 Morazo was Shell Active Chess Northern Luzon Leg’s 3rd runner up, thus giving him the break to replace Northern Luzon Leg champion Leo Abalos, Jr. of UB, who was not able to attend the finals in Manila due to the impassable roads from Baguio that were damaged by the recent typhoon Pepeng.
Playing without adequate game preparations, Morazo’s discipline and sheer determination in the game made him win the Juniors championship title worth Php 30,000, with a score of 7 points, during the nine-round Swiss system tournament. Morazo, a 3rd year Civil Engineering student, is UB’s athlete scholar. He shares that he spends quality weekends at Burnham Park in Baguio City playing blitz with other chess players.
Meanwhile, newly titled National Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia of the Ateneo de Manila University (front row, left) landed in the 1st runner up spot with a score of 6.5 points. He was followed by West Negros University’s Bryll John Arellano (front row, right) in 2nd runner up spot, copping a score of 6 points and 46.5 Bucholz points. Garcia and Arellano took home a trophy and Php 20,000 and Php15,000 cash prizes, respectively.
Other runners up were (not in photo) Mari Joseph Turqueza of De La Salle University with a score of 6 points and 46 Bucholz points, and Jayson Mercado of San Sebastian College – Recoletos with a score of 5.5 points and 50.5 Bucholz points. Turqueza and Mercado were awarded with Php10,000 and Php 7,500 cash prizes, respectively.
In his closing remarks, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation Vice President for Communications Roberto Kanapi congratulated all of the 44 Shell Active Chess finalists and recognized the efforts of their parents and coaches for their overwhelming support for the program. He also encouraged the young chess athletes to carry the torch of excellence as they continue to live the important values they learn from the game of chess.
Sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, the annual Shell Active Chess tournament supports the empowerment of the youth as part of the company’s overall sustainable development commitment. The event is backed by Shell Fuels, Shellane, Shell Helix, and McDonald’s, in partnership with SM Supermalls.
In photo are (back row, left-right): Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre, Pilipinas Shell Business and Corporate Communications Manager Sankie Simbulan, National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr., Pilipinas Shell Government and Media Relations Manager Mich Cruz, and Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Communications Roberto Kanapi.
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