NCR’S MEJIA, EXTENDS STREAK IN PALARONG PAMBANSA CHESS

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION Elementary boys board 2 player Giovanni “Gio” Mejia defeated Central Visayas bet Felix Shaun Balbona on Wednesday, to stretch his winning streak after four rounds of the Palarong Pambansa Chess Competition at the Aquino Center, Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac City.

However, compatriot and NCR top gunner Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar lost to Allan Pason during their board 1 encounter.

Despite the 1-all deadlock, NCR wood pushers remains on top with a total 7 points, four wins courtesy of Mejia and 3 wins and a loss scored by Baltazar.

“Gagawin po namin ang aming best at hopefully makuha na din ng NCR Elementary boys’ ang gold medal,” said Mejia, incoming freshman pupil of La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City under the tutelage of national master and international arbiter Erwin Carag.

Earlier, NCR brought downed Northern Mindanao Region (Tristan Frech Ibaoc and Alji Cantonjos), 2-0, in the third round of Tuesday’s afternoon session.

In the past two edition of Palarong Pambansa, NCR Elementary boys’ squad only settled for a back-to-back silver medal. Southern Tagalog and Davao Region, took the coveted gold.

Calabarzon, occupied solo 2^nd position with 6 points, half point ahead against NMRAA, CLRAA and CVIRAA with 5.5 points each.

In the High school boys’ division, NCR, Western Visayas and Davao Region share first place with 6 points each.

Calabarzon, on the other hand leading the way in the Elementary girls’ with 6.5 points while Central Luzon dominating the High school girls’ competition with 7 points.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.