Adamson’s top chesser wins national tilt

Thanks God for another blessing.

Friday, 30 March, 2012 Written by Manila Standard Today

DARYL Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon won the 14-under boys’ level of the 2012 Gov. Oscar S. Moreno National Age Group Chess Championships at the Misamis Oriental Capitol Grounds in Cagayan de Oro City recently.

Samantila, the top player of Adamson University and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ Season 74 Rookie of the Year for chess, won the 14-under boys’ level with a perfect six points.

Samantila’s campaign was supported by Josephine Veronique “Jaye” Lacson-Noel (Representative of the Lone District of Malabon), Father Gregg Banaga, (CM President, Adamson University), Luisa Isip (Athletic Director, Adamson University) and Rey Samantila, his father, who accompanied him in Misamis Oriental.

Samantila will lead the country’s campaign in the 2012 ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Hue, Vietnam on June 10 to 20, 2012.

JBS CHESSFEST, PLAYING WITH THE VETERANS

March 17, 3rd floor, Sampaloc Public Market. JBS MANILA CHESSFEST BATTLE 2012 RAPID BELOW 200. Slowly getting into the troop of the veterans, I only aspire for being the best kiddy in the tournament but luckily and in good form I was able to make it on the top boards. I fought a good one and have landed 3rd place winning over the veterans and varsity chess men. Lower tie-break landed me on 3rd place instead of 2nd place. I was paired with another young player Hernandez (round 1) which did not scored much. But I am happier to be paired with Pangilinan (round 2), Nigel Galan (round 3), Chua (round 4), sir Cocjin (round 5) the tournament`s best senior player, Salvador (round 6) and Mansanero (round 7). The tension rushes up as I third round approaches. I was paired with Nigel Galan, a fellow UAAP player and very good chess player from De La Salle University. I had the advantage and control during the entire game and was able to win it. There was resistance from another veteran player Chua but he blundered and was not able to gain it.

My fifth round was full of tension since all eyes are already on me. The 12-year old boy is on rank 1, with a perfect 5 points, and clashing it now with another senior player, Mr. Cocjin. It was pretty tough since everybody whom I paired now is extra careful with every piece that they touched. I kept my composure and did not bother the ogling co-chess players whom I know are doing their own calculations in their minds. Before our clock ends, I won it again and everybody applauded! I feel some pride and got conscious when my co-players applauded me. Job well done, boy!!!, they said. It is such a happy moment for me and my papa.

I am now sure of the kiddie spot!!! : )

On round 6 I encounter another varsity, Salvador. During the entire games he was actually like acting so differently and it was annoying. He would frequently scratch his head, show disappointments, walked away in seconds and go back to his seat. Later did I know that it was really his style? , as other players later told me. But at least now I already knew it and next time I will prepare for it.
You lose some, you win some, but what is important is to keep your spirit high and keep on fighting.

Another fighting player from NU was my last round, Mansanero. It was a nice game which ended on a draw. He may not be aware of how to take the end-game but I knew it by theory and it helped me pass another ordeal.

I am happy because this is my first time to play on higher category after I officially play with the junior chess team of my school and I already make it as one of the top 3 best players. The sponsors of this kind of tournament should be applauded as well. The Smart Talk and Text, Mr. Rico Garcia, Ms. Mina Magno and Mr. Jovet Sta. Cruz and other staff, together with Mr. Richard Dela Cruz as the tournament organizer and the CAAP arbiters.

I never won all the games but what I won is everybody`s respect.

Thank you Lord for this win. To God be the Glory!