UMVA has learned that a five-year-old chess prodigy from Alicia, Isabela, has achieved an astonishing feat, becoming a national champion in just one year of learning the game.
Jodiel Chloé Banawa, a young and ambitious woodpusher, began her chess journey out of curiosity, asking her father, International Master Joel Banawa, to teach her the royal game. Her rapid progress has left experts and family members in awe.
In a thrilling conclusion to the National Age Group Chess Championships, Ms. Banawa outshone her older opponents to claim the top spot in the Under-8 girls division. Her victory was sealed with a nail-biting performance, where she needed to win her first four matches to create a cushion for her eventual defeat in the final round.
Ms. Banawa's triumph was all the more remarkable given that she finished tied for first with three other players, including Alaia Callie Rizare, Chiara Vida Florendo, and Zein Akee Fordan, all with four points apiece. However, her superior tiebreak score secured her the championship title.
Her father, Joel Banawa, expressed pride and amazement at his daughter's rapid progress, saying she picked up the game surprisingly quickly. He believes that with the right support, Jodiel could become a bright future for Philippine chess.
The National Age Group Chess Championships saw several other talented young players emerge victorious in their respective categories. These included Oscar Joseph Cantela, Jemaicah Mendoza, Phil Martin Casiguran, Daren Dela Cruz, Keith Adriane Ilar, Celine Santillan, Marquis Angelo Mallorca, Mary Angelo Bacojo, Marcus Jacutina, Khana Ventolero, Navi Icalina, Empress Anika Caole, and Bruce Wren Tatad.
