Sen. Chiz donates P5M for chess

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero will donate P5 Million to help sustain the grassroots program of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Escudero made the pledge during the opening ceremony of the 2012 National Age Group and National Juniors Chess Championships at the Event Center in Tanauan, Batangas.

“The support of Chiz is a most welcome development in chess,” said NCFP Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

Pichay said Escudero’s support will go a long way in the search for what he coined as the “next Chiz wizard in the Philippines.”

FIDE Master Haridas Pascua of Pangasinan could be that guy. He defeated Tristan Frech Ibaoc of Cagayan De Oro to grab the solo lead in the junior boys division with 3.0 points in as many rounds.

FM Paulo Bersamina of Pasay and Vince Angelo Medina of Cavite were also undefeated but already had their bye in the round-robin tournament.

In the junior girls division, WNM Jedara Docena of Bohol and Jodilyn Fronda of Manila downed separate rivals to share the lead after three rounds.

Docena toppled Carol Anne Chua of Misamis Oriental while Fronda beat Cherry Ann Mejia of Pangasinan to maintain their perfect records.

The national junior champions will represent the country in the 2012 World Junior Chess Championships in Athens, Greece. /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino