Saturday, June 14, 2008

ELORTA UPSETS MYANMAR IM IN VIETNAM CHESS

Asean Masters Chess Circuit

Individual Standings after round 6:

4.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)

3.5 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam)

3.0 points---GM Zaw`Win Lay (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam)

2.5 points---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam)

1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar)

0.5 point---Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)

DANANG, Vietnam---Unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) of Manila turned back second seed IM Wynn Zaw tunHutHtun (2542) of Myanmar in 41 moves of Reti Opening using the disadvantageous black pieces to inch closer to his coveted second International Master (IM) norm in the sixth round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit Danang IM Tournament being held at the Danang, Hotel here.

The 25-year-old San Andres Bukid, Manila bet compiled 3.5 points on two wins, three draws and loss after six games of play to share 3rd`to 5th placers along with FM Roderick Nava and Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam.

"Lagi naman talaga tayo nagpupumilit manalo, y'an kasi ang gusto talaga ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay na play your game walang draw, patay kong patay. Y'ang IM title naman darating naman y'an kung ukol talaga sa atin," said Elorta, who needed to score 2 points in the last three remaining round to obtain his 2nd IM norm.

Nava, meanwhile bested Nguyen Van Huy in 34 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

In other matches, 3rd`seed GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) of Vietnam nipped compatriot Nguyen Hoang Nam in 28 moves of Sicilian Defense even another Vietnamese ace FM Hoang Canh Huan crushed FM Bao Quang in just 12 moves of an Alekhine Defense.

Tournament top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar split the point with Nguyen Thien Viet of Vietnam in 19 moves of an Alekhine Defense.

In the seventh round, Elorta will square off FM Quang while Nava will meet IM Wynn.



DAVAO BET POCKET RP'S 2ND GOLD MEDAL IN ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS

DANANG-VIETNAM---John Ray Batucan of Davao City made a quick draw against Tran Tuan Minh of Vietnam in the ninth and final round to dominates the Boys' 12 and under at the conclusion yesterday of Standard play in the on-going Asean Age Group Chess Championships here at the Danang Hotel.

Batucan finished with 7.5 points in nine outings to give the Philippines second gold medal after National Master Edmundo Legaspi topped the Senior Division on Friday.

The country's 3rd gold medal courtesy of Batucan, Vince Angelo Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Karl Angelo Perez of San Pablo, Laguna who topped the Team event in Boys' 12 and under.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is very happy when he learned about Batucan's impressive showing.

"Ito ang nagpapatunay na maraming mga kabataan natin hindi lang sa parte ng Metro Manila, Luzon at Visayas maging sa Mindanao kailangan lamang silang suportahan at mabigyan ng break sa local at international tournament," said Pichay, who is schedule to arrive here yesterday.

RP head coach and former Istanbul Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is optimistic that the Philippines can win more medals in the rapid and blitz format.

"Tiyak y'an, inaasahan natin, d'yan tayo sa rapid at blitz babawi para makapag0uwi ng maraming medal at makuha ang over-all championships trophy na matagal ng pinaghaharian ng Vietnam," said IM Datu.

Back home, NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto congratulates Batucan's feat.

"Magandang balita ito sa mga Taga Mindanao at mga Taga Davao na unang nagbigay ng gold medal sa ating bansa sa Asean Age Group ay nagmula sa Taga Davao, nagbunga din ang grass root program naming dito at salamat sa suporta ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay, mayor (Rodrigo) Duterte at PSC chair (Butch) Ramirez at sa iba," said Infiesto.

Ateneo de Manila University incoming second-year-high school student Jan Emmanuel Garcia, on the other hand bagged the silver medal in the Boys' 14 and under after notching 7.0 points. He drew with Yeap Eng Chiam of Malaysia in 46 moves of a Pirc Defense.

In the Boys' 8 and under, Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa of Calumpit, Bulacan split the point with Hoang Tan Duc of Vietnam to receive the silver medal after accumulating 6.5 points.

Ochoa along Haince Patrick de Leon of Marist School and Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City who combined total 16.5 points to pocket the silver medal in the Team event.

