Guimaras sports group holds 2nd online chess tournament

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Guimaras’ Players’ Center Sports Academy, headed by founder and West Visayas State University (WVSU) Sports Director Dr. Richard Gabayoyo, successfully conducted its second online chess tournament.

From the two-category format, the second chess online tourney only featured the top players aged 13 and below.

After almost a day of competitive chess, Joshua Gacho from Cabalagnan, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras emerged as the champion.

Meanwhile, Jenre Angelo Villanueva Fabay from Tagoon, Salvacion Buenavista, Guimaras clinched the second spot and Rachel Jan Duran from San Miguel, Jordan Guimaras placed third.

The event overwhelmed the Guimarasnons who have been longing for sports since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

Through the sports organization formed by Dr. Gabayoyo, Guimarasnons had the chance to participate in an online zoom dunk competition a month ago.

“As we continue to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the recently concluded online chess tournament was a motivation and was indeed a test of our creativity and look for innovation that we can still hold viable sports activities such as this. The virus is just there but we have to make sure that our love and passion in sports continues,” Dr. Gabayoyo said in an exclusive interview with Daily Guardian.

Dr. Gabayoyo added that after the online chess tourney, they are planning to hold a virtual arnis festival in the upcoming months.