JAVE Merick Peteros ruled the Little Wesley So Cup held at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu last weekend.
Peteros, Lester Belano and Marphine Mangubat all finished with 5.0 points after six rounds. But Peteros had a higher tie-break score of 24.5 points to emerge champion.
Belano had 22.5 points while Mangubat had 20.5 to finish second and third, respectively. Rolfred Lacanaria (4.5) and Jervy Villarin (4.5) rounded off the top five.
The tournament for players aged 14 below is held twice a month. It aims to discover new talents that could follow the footsteps of renowned Filipino wood pusher Wesley So.
The competition is organized by the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) under the leadership of president Jerry Maratas and Marvynne Guardiana.