VIC GLYSEN Derotas of the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department (USC-BED) and Methusellah Ramos of Danao City won titles in the Grand Finals of the 2012 National Age-Group Chess Championships held in Tanauan, Batangas last April 23 to 30.
Derotas and Ramos were the only Cebuanos who managed to make it to the top.
There were 19 finalists from Cebu who competed in this tournament after topping the regional finals in Aklan last March.
Derotas defeated Ilo-ilo’s Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem in the final round and finished with 31 points after 11 rounds to win the 12-under crown and the P5,000 purse.
Ramos, on the other hand, dominated the 8-under division with a total score of 27 after 11 rounds.
Both earned tickets to represent the country in the Asian Youth Chess Championships in Sri Lanka and Singapore slated later this year.
Other Cebuanos who managed a podium finish were Alpheca Gonzales and Regina Catherine Quinanola, who settled for third and fourth, respectively in the 8-under division.
Jeremy Pepito of USC placed second in the 12-under while Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano placed second in the under-14 category./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL