NEWS

TACTICAL GAMBIT

Ilocos Sur Chess wizard seals

Palaro spot with silver finish

𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫— After six rounds of grueling mental warfare, Kian Paul Luis B. Vergara outmaneuvered region’s finest to seize a silver medal in the Elementary Boys Chess Standard and secure a spot in the Palarong Pambansa.

Vergara’s blend of patience and precision remained consistently dominant, with only one draw in the final round that narrowly denied him gold but solidified his reputation as a rising force in chess.

“Ang tagumpay na ito ay bunga ng bawat oras na ginugol ko sa pagsasanay. Hindi lang para sa sarili ko ang laban na ito, kundi para sa aking pamilya, coach, at sa buong Ilocos Sur. Ipinapangako ko na ibibigay ko ang lahat sa Palaro.” he said.

His path to silver was paved with decisive victories over top contenders from La Union, Candon, and Ilocos Norte, dismantling seasoned opponents through superior endgame technique.

Coach Jemima Valdez attributed his remarkable performance to his composure under time pressure and his ability to transform a slight positional advantage into a winning endgame.

“What sets him apart is how he anticipates his opponent's plans three steps ahead and adapts his strategy instantly. We have seen him grow from a quiet student to a disciplined athlete, and we are incredibly excited to see him carry that same focus as he represents our region on the national stage,” Valdez remarked.

Meanwhile, Arnold Vergara, his father and personal trainer, lauded his son's dedication to chess and cited that games are won through a combination discipline and heart.

"Bilang ama at trainer niya, saksi ako sa mga gabing puyat at walang sawang pagsasanay niya. Higit sa galing, ang nagdala sa kanya rito ay ang kanyang puso at tiwala sa sarili na kaya niyang tapatan ang kahit sinong harapin niya sa board,” his father shared.

With his ticket now secured, Vergara sets his sights on the national stage, ready to carry the hopes of Ilocos Sur into the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

via James Harley R. Giron & R1AA Media Team