Amber Mariana Maravilla made the Philippines proud as she took home two gold medals at the 19th IGB Malaysian Chess Festival in Kuala Lumpur!
The 11-year-old recently competed in the two events of the prestigious event, held from September 13 to 15, and won in the team and individual category. Chess players from five countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Singapore, and host Malaysia, participated in the tournament.
Photo: Angelo Maravilla
This marks her first international chess tournament organized by Dato Arthur Tan Chess Centre (DAT Chess Centre).
“It is an honor representing the Philippines on the international scene, it is my first time and I never thought I would win a gold medal this early, let alone two,” Amber said.
Photo: Angelo Maravilla
“I am just an ordinary, unknown chess player, but I have always believed in God’s will and perfect timing. I have lost many times since I started playing last year, I have experienced painful losses, maybe it is God’s way of saying, that now is the perfect time to win. Never stop believing,” she added.
Photo: Angelo Maravilla
Amber is a chess player from St. Paul College Pasig, who joined her first-ever chess tournament in March 2023. She is under the guidance of Coach Expedito Bolico Jr. and is part of the ASEAN Chess Academy (ACA) Queen Bees Team headed by Chief Coach GM Jet Mariano II.
Congratulations, Amber!
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