In the Boys' 16 and under, Alcon John Datu of University of the East beat Duong Thuong Cong of Vietnam in 36 moves of a Queen's Pawn Game to score 6.5 points and pocket silver medal.

Datu, who hails from Quezon City together with Narquingden Reyes of QC and Loren Brigham Laceste of La Union also won silver medal in the Team event.

In the distaff side, Jean Karen Enriquez of Marikina City, Rowelyn Acedo of Davao City and Maria Ysabelle Semillano of Muntilupa City won the silver medal in the Girls' 12 and under

Other Silver Medal in the Team Play U-14 headed by Jodilyn Fronda of Manila, Cherry Ann Mejia of Pasig, and Judith Pineda of Olongapo City.

In the Girls' 16 and under, Jedara Docena of Bohol, Akiko Chairmaine Suede of Makati and Christy Lamiel Bernales of Quezon City also won silver medal even the teaming up of Kimberly Jane Cunanan of Angeles, Pampanga, Lovelyn Medina of Bacoor, Cavite and Ronna Reginer Senora of General Santos City bagged the silver medal in the U-18.

Individual bronze medal won by Jedara Docena who tote 6 points in the Girls' 16 and under.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

Friday, June 13, 2008

UPDATE ON VIETNAM CHESS

ELORTA SPLIT THE POINT WITH GM DAO IN 71 MOVES

Individual Standings after round 3: 10 players' field, Danang IM Tournament

3.0 points---Nguyen Van Huy (Vietnam)

2.5 points---GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam)

2.0 points---FM Roderick Nava (Philippines), David Elorta (Philippines)

1.5 points---GM Zaw Win Lay (Myanmar)

1.0 point---IM Wynn Zaw Htun (Myanmar), FM Hoang Canh Huan (Vietnam), Nguyen Thien Viet (Vietnam),

0.5 point---FM Bao Quang (Vietnam), Nguyen Hoang Nam (Vietnam)

DANANG, VIETNAM- Refusing an early draw but the game ending in a draw just the same, unrated Filipino David Elorta (2409) gave his best to register the biggest upset yesterday but third seed Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai (2530) managed a draw in their end game that lasted 71 moves of the English Opening in the third round of Asean Masters Chess Circuit here at the Danang Hotel.

"Nag offer siya sa akin ng draw sa 17 moves kaso hindi ko tinanggap kasi gusto-gusto ko talagang manalo. Actually, nag sacrifice pa ako ng rook ko kapalit ng bishop at isang pawn kasi matatag at magaling talaga si GM Dao," said Elorta, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on June 20.

"Sana makuha ko dito sa Danang IM Tournament ang 2nd IM norm ko," added Elorta, whose stint here is being supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

The draw gave the San Andres, Bukid, Manila ace 2.0 points on account of a win and two draws in three outings and climbed into a tie for 3rd to 4th placers with compatriot FM Roderick Nava (2351) who also halved the point with Vietnamese Nguyen Thien Viet after 90 moves of a Queens' Indian Defense.

"Mahirap din po pala magpumilit kasi sa end game na losing position pa ako buti na lamang hindi nakita ng kalaban ko ang tamang continuation," added Carmona, Cavite pride Nava, who is seeking his first IM norm here in Danang IM Tournament.

GM Dao, who posted an impressive back to back win before settling a draw with Elorta is solo 3rd place with 2.5 points.

Candidate Master Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam nipped countryman FM Bao Quang after 37 moves of an English Opening to grabs the solo leadership board` with 3.0 points each. Van Huy whose an Elo rating of 2369 upset No.2 IM IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542) of Myanmar late Wednesday.

In other matches, top seed GM Zaw`Win Lay (2574) of Myanmar settled for a truce with FM Hoang Canh Huan of Vietnam after 58 moves of an Vienna Opening while IM Wynn also drew with Candiate Master Nguyen Hoang Nam of Vietnam after 50 moves of a Reti Opening.

In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, Richielieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City toppled Vietnamese Tran Tanh Tu after 51 moves of a Sicilian Defense to seize the lead in the Boys' 18 and under with 4.5 points after five games of play.

