The top three winners in the ERJHS “Learn and Play Chess with IM Datu” chess tournament pose for posterity with ( from left) Philippine College of Advanced Arts and Technology President Chiara Reina Lim-Datu, ERJHS Alumni Sports Club Adviser Zeny Castor of Batch 70, ERJHS Principal Gina L. Obierna, FIDE Trainer IM Idel Datu and ERJHS Alumni Sports Club president Ed Andaya of Batch 81.
Datu holds ERJHS chess clinic
INTERNATIONAL master Idel Datu underscored the need to provide good and scientific training and regular exposure to student-players “while they are still young and interested to learn and play.”
In a speech before participants of the “Learn and Play Chess with IM Idel Datu” program at the E. Rodriguez, Jr. High School along Mayon Ave., Quezon City, Datu stressed the importance of giving a lot of opportunities to young players to get involved in chess and polish their skills with the help of the national chess federation and other private groups.
Datu, also the vice president of the Philippine College of Advanced Ats and Technology (PCAAT), echoed the opinions of both Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre and IM Angelo Young that student-players should be “given the chance to excel in whatever sports they choose through regular activities such as chess clinics and tournaments.:
“We congratulate the E. Rodriguez Jr. High School, headed by Principal Gina Obierna, and the ERJHS Alumni Sports Club, for taking the initiative to organize chess clinics and other sports activities for student-athletes,” said Datu, who also served as program director for chess of Ateneo de Manila for nearly 20 years,
Datu, FIDE instructor Chiara Reina Lim-Datu and FA Rudy Ibanez conducted a three-hour long chess clinic for more than 50 student-players of the ERJHS.
A five-round Swiss system tournament sponsored by PCAAT was also held right after the chess clinic.
“We’re really surprised to see a lot of young and talented players during the clinic/tournament. It’s important that we now give them the chance to train with the masters and play in a lot of tournaments where they can further improve their skills,” added Datu, also a licensed FIDE Instructor.
Datu promised to hold more chess clinics and tournaments at ERJHS in the future.
Meanwhile, Karl Christian Azada emerged as the champion with a perfect score of five points in the five-round tournament.
Azada actually finished in a two-way tie for first place with Clark Amodia, but clinched the title after the tiebreak.
Matt Galut finished third with 4.5 points.
Rounding out the top 10 finishers were Marc Garcia, Dwayne Gatus, Dylan Sta Maria, John Isip,Reynald Samson, Jayvee Dela Rosa, Ashii Duzon and Kent Perena.
Mrs. Obierna awarded the trophies and medals to the top finishers, assisted by Datu, ERJHS Alumni Sports Club adviser Zeny Castor of Batch 70 and coach Andy Regala.
Last May 22, ERJHS also hosted the “Isulong Mo with GM Torre and IM Young: simultaneous chess exhibition matches.
