By Eduard Basilonia
NEW chess rising star Chester Acuyong of Barangay Milibili, Roxas City made a remarkable performance as he finished first runner-up for the chess blitz of the 2nd Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos Under-15 National Youth and Schools Chess Championships in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, June 3-9.
F i f t e e n – y e a r – o l d Acuyong, a grade 9 student of Capiz National High School, scored nine wins, 1 loss, and two draws after 11 rounds of an intense battle over the 64-square of the chessboard for the standard chess tournament.
“Most of my opponents coming from different cities and provinces are FIDE (International Chess
Federation) rated and some of them have a chess title like Arena International Master (AIM), my motivation is to focus and pray, so that I can produce positive results for my campaign,” Acuyong said.
The new chess sensation of Roxas City said, “It is with great pride and honor to represent Roxas City and
Capiz in the Philippine Chess Championships Under-15 and bagged the coveted title in a prestigious chess tournament like this.”
“Thank you for the support of the Roxas City Government through Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and also to city councilors Koks Chu, Earl Sicad, Bords Viterbo, and Rey Magallanes,” Acuyong added.
Dadivas said, “The local government unit and the people of Roxas City congratulate Chester Acuyong for this feat and honor and he will serve as an inspiration to all young and aspiring wood pushers in Roxas
City and the province of Capiz.”
Meanwhile, Capiz’s first chess National Master Francis Jocson congratulated Acuyong for his successful campaign and for bringing great pride and honor to Roxas City and the province of Capiz.
“I view Chester Acuyong as one of our young chess talents who has the biggest potential of becoming the next National Master of Capiz,” Jocson said.*
