Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian: The youngest chess gold medalist from Cordillera

Photo courtesy: Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian's FB 

Cordillera, - A young athlete Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Luna, Apayao was chosen to play in the inaugural Indonesia-Philippines Goodwill Chess Matches on September 9 - 13, 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Sebastian who was awarded the 2015 ASEAN chess gold medalist and consistent Palarong Pambansa athlete was selected by Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre to be part of the 8-member team who will represent the country in the upcoming chess tournament in Indonesia

Torre said that Sebastian was endorsed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP due to her excellent performance in the 2017 National Age Group Chess Championship held in Cebu City last May, according to a local magazine. 

Sebastian is the only player outside Manila who was included in the list to play against talented chess players of Indonesia. 

She will be playing in the 12 years old and under category together with other young stars of the Philippines who will be playing in other categories. 

Meanwhile, the parents of Sebastian have expressed their appreciation that their daughter was selected to be part of the Philippine team. 

They were surprised and couldn't believe Torre, the well admired chess living legend called them and announced the inclusion of Sebastian considering that there are also other talented players in the country. 

"It is an honor for us and our Province that Mhage has been selected among the equally talented woodpushers of the country. It is always our desire and Mhage's dream to consistently represent the Philippines in international competition." Sebastian's parents said. 

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