John Ray B. Batucan of Davao City tied with Vietnamese, Lu Chan Hung with 4.5 pts after 5th round in the Boys' 12 and under.

In the boys' 10 and under, Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City stuns Daryl Unix Samantila of Singalong, Manila after 29 moves of an English Opening to remain in the medal race.

Daniel John Lemi of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur suffered back to back loses to stuck at 3.0 points in the Boys' 8 and under

Cheradee Chardine Camacho defeated Vietnamese Le Hoai Bao Duyen to raise her total 4.0 points and share the lead with no.7 seed Phan Nguyen Mai Chi, no. 2 seed Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and Nguyen Thao Han of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi suffered his first lost at the hands of FM Ignatius Leong of Singapore after 61 moves of an Owens Defense to remain at 3.0 points in the fourth round of Senior Division of the 50-year-old and under.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

MORE ON VIETNAM AGE GROUP CHESS

DANANG, VIETNAM---A seven-year-old boy from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur carrying the good fight for the Filipinos, stunned a higher opponent and nailed his third consecutive victory in the Boys' 8 and under after the third round of 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 here at the Danang Hotel.

Handling the white pieces, Daniel John Lemi trounced Nguyen Cong Tai of Vietnam after 25 moves of French Defense to raise his total 3.0 points.

"Nagbunga po 'yung preparasyon po namin," said Lemi, an incoming grade 2 pupil of Anastrophe Christian School.

However, Marist School incoming grade 2 pupil Haince Patrick de Leon suffered his second loses to stuck at 1.0 point after losing to Pham Quang Minh of Vietnam in 26 moves of a London System Opening.

Pulilan, Bulacan ace Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, meanwhile clobbered Nguyen Thai Duong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points.

"Masyadong mabilis tumira si Haince, sabi ko nga ay standard play pa at hindi pa rapid at blitz event," said NM Rudy Ibanez, a member of RP coaching staff headed by IM Idelfonso Datu.

Delegation head and NCFP director Atty. Edmundo Legaspi is very confident that the RP age grouper can win a gold medal, a good gift to NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.who is schedule to arrive here on June 14.

"So far so good, maganda nilalaro ng mga bata 'yung nga lamang 'yung iba ay may winning chances at drawish position kaso natalo pa dahil masyadong mabilis ang kanilang laro" said Atty. Legaspi, who also scored his second win in the Senior Division, 50-year-old below matapos after beating Vietnamese Nguyen Do in 30 moves of a Sicilian-Dragon skirmish.

According to tournament arbiter Thomas Hoe,the winner in the Senior Division will be included in the over-all medal tally in the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships. Hoe also added that an outright Fide Master and Woman FM Title at stakes to the winner in the U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 division for boys' and girls, in order.

Sharing the limelight is Richilieu Salcedo of Cagayan de Oro City suprise No.4 FM Nguyen Viet Chung of Vietnam in 63 moves of a Sicilian Defense to score 3.0 points and share the lead with fourth round opponent No.2 FM Ton That Nhu Tung of Vietnam, winner over countryman Hoang Van Ngoc in the Boys' 18 and under. Karl Victor Ochoa of Pulilan, Bulacan held into a draw with Nguyen Manh Truong of Vietnam for his 2.0 points. Not as fourtunate is Leo Daylo Jr. of Quezon City who succumbed to CM Tran Thanh Tu of Vietnam and remains at 1.0 point.

Paolo Bersamina of Pasay City nipped Mohd Faizal B. Roslan of Malaysia after 49 moves of an English Opening for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 10 and under while John Ray Batucan of Davao City crushed compatriot Vince Angelo Medina of Manila for his 3.0 points and grabs the solo leadership board in the Boys' 12 and under.Alcon John Datu, maenwhile nipped Nguyen Dinh Quang of Vietnam for his 2.5 points in the Boys' 16 and under.

Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Jan Nigel Galan drew their match in the Boys'14 and under. The duo now has 2.0 points each.

