NATIONAL master Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan added another feather to his cap by topping the National Capital Region PPalarong Panrehiyon 2023 secondary boys chess tournament held at the Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan last April 24-27.

Cu, who is best remembered for winning the individual bronze medal in the Asian Youth chess championship held last Oct.13-22 in Bali, Indonesia,. finished undefeated with five wins and two draws in the tough seven-round Swiss system tournament which attracted players from Metro Manila from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

Cu, a Grade 8 student of Xavier School, finished half a point ahead of two other players and earned the right to represent NCR in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa scheduled later this year.

Actually, Cu swept his first five matches by beating Philip Gregory Pe in the first round, David Sean Romualdez in the second round, Cody Arris Saloma in the third round, Chester Neil Reyes in the fourth round and Franklin Lloyd Andes in the fifth round.

He drew against Janmyl Dilan Tisado and Cedric Kahlel Abris in the final two rounds.

“Ivan’s win in the NCR Palaro Chess is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport,” said Cu’s personal coach, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

“Despite the tough competition which encompasses talented chess players in Metro Manila from Grade 7 to 12, he was able to outwit and outmaneuver his opponents, cementing his place as one of the top chess players in the region. His 6 points are composed of 5 wins and 2 draws, showing his consistency and dominance throughout the tournament.”

Cu’s father, Teddy, was happy with his son’s performance.

“We would like to extend our thanks to DepEd San Juan City for providing all the players, parents and organizers with a comfortable and secure venue, and for outfitting our players. Congratulations to the organizers for an orderly conduct of the games,” said Cu.

“Thank you as well to our Xavier School coach, IA Rolando Yutuc, for motivating and encouraging our players during this tournament. We wish to thank Ivan’s personal coach, IM Jem Garcia, for his usual support and guidance. And we wish to extend our congratulations to our fellow winners and their proud parents and coaches. Most of all, we would like to thank God for his many blessings. All this is possible only with His grace.”

Final standings:

6 points — I. Cu
5.5 — F. Andes. J. Tisado
5 — C. Reyes
4.5 — C. Abris, D. Mondares, L. Adena, C. Macato, N. Maligaya