MANILA, Philippines---Megan Althea Obrero Paragua of the United States lost to Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana of Sri Lanka, 0.5-1.5, in the finals and settled for the runner-up trophy of the FIDE World Cadets and Youth Rapid Chess Championships Girls 10 and under virtually held early Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Tornelo Platform.
Megan Althea fought hard to force a draw in the first game of their two-game regulation play in 78 moves of Sicilian defense, o kelly variation but yielded in the second match in 69 moves of Reti Opening.
Megan Althea, niece of Grandmaster Mark Callano Paragua, advanced to the finals by beating Emilie Alfano of France (2-1) in the Round of 16, Aadhya Jain of India (2-0) in the Round of 8 and Khusbu Warsia of Bangladesh (2-0) in the Round of 4.
Actually, Megan Althea already lost in the Round of 8 and in the Round of 4 but the organizing committee reversed the results.
Jan Vincent Paragua, younger brother of GM Mark had something to say to her daughter: "Marami pang susunod na pagkakataon sa over the board tournament."
National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/ President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. said to Megan Althea before the championships match "Wishing you all the best and good luck! You have made all the Filipino chess players very proud of what you have done. We know that you can make it. Laban lang Megan, kaya mo yan."
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