By JERRY E. ESPLANADA

FIVE numbers aces from various parts of the country emerged as champions in their respective divisions in the national finals of the just-ended 14th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge (PSSC), held on February 8 at the SM North Edsa Mall in Quezon City.

     Dr. Simon Chua, COO and co-founder of the non-government Mathematics Trainers' Guild Phils. (MTG), organizer of the PSSC, named the big winners in the annual competition -- many of whom are from Bulacan schools -- as the following:

     Sed Anderson Holaysan of Multipoint Enterprises, Champion in the Over 15/Adult Category, followed by Kirsten Dominique Chan from Ateneo de Manila Senior High School in Quezon City; Red Robles from Dr. Yanga's College in Bocaue, Bulacan; Marc Kendrick Lim from Parada National High School in Sta. Maria, Bulacan; Alex Pius Machacon from AXA Singapore and Candice Renee Solidarios from Ateneo de Manila University.

     Rayner Gabrielle Alcantara, from Obando National High School, Champion in the Under 15 Category, followed by Louisa Jean Cabugao from Akle Elementary School in San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Kyla Andrea Adlaon from International School for Better Beginnings in Lucena City; Mariel Nacion from Burot Integrated School in Tarlac City; and Hanne Margaret Tongcua from Philippine Science High School, Southern Mindanao campus.

     Princess Ashley Anzures from Salambao Elementary School in Obando, Bulacan, Champion in the Under 12 Category, followed by Graciela Steff Gabriel from Sabang Elementary School in Dasmarinas, Cavite; Matthew Kenzie Rasines from Philippine Christian Gospel School in Cebu City; Knayne Cruz, also from Akle Elementary School, and Rozenda Matias, also from Salambao Elementary School.

     Rhaiyanna Raymundo, also from Akle Elementary School, Champion in the Under 10 Category, followed by Empress Jayrielle Umipig, also from Sabang Elementary School; Aljur James Rivera from Pinaod Central School in San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Fa Shailyn Saladaga from Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, and Alexis Jane Que from Iloilo Scholastic Academy in Iloilo City.

     Andrea Nicole Rivera, also from Pinaod Elementary School, Champion in the Under 8 Category, followed by Alexandra Fiona Flores, also from Salambao Elementary School; Juliana Mae Catindig from Makinabang Elementary School in Baliuag, Bulacan; Dannah Jean Alfante from Dr. Guillermo dela Merced Memorial School in Baliuag, and Samantha Nicole Maceda, also from Makinabang Elementary School.

     Aside from medals and trophies, all Top 3 placers in their respective divisions also received cash prizes, which will be used as plane fares in their participation in international Sudoku contests, as well as gift items from PSSC sponsors.

     A total of 202 Sudoku enthusiasts took part in the PSSC finals.

    The annual contest drew over 4,000 participants nationwide, according to MTG president Isidro Aguilar.

    Before the national finals, the PSSC regional elimination rounds were held at the following venues: Tarlac Living Faith Academy in Tarlac City; KCC Mall in Zamboanga City and SM City malls in Clark, Pampanga; Cebu City; Baliuag, Bulacan, and Dasmarinas, Cavite.

     Aside from SM Malls, the PSSC is also sponsored by Sharp Calculators, Phoenix & Sibs Publishing House , JFC Publishing House, Fare Option Travel Services, CW Home Depot, Vital Purified Drinking Water, EPSA, Philippine Star and Zamboanga Today.