Ruelle Canino, 2025 National Age Group Chess Championships Under-18 Open Standard champion (UAAP photo)
Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro showcased her dominance at the National Age Group Chess Championships, sweeping the Under-18 Open Standard division at FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas, over the weekend.
The 16-year-old, a standout player and reigning UAAP juniors Most Valuable Player, clinched the title after settling for a draw against Karlycris Clarito, Jr. in the eighth and final round. Canino finished with an impressive seven points, securing a full-point lead over a competitive field that included top-seeded FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca.
Joining her among the tournament’s top performers were April Joy Claros (Girls’ U18), Kaye Lalaine Regidor (Girls’ U16), Mark Gabriel Usman (Open U16), Soffia Joy Mamangun (Girls’ U14), Christian Tolosa (Open U14), Khana Kathrine Ventolero (Girls’ U12), Steve Zacky Bolico (Open U12), Faith Louise Dorupa (Girls’ U10), and Danry Seth Romualdez (Open U10).
Canino and Claros will represent the Philippines in the U18 Open section at the Asian Youth Chess Championships, scheduled for November 20-30 in Bangkok, Thailand.
A key player in the national team’s historic Group II gold medal win at the 2024 Budapest Chess Olympiad, Canino made waves by defeating three Women Grandmasters in the prestigious tournament.
The four-day event, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, also featured rapid and blitz competitions, further showcasing the country’s rising chess talents.
