that we can’t get up close and personal over a game of chess. Hence, it was one of the recent grassroots sports development programs spearheaded by the Provincial Sports Office (PSO) in cooperation with Abanse Negrense, the press release said.
The Negros Occidental chess team had the home-court advantage after winning three championship titles out of the four categories in the recently concluded Gov. Bong Lacson Invitational Chess Cup – Occidental vs. Oriental. As a team, they were hailed champions in the following categories – 17 and under boys, 17 and under girls, and 13 and under boys.
Negros Oriental, on the other hand, was awarded the championship trophy for the 13 and under girls category. For the individual rankings, Vhea Ashely Silvano of the Negros Oriental team was hailed the champion for the 13 and under girls.
Negros Occidental player Jecuambs Cuambot took the lead in the 13 and under boys category. For the 17 and under boys, Negros Oriental’s Michael Jan Stephen Iñigo bagged the champion title and Yzabella Noriel Nabor of Negros Occidental ranked first in the 17 and under girls category.
All participants received certificates. The individual winners were given medals and cash prizes. The champion received P5,000.00 in cash, while the second, third, fourth, and fifth placers received P4,000.00, P3,000.00, P2,000.00, and P1,000.00, respectively. Those who ranked 6th up to 10th place were given P700.00 in cash and team champions were awarded trophies.
Meanwhile, Governor Lacson and PSO Head Anthony Carlo Agustin attended the opening ceremony of the 2-day invitational chess tournament.
Lacson gave an inspirational message emphasizing the importance of education before sports.
Agustin took the lead in welcoming the participants from various LGUs through a short message highlighting the values of friendship, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
Jasmine Atienza led the Oath of Sportsmanship while PSO Chess Coordinator Coach Leo Romitman declared the tournament open. Gov. Lacson and Charlee Andrea Manjares made the ceremonial move.
The Negros Oriental delegates were represented by the players from Dumaguete City, Bayawan City, Tanjay City, Bais City, Canlaon City, Sibulan City, Dauin, Valencia, Pamplona, Bindoy, Manjuyod, and San Jose.*
