(1527) WINNERS OF PMA CHESS IN SCHOOL'S 1st BATCH AND 2nd BATCH

 . PMA Chess in School 1^st Batch Winners—L-R Principal Abner Sanchez, Math/Chess Teacher Jennifer Angeles, 5^th placer Yumi Sadao, 4^th placer Blossom Richard, 3^rd place-Carlos Hans Manuel, 2^nd place-Reece Reklai, champion Lancy Lazarus and Roberto Hernandez.
                                            (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

PMA Chess in School 2^nd Batch Winners—L-R Principal Sanchez, Jennifer, 3^rd placer Himari Tono, 2^nd place-Secheriang Senior, champion—Ksau Anthony Whipps and Roberto Hernandez.

                                               (Photo by Roberto Hernandez)

           WINNERS OF P.M.A.

          CHESS IN SCHOOL'S

      1st BATCH AND 2nd BATCH

ON THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 I was invited to attend the awarding ceremony of Palau Missionary Academy in Airai that includes also the awarding of medals to the winners of PMA Chess in School’s 1^st and 2^nd batch. I have donated 6 medals, in which 2 are my medals in participating in Palau local tournaments. It’s a sort of “recycle” medals while the 2 chess magazines are from 2016 World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan—“New in Chess” featuring the comeback of Garry Kasparov and the 2014 Chess Yearbook of FIDE.

            I have taken photos of outstanding students in different fields. Some Chinese, Koreans, Japanese have received recognitions in a variety of collective talents. My former chess/piano student Dichem Tmechtul is late and got her certificate later. Also Nobu Yano, the younger brother of my former piano/chess student Jasmine Yano. He’s grown up big that he is maybe taller than his parents.

                When the awarding for the chess winners was announced, Principal Abner Sanchez called me to award the prizes together with Math/Chess teacher Jennifer Angeles. She was one of the exam takers that passed the Arbiters’ Seminar conducted by IA/IO Jamie Kenmure in May 2017 together with me (No. 1), Angie Parrado (2^nd), Tito Cabunagan (3^rd) and Jennifer.

                In the 1^st Batch of PMA Chess in School, 16 students participated—1^st (Champion) Lancy Lazarus with 14.5 points followed by Reece Reklai, who’s got 14 pts. He joined the Junior Division of 2017 Palau National Chess Championship and finished 2^nd likewise in his division. Principal Abner awarded him the silver medal that he didn’t get during the awarding of prizes for the 2017 PNCC.

                Third place goes to Carlos Hans Manuel (11 pts), while 4^th is Blossom Richard with Yumi Sadao (5^th), Kazumi Chibana (6^th), Lincoln Kikuo(7^th), J-Lyn Singeo (8^th), Yangi Senior(9^th), Julianna Quintanilla (10^th), Jaymee Remoket(11^th), Seth Paulus (12^th), Kukumai Ueki (13^th), Turang Marino (14^th), Moriama Tucker (15^th), and 16^th Luka Ngirailild.

                 In the 2^nd Batch, Ksau Anthony Whipps topped the 9-player batch with an unbeaten record of 15 wins and a draw (against Japanese girl Himari Tono, who finished 3^rd) followed by Secheriang Senior.

                                                      MORE ABOUT BATUMI

 Batumi is one of the most distinguished tourist destinations on the Black Sea, Adjara region, Georgia. Batumi’s juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture, its historical port, serene botanical garden, Seaside Boulevard, European squares and streets—not to mention its world class hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, make up the face of modern Batumi.

                It is important to note that in 2012 American Academy of Hospitality Sciences nominated Batumi as the best tourist destination of the year.

                In the second half of the 19^th century European architects flocked to Batumi and designed numerous unique architectural designs. Development of Batumi was closely connected with the global economic and industrial development. During this period the Nobel Brothers and the Rothschild family started their commercial activities in Batumi.

                Batumi today is still distinguished by modern architecture and abundance of investments. In addition, modern Batumi is a cultural center in Georgia hosting numerous international festivals with participation of famous musicians and artists.

                The country code is +995 and the area code for Batumi is +995 422. Olympiad participants can purchase sim cards of different companies. Please note that maximum 10 sim cards can be bought under presenting one passport. The price for the sim card is 3 Lari. There are many Wi-Fi zones throughout the city that enable visitors to use the internet for free.

                Solution to last week’s puzzle No. 3488: 1. Qc3!  bxc3 2. Rh4#

                This week’s puzzle No. 3489: White to move and mates in 2 (Solution next issue)



Sources: Chess Mate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               Pages 9 & 11
               Volume 27
               Issue 36
               May 29, 2018

               Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
               The Beginning of Chess in Palau
               By Roberto Hernandez
               Soon to be published as a book

               Music and Me by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               March 15, 2012 -- April 18, 2013
               http://palau-chess.blogspot.com
               April 25, 2013 --May 28, 2018

               The History of Chess in Palau 
               By Roberto Hernandez
               June 09, 2002 -- May 28, 2018