Meanwhile, Judith Pineda of Olongapo City when she upset No.6 Woman Candidate Master Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Trang of Vietnam to score his third straight wins and create a three-way tie for first place with No.2 WFM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and fourth round opponent No.7 WCM Phan Nguyen Mai Chi of Vietnam in the Girls' 14 and under.

Top seed Chardine Charadee Camacho, who hails from Caba, La Union, on the other hand crushed N.4 WFM Danielle Ho En-Huei of Singapore for her 2.5 points while Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi of Olongapo City bowed to Le Hoai Bao Duyen of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points.Cherry Ann Mejia of Taguig City toppled Cheng Jie Ling Zerlene of Singapore to improved here record with 1.5 points.

Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan beat Michelle Hoe of Singaore for her 2.0 points but Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite yielded to Huynh Thu Truc of Vietnam and remains at 1.5 points in the Girls' 10 and under.

In the Danang International Master (IM) Tournament, Fide Master Roderick Nava and David Elorta settled a 25 moves draw of Queen's Pawn Game at the start of 10 player-s field yesterday.

"Medyo drawish kasi ang posisyon at ok lamang ang draw kasi maaga pa naman para maireserba ko ang lakas ko sa next round," said the 22 year-old Nava, which stint is supported by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Carmona mayor Roy Loyola.

Top seed GM Zaw Win Lay (2574) and 2nd seed IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2542), both representative of Myanmar also drew their games.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

NAVA, ELORTA, START THEIR IM BID TODAY IN ASEAN CHESS CIRCUIT

DANANG, Vietnam---Filipinos Roderick Nava and David Elorta will pursue their quest for coveted IM norm/results at the ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit at the Danang Hotel.

Nava and Elorta, both playing under the banner of NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., will see action in the 13 man-field International Master (IM) round-robin tournament.

"I hope makuha ko na dito ang aking first IM norm/ results at gagawin ko ang aking best ko para ma achieve ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Cong. (Butch) Pichay at Carmona Mayor (Roy) Loyola dahil sa walang humpay na supporta sa akin mapa local at international chess campaign," said the 22-year-old Carmona, Cavite native Nava who beat Vietnamese GM Nguyen Anh Dung in the 2006 Singapore International Open.

Elorta, the pride San Andres Bukid, Manila, on the other added " Gaya po ni Roderick (Nava), gagawin ko din ang best ko para makuha ko naman ang 2nd IM norm/ results ditto sa Danang IM Touranament. " Said the 25-year-old Elorta, who is best to remember beating Chinese GM Zhou Weigi in the 2007 Pichay Cup International Open Chess when he earned his first IM norm/ results.

Meanwhile, NM Edmundo Legaspi got first round bye at the start yesterday of 50-year-old Senior Division, being held coincide the Asean Age-Group Chess Championships and the Asean Masters Chess Circuit.

Legaspi, lawyer by profession from Olongapo City also tasked by NCFP President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. to be the delegation head of 40 RP Age-Grouper. Former Olympian IM Idelfonso Datu is the head coach while NM Rudy Ibanez is the asst. coach.

In the Asean Age Group Chess Championships, host country sent 195 players from a total of 340 players according to Datu. The Philippines is the second largest contingent with 40 players while Malaysia at 3rd with 31 players.

Other countries who participated in the Asean Age-Group Chess are Singapore (19), Brunei (12), Indonesia (11), Korea (5) and India (3).

"Malaking chance natin sa lahat ng dibisyon kasi solid 'yung pinadala ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay kahit tig 3 at 4 sa isang division pero talagang llamado ang Vietnam kasi marami silang entries sa bawat division. " said Datu.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

GARCIA HEADS RP SQUAD IN VIETNAM ASEAN AGE GROUP CHESS

JAN EMMANUEL GARCIA will again be tested when he spearheads a Philippine squad bound for the 9th ASEAN + Age Group Chess Championships 2008 (June 10-18) at the Danang Indoor Stadium in Danang, Vietnam.

The incoming 2nd year High-School student from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) won back to back gold medals in the 2005 to 2006 edition but failed to compete in the last year's edition because of busy schedule in his school. Fondly called "Jem" in local chess circuit will seeing in action in the Boy's 14 and under meet.

