Cagayan de Oro City — The first time Woman Fide Master Sherily Cua set foot in the City of Gold for competitive chess, she made it personally memorable as the three-time representative of the Philippines at the World Chess Olympiad emerged champion in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) National Games 2026 Chess Tournament. The Cagayan de Oro hosting of the prestigious IBF chessfest was held Oct. 9 at SM Uptown which saw the Central Luzon pawnpushers sharing the spotlight with Cua by lording it over in the team event. "It's really fun to be here for the first time in Cagayan de Oro, playing on top of the pre-male dominated individual category. The many places for tourist spots, the good vibes, the food culture and peaceful environment to enjoy," said Cua, a lawyer who wants to be an inspiration for the chess-playing youths that aspire to become legal professionals someday. "Since chess involves strategic plans and thinking ahead in a smart way, it definitely gives an edge for a chess player to pursue law in college," she added. The 39-year-old Cua, who represented Southern Luzon Region, ruled the individual rapid category with a dominant 6.5 points performance in the 7-round Swiss System tournament. Cua actually...
Read full article