Ateneo Chess Midgets clinch first runner-up in 2026 PAYA Tournament

Featuring talented student-athletes from the Ateneo de Manila Grade School (AGS) and Junior High School (AJHS), the Ateneo Chess Midgets Team secured a hard-fought First Runner-Up finish in the 2026 Philippine Athletic Youth Association (PAYA) Chess Tournament.

In an exceptionally close competition held at La Salle Green Hills on 15 & 22 February 2026, the final standings were ultimately determined by a tie-break following a series of intense matches.

The Blue Eagles delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament, winning 13 out of 16 games against formidable teams from La Salle Green Hills, De La Salle Zobel, Lourdes School of Quezon City, and Xavier School. Led by coaches Ildefonso Datu and WNM Joann Datu, the 2026 roster showcased remarkable composure and strategic skill. The team consists of Chio Lainez (7-Berno) on Board 1, Roman Ponferrada (6-Bellarmine) on Board 2, Mavy Canlas (4-Sumakwel) on Board 3, Sean Pepito (5-Dumagat) on Board 4, Teo De Guzman (5-Dumagat) on Board 5, and Zane Pua (4-Soliman) on Board 6.

The team’s depth was on full display as the young woodpushers brought home two Gold and three Silver medals across their respective boards. Ponferrada and Canlas earned Gold medals for Boards 2 and 3, while Lainez, Pepito, and De Guzman secured Silver medals for Boards 1, 4, and 5.

The Ateneo community celebrates these young student-athletes for their dedication to the sport and for representing the school with excellence and sportsmanship.