"Nagpapasalamat po kami sa walang humpay na pagsuporta sa Philippine Chess Ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay. Gagawin namin lahat po ng aming makakaya para makapag-uwi muli kami ng karangalan sa bayan at masuklian na din po ang kabutihang loob ni Cong. (Butch) Pichay." Said the 13-year-old Garcia, who topped the Boy's 10 and under in the 2005 Vietnam edition and dominates the 12 and under in the 2006 Thailand edition.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. is confident that our young Filipino woodpushers will once again perform well in the said event.

"Our young chess players proved that they really deserve our support. Maganda ang ipinakita nila dito sa nakaraang mga edisyon sana ganon din ngayon, beside itong ASEAN Age-Group Chess ay dito din nahasa si Wesley (So), ang world's youngest GM at 14 at why not baka dito din sa grupong ito ang susunod sa yapak ni Wesley (So)." said Pichay, who bankrolled the trip of the RP chessers.

Other members of the team were Karl Victor Ochoa, Leo Daylo Jr., Bryan Cyril Martinez, and Richilieu Salcedo (Boys 18 and under), Alcon Datu, Loren Brigham Laceste and Narquingden Reyes (Boys 16 and under), Prince Mark Aquino, Jan Nigel Galan (Boys 14 and under), Vince Medina Angelo, John Batucan, Christian Nanola and Carl Angelo Perez (Boys 12 and under), Paulo Bersamina, Elijah Aliam, and Daryl Unix Samantila (Boys 10 and under), Kyle Emmanuel Ochoa, Haince Patrick de Leon and John Danile Lemi (Boys 8 and under).

In the girls' division, QATAR ASIAD bet Woman NM Jedara Docena will carrying the good fight for the Filipina pawnpushers along with Nikki Apinpin and Akiko Chairmaine Suede in the Girls' 16 and under.

In the Girl's 18 and under our representative are Woman NM Kimberly Jane Cunanan, Lovelyn Medina and Ronna Rei Ner Senora.

Here's other list of our representatives for the distaff side,Girls' 14 and under---Judith Pineda, Kaye Ann Sioson Legaspi, Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Cherry Ann Mejia, and Chardine Cheradee Camacho, Girls' 12 and under---Rowely Joy Asedo, Maria Ysabelle Joyce Semillano, Jean Karen and Enriquez, Girls' 10 and under---Marie Antoinette San Diego, Samantha Glo Revita and Cyamir Villanueva III and, Girls' 8 and under---Danica Ablang, Alexis Charlotte Suede and Alexis Anne Osena.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

JAYSON GONZALES BREAKS 2500-ELO BARRIER, IS RP'S 9TH GM

JAYSON GONZALES, who hails from V. Luna, Quezon City had something to cheer about after he received his GM title this month.

This after Gonzales finished nine points on six wins and six draws, enough for his current ELo to jump from 2490 to 2520, thus breaking the 2500-ELo barrier. Gonzales also lifted the RP team to a 46.5 points victory over visiting Myanmar's 25.5 points over the weekend in the first "RP-Myanmar Dual Match" chess tournament at the Lake Garden Hotel in Tagaytay City.

However, Gonzales needed to wait till July 1, 2008 for the FIDE rating list to be released to formally claim his GM title.

In the April1, 2008 FIDE rating list, Gonzales had a 2468 which does not include the 22 points he earned after topping the Subic Chess Open last month, thus his 2468 rating jumped to 2490.

Gonzales, a member of the Philippine Army Chess Team joined the elite group of Filipino GM's with Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio Jr., Bong Villamayor, Nelson Mariano, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Wesley So and the late Rosendo Balinas.

"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Cong (Butch) Pichay dahil hindi siya tumigil sa pagsuporta sa akin mapa local at internasyunal para matupad ang pangarap kong makuha ang GM title," said Gonzales.

His childhood friend and fellow V. Luna, Quezon City resident Atty. Ariel Inton, also Majority Floor Leader of the Quezon City Council congratulated him for his feat.

