Rensel Matthew Bacuyag , a nine-year-old Filipino chess prodigy, walked away with second place honors at the 37th Annual Canadian Chess Challenge national finals held at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from May 16-18, 2026.
Bacuyag, who now lives in Newfoundland and Labrador, finished the 9-round tournament with 6.5 points on account of five wins, three draws and one loss.
This prestigious scholastic tournament features provincial champions from grades 1 to 12 competing for regional and individual titles.
"It is an immense honor and privilege to represent the Philippines in International Chess tournaments, as our country has produced some truly exceptional Grandmasters," said Bacuyag, a native of Lal-Lo, Cagayan.
"I am thankful to my parents and to my coach who supported me all throughout this competition. I hope to win more trophies for the country, as I make my way up the international ladder. To God be the Glory," added Bacuyag, a grade 4 student of Hazelwood Elementary School.
His father Roselle Bacuyag supports his chess campaigns.
"So proud of our son for winning secind place at the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026," the father said.
"Your hard work, discipline, dedication, and love for the game continue to inspire us. Watching you compete against some of the best young chess players in the country and achieve this incredible accomplishment fills our hearts with pride and gratitude."
Goldy Yu, meanwhile, claimed the title with 7.0 points in nine outings.
Rounding out the top 10 were Imran Nabiev (5.5 points), Zeyin Li (5.5 points), Kaiser Nguyen (4.5 points), Evelyn Lou (4.5 points), Sarvesh Saravanan (4.0 points), Elvis Wang (3.5 points), Arthur Mori Lee (2.0 points), and Reid Sun (2.0 points).
Last March, Bacuyag swept all five rounds to rile the Canadian Chess Challenge Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Final 2026 at Rennies River Elementary, St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Bacuyag, an online FIDE Master, is being trained by FIDE Master Noel Dela Cruz.
