MANILA---PH chess genius Nika Juris De Vega Nicolas of Pasig City completed a sweep at the conclusion of the Philippine Sports Commission-Batang Pinoy National Championships with a victory over Arena Candidate Master Daniella Bianca Cruz of Malolos City last Wednesday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Living up to her top billing, the 10-year-old Nika posted a perfect 5.0 points, 1.0 point ahead of Cruz, Ashzley Aya Nicole Paquinol of Cagayan de Oro City, Maica Cadenas of Mandaue City, Chloe Gaia T. Hewe of Butuan City, Aeiona Lou Tomas Mendoza of Naga City, Zhaoyu Capilitan of Cagayan de Oro City and Arena Fide Master Janin Dhrey L. Querequere of Misamis Oriental.
With her impressive showing, Nika was good enough to snare the gold in the 11 Under Female Batang Pinoy Rapid event.
As for team ranking, Pasig City was tied with Cagayan de Oro for First Place (both 8 points) but Pasig was relegated to Second Place due to tie break.
Nika's teammate for Girls under 11 is Kyle Jhazmin P. Clarito.
For the standard Event, Nika was on Board 1 against the Champion in the last round. It was a nailbiter since what was at stake for Nika was either a Champion Title if she wins or a 7th place finish if she loses. Unfortunately, Nika was toppled by the eventual champion Capilitan.
For the Blitz Event, she was tied for Bronze with Gllasea Ann P. Hilario of Bulacan (both 5.5 points) but landed in 4th place due to tiebreak.
Overall, Nika won 1 gold (Individual Rapid Event), 1 silver (Team Rapid Event), 2 bronze medals (Team Blitz Event) and Team Standard Event).-Marlon Bernardino-
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