" Napakagandang ehemplo si Jayson (Gonzales) sa lungsod Quezon lalung-lalu na sa mga kabataan," Inton referring the upcoming Mari Jose "MJ" Turqueza also from V. Luna, Quezon City din, the son of Atty. Gene Turqueza.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

CAMINONG TOPS CAAP CHESS; FORMER CHESS OLYMPIAN DIES

FORMER Philippine Christian University (PCU) top player Chester Caminong trounced Verth Alora in the eight and final round to dominate the just concluded CAAP 2000 Rapid Chess Tournament at the Ramon Magsaysay High School, EDSA-Cubao, Quezon City, over the weekend.

Caminong finished with a total 7.5 points on account of seven wins and a draw in eight outings to bag the top prize of P4,000 in the event organized by Chess Arbiters Association of the Philippines supervised Gatz Luz, Raul Cruz, Ferdie Reyes, Milo Samaniego and Danny Villanueva.

At solo second place is Ricardo Jimenez with 7.0 points, half point ahead of John Alcon Datu, Joel Cocjin and Stephen Manzanero with 6.5 points each.

Jimenez pocketed P2,000 while Datu, Cocjin and Manzanero received P800 each.

Meanwhile, the entire Philippine Chess Community is saddened by the death of former Olympian and NM Celestino Cain due to colon and abdominal complications. "I remember Celes (Cain) as one of our best chess player in the early 80's and also one of the few who succeeded in chess coaching," said chess trainer NM/IA Erwin Carag. Cain's remains was flown to Bicol by his relatives.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison.

ROSAUPAN TOPS DAVAO NAT'L FIDE RATED OPEN CHESS; GAINS NM TITLE

FORMER University of Sto. Tomas standout Carlo Magno Rosaupan split the point with National Master Elwin Retanal in the ninth and final round to emerge over-all champion in the just concluded 2008 Davao National Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship at the Gaisano South Citimall in Davao City.

Rosaupan finished with 7.5 points in this 9-round tournament organized by NCFP region 11 coordinator James Infiesto and backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., to bag the top purse of P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy.

Infiesto added that Rosaupan also gained his long-over due Naional Master Title because of his superb performance in this event which attracted 88 players.

Retanal on the other hand notched 7.0 points to finish in a tie for 2nd to 5th placers along with Johnnel Balquin, US Master Pedro Tidoy and top seed NM Alex Lupian.

In other matches, Balquin upset NM Prospero Cruz, Tidoy waylaid NM Levi Mercado while Lupian nipped Werner Priete.

Rounding up to the top nine finishers were Priete, Jerwell Andoy, Ruel Nuttal and Reynald Quinonez with 6.5 points each.

Ferdinand Leysa, meanwhile defeated John Ray Batucan to score 6.0 points and bested seven players after the tie break points was applied to occupy No.10 spot.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

ANDOY, NUTAL, GIANT KILLERS IN DAVAO CHESS

JOSE MARIA COLLEGE standout Jerwell Andoy and little-known Ruel Nuttal hurdled their respective rivals to continue their giant-killing ways and create a five-way tie after the third round of 2008 Davao National Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship held at the Gaisano South Citimall in Davao City.

Aside from Andoy and Nuttal, other woodpushers who kept undefeated records with perfect 3.0 points were Johnnel Balquin, Rodrigo Catayas, and Werner Priete.

Andoy toppled fellow DabaueƱo tournament favorite and former RP Junior champion NM Alex Lupian in the second round then nipped NM Levy Mercado of Cagayan de Oro City in the third round while Nuttal defeated NM Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City and Jake Gonzales of Cagayan de Oro City, in order.

In other third round results are: Balquin beats Nazario Ubanan, Catayas crushed Neptali Batucan while Priete outplayed Napoleon Recososa.

The 9-round Swiss System format offers P20,000 to the champion plus certificate and trophy in this event backed up by NCFP president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.

After settling a draw in the 2nd round, No.2 pick former RP Junior Champion NM Elwin Retanal defeated Perkins Bayron in the 3rd round to lead a huge group of 2.5 pointers to climbed into a for 6th to 15th placers.

Lupian, meanwhile bounced back in contention by beating Sherwin Orbeta to raise total 2.0 points.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison