Bohol chess wizard to play for Philippines in Indonesia, Russia

PILING her victories in heap while earning limelight for Bohol , Jedara Docena has carved a name. Recently, the 14-year old wiz from Antequera took the king and emerged Champion in the 2006 National Chess Championships (under 14 Category) held at St. Francis Square , Ortigas Center , Mandaluyong City on May 28- June 3, 2006. In her feat, she bested 130 contenders from all over the country, putting her in the list to represent the country to the forthcoming international competitions. “...she joins the Philippine Team to the 7th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships to be held on June 11-20, 2006 in Jakarta, Indonesia,” says Congressman Prospero A. Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in a letter. Docena also qualified to compete in the World Youth Chess Championship this year in Russia , the Congressman added.

The tilt

The National Chess Championships is an annual event sponsored by NCFP where the country's best chess players match wits and skills. Categories are provided to accommodate all age groups. Jedara played for under 14 and Junior (20 under) categories in the Girls Division, vied by 130 and 80 hopefuls, respectively. After rounds of eliminations, the Boholana chess wizard immediately made an impression by ranking first in both categories. For reasons no other than time constraint, the competition's final rounds were conducted simultaneously. While she was forced to compete only in the Age-Group (under 14) category where she easily outsmarted her rivals. “Had not the finals been simultaneous, she could have gotten..….. “, says father/coach Crispin Docena, humbly hinting for a likely dual feat.

Not her first

Succeeding in chess tournaments is no first for Jedara Docena. She reigned the boards at the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet in Dumaguete City 2003, Danao City , 2004, Tagbilaran City , 2006, the Nat'l Age-Group Chess Championship for Asia in Mandaluyong, May 2004, National Open Women's Division in Cebu City , 2005. She also proved she can topple equally competent chessers at the Palarong Pambansa in Naga City , May 2006, while ranking 3rd in the National Batang Pinoy, Puerto Princesa City , 2002. She was second in CVIRAA Meet, Cebu , 2005 and 2nd in National Age-Group Chess Championships Mandaluyong, 2005. Her prowess has amazed international spectators when she topped 40 rivals in the ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championship in Vietnam last September 11-20, 2004. She also placed 7th in the Asian Championships, participated in by 26 nations, in Singapore four months thereafter.

Young Jedara

Jedara Docena, an incoming third year student in Grace Christian Military High School , is presently residing in Tagbilaran City with her supportive family. His father Crispin Docena works in the City Hall while his mother, Sabiniana Docena keeps the house. Competence in chess playing runs in the blood. Her 8-year old brother, Jerad Docena, has also a lot to prove. Younger Docena, was with her ‘ate', in joining the national chess contest and seized the 3rd post of over 80 challengers in the Males' 10-under division. Gaining the reputation as sports patron, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim has assured the firm backing of the City Government towards Jedara's pursuit. Support as such might pave way for Jedara Docena to become the first Boholana National Master.

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