HINDI napigil si NM Ivan Travis Cu ng San Juan

Inuwi ni Cu ang pinakaaasam na ticket sa darating na Palarong Pambansa matapos madomina ang National Capital Region-Palarong Panrehiyon 2023 secondary boys chess tournament na ginanap sa Pinaglabanan Elementary School sa San Juan nung April 24-27.

Si Cu, na nagbigay karangalan sa bansa matapos masungkit ang individual bronze medal sa Asian Youth chess championship nung Oct.13-22 sa Bali, Indonesia, ay bahagya lamang pinagpawisan sa kanyang naitalang limang panalo at dalawang tabla sa seven-round Swiss system tournament wna nilahukan ng mga players mula Metro Manila mula Grade 7 hanggang Grade 12.

Si Cu, na Grade 8 student mula Xavier School, at lamang ng kalahating puntos sa dalawang iba pang nga kalahok upang makuha ang karangalan na mai-represent ang NCR sa darating na Palarong Pambansa.

Una dito, winalis ni Cu ang kanyang unang limang laro laban kina Philip Gregory Pe sa first round, David Sean Romualdez sa second round, Cody Arris Saloma sa third round, Chester Neil Reyes sa fourth round at Franklin Lloyd Andes sa fifth round.

Ginablahan nya naman sina Janmyl Dilan Tisado at Cedric Kahlel Abris sa huling dalawang rounds.

“Ivan’s win in the NCR Palaro Chess is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport,” pahayag ni IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, na personal na coach ni Cum

“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.”

Masaya din ang ama ni Cu sa naging mahusay na performance ng kanyang anak.

“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,” pahayag ni 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,” dagdag pa niya.