Chayrene Mitch Yase scored seven points in seven rounds to capture the All-Women Christmas Tournament title at SM Seaside a few days ago, her second straight title after winning the 12-Under tournament with a similar 7/7 score two weeks ago.
Yase’s impressive run in the All-Women tournament included wins over former U12 champion Apple Rubin in the second round; first all-women champion Edelyn Vosotros in the fourth round; and recent Batang Pinoy multi-medalists Maria Kristine Lavandero.
Yase was ranked 11th in the field of 26 players with a rating of 1741 but as the tournament progressed, she just chalked up win after win. Her performance rating during the tournament peaked at 2446, which is equivalent to a rating of an International Master.
Lavandero and Nicole Mangubat finished with five points each but Lavandero was awarded second place because of a higher tiebreak score. Mangubat settled for third.
The rest of the top 10 finishers are Marphine Faith Mangubat (fourth) Apple Rubin (fifth), Wena Escalicas (sixth), Krizzle Sinoro (seventh), Glydel Janine Rodrigo (eighth), Edely Vosotros (ninth) and Cherly Angot (10th).
Lucy Fri Rubin, at nine years old, was the youngest participant. She scored three points.
Yase received a P3,000 cash prize, a trophy, and a bag of Bambi cooking oil for her feat. The other winners received cash prizes, trophies, and giveaways, respectively.
Yase started playing chess when she was seven years old and played in many tournaments until she gained confidence and experience. Her hard work has been rewarded with impressive successive tournament wins.
Mark Mangubat, Yase’s coach
The All-Women Open Chess Tournament is the year-end tournament organized by the Cebu Chess Hub and sponsored by Comprehensive Credit Services, Inc., Bob Castillo, NM Mitch Vergara, Bambi Cooking Oil and the management and staff of SM Seaside led by Mr. Anton Del Prado, and Felix Poloyapoy, the arbiter.
The primary purpose of Cebu Chess Hub is to discover, develop and help native Cebuano chess players gain international chess titles through developmental chess tournaments. The last time a native Cebuano chess player obtained a title was 12 years ago.