Checkmates and Championships: The Dawn of the Little Giant

By ELIJAH ANDREI CAGNAYO

Albay chess prodigy Bince

Rafael Operiano made a name for himself as he topped the under-10 category in the recent 6th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand last November 4-13, 2022. But prior to his great sporting feats are unbearable struggles to his shimmering journey to the top of the pedestal.

His father, Ben Operiano, was also a former chess player and according to him, Bince began playing at the early age of 5. With this memorable account to his story, Ben once bought a chessboard from their neighboring Municipality of Polangui, which stirred up Bince’s interest in the sport. Not only has his interests burst into action, but as well as his brothers that now desire to be great chess connoisseurs as well.

“Back in the day, when he’s got no one to play against, he cries. Then I bought a chessboard, and I taught him because I saw he was very interested,” uttered Bince’s father.

His father also emphasized the boy’s great desire to achieve the heights of being ranked Grandmaster at just a very young age. Taking inspiration from the first Woman Chess Grandmaster in Asia, Albay’s very own – Janelle Frayna. Ben also expressed his family’s good relationship with Frayna’s mother, helping the Operiano’s become up to date in

Tactics And Triumphs

Bince Rafael Operiano strategically outsmarts his opponent, executing a calculated move to gain an upper hand in the high-stakes chess match held at Oas Tennis Court, in Albay on April 30, 2023.

upcoming Chess tournaments around the province and even the country.

“Janelle Frayna... she is the first Woman Grandmaster of Asia,” Bince said. The chess boy wonder, is also a consistent academic achiever in his local school, and his father stated that he is proud of his son being great in both sports and education.

Bince’s journey to Bangkok began at the Albay Astrodome, where he joined for the very first time, then qualifying for the National Age Group Chess Championship 2022 held at Malolos, Bulacan and finishing at 2nd place. Thereafter, he breezed through the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships Grand Finals at Dapitan, Zamboanga last June 3-10, 2022.

Then comes Operiano’s beliefs in the hardship of being an athlete in the Philippines. They claim that lack of financial support is very evident especially with the lack of budgets. Solicitation is one of the keys to having enough funds to participate in the international sporting scene since they claim that their family lacks sufficient funds and support from the local government.

“The most important thing in every contest is the financial support. Because we need funds to visit contest venues. Sometimes, there comes a time where we just don’t participate because of low financial help. We also visit Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur, and everywhere to just to join,” his father added. ■