The Philippines harvested 32 gold, 27 silver and 22 bronze medals to emerge overall champion in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Nov. 12.

Elle Castronuevo, who is from Imus, Cavite, spearheaded the charge as she swept the individual mints in standard, blitz and rapid in the girls’ Under-8 division of the eight-day tournament participated in by 181 woodpushers from 12 countries.
Lexie Grace Hernandez, for her part, claimed the gold in individual standard and blitz in the combined premier girls’ U16 and U18 side while earning a conditional Woman International Master title for her standard conquest.
Christian Gian Karlo Arco, a Panabo, Davao del Norte native who is now based in Dasmariñas, Cavite, reigned supreme in the U14 class in standard to clinch a FIDE Master title.
Bicol pride Bince Rafael Operiano also came through as he debuted internationally by ruling the boys U8 standard.
Daren dela Cruz likewise made the country proud as she snatched the gold in the girls’ 12-14 rapid category while Ruelle Canino topped the girls U12 and U14 section blitz.
Also earning titles were Jemaicah Yap Mendoza (WFM) Operiano (CM), Castronuevo (CM), Nika Juris Nicolas (WCM), Al-Basher Buto (CM), Ivan Cu (CM), WNM Natalie Liscano (WCM) Canino (WCM), Davin Sean Romualdez (CM), Kaye Lalaine Regidor (WCM), and Frances Largo (WCM).