XU chessers rule Peace Games 2016

THE Xavier University (XU)-Ateneo de Cagayan emerged champion in the just-concluded Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) 2016 Chess Tournament held at the Holy Trinity College (HTC) in General Santos City.

XU garnered a total of 18.5 points in the seven-round Swiss System format event to annex the women's team title over Holy Cross of Davao College (17.5) and Ateneo de Davao University (13.5) who grabbed the next two places.

XU was composed of Julie Anne Opema (5.5), Nicole Anne Rivera (5.0), Diane Kaye Elizondo (4.0) and Mary Annaren Suico (4.0) while HCDC leaned on Janes Caingles (6.0), Mercy Bautista (4.0), Twinkle Abellana (4.0) and Vheathreze Quiachon (3.5).

Joerlz Gimony (5.0), Kyra Castro (3.5), Renneh Mae Asilum (3.0) and Norhaya Delna (2.0) represented Addu.

Caingles, meanwhile, earned six points to clinch the women's individual crown over XU's Opema (5.5) and Rivera (5.0).

Caingles, in a phone interview with Sun.Star Davao, said it was a great experience to participate in the tournament, saying: "I learned a lot from the MPG and it boosted my self-esteem in interacting with different athletes."

Caingles also said her vast experience helped her achieve the feat.

"Sayang lang kasi next year ga-graduate na ako, pero okay lang at least na-experience kong sumali sa event," she said.

The MPG was held in partnership with Smart Inc., National Youth Commission, Discovery Sports, and Philippine Sports Commission.

ELY ACAS RUNNER-UP. The Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) women's chess team players and coach, which placed second in the Mindanao Peace Games 2016, pose with their sports director Rudy Salvador.