Lexie Grace Hernandez wins Philippine National Junior Chess Championship (Women) 2024
The Philippine National Juniors Chess Championship (Women) 2024 concluded with an intense tie-break. Lexis Grace Hernandez and Daren Dela Cruz both finished strong, winning their last rounds to secure identical scores of 5.5/7 points. This outcome not only showcased their skill and determination but also illustrated the competitive nature of the tournament. Lexie Grace achieved the title via Buchholz superior tie-break of 25 higher than Daren's Buchholz of 21.5
The top 3 placers: from left to right: WFM Ruelle Canino (3rd placed), Champion Lexie Grace Hernandez, WNM Daren Dela Cruz (2nd placed) and IA Reden Cruz.
Throughout the tournament, Lexie's strategic vision, determination, experience and unwavering composure were evident in her gameplay.
In final round, Lexie played 24...h5!? showing her strategical skill, thus cementing the White pawn on same color as their bishop.
Her ability to capitalize on subtle nuances and exploit his opponents' positional weaknesses was a testament to her exceptional insight and analytical prowess, which ultimately set her apart as a force to be reckoned with.
In the diagram below Lexie played 29...Ne6! picking up an extra pawn and converted to winning position.
The pairing in the last (7th) round
The Final Standing after eight rounds.
The top 15 in National Juniors (Women);
Champion - WNM Lexie Grace Hernandez - P15,000
2nd Place - WNM Daren Dela Cruz - P10,000
3rd Place - WFM Ruelle Canino - P7,000
4th Place - WNM Jersey Marticio - P5,000
5th Place - Arleah Cassandra Sapuan - P3,000
6th Place - WNM Sara Dalagan - P3,000
7th Place - Karol De Guia - P2,000
8th Place - Kayla Lorraine Aurelio - P2,000
9th Place - Chessica Fiona Sadey - P2,000
10th Place - Yabeah Sofia Morada - P2,000
11th Place - Juzeia Marielle Agne - P1,500
12th Place - WNM Rinoa Mariel Sadey - P1,500
13th Place - Giecel Pacubat - P1,500
14th Place - Yana Emilou De Vera - P1,500
15th Place - Heart Padilla - P1,500
The National Junior Chess Championship (Women) at PACE, Quezon City
WNM Lexie Grace Hernandez is very talented and with proven track of record as she is also the winner in our monthly online tournament.
In the climactic moments of the tournament, Lexie's unwavering determination and unyielding spirit came to the fore, as she faced the last round with her contender Jersey Marticio with positional and strategical battle with coach analysis (see the game below).
Chess has always been more than just a game to us; it is a journey of self-discovery, a test of character, and a source of endless fascination and joy.
Thanks for reading and good luck to our chess and life journey.
by Coach Gerald Ferriol