NU bet Enriquez Grabs Solo Lead in National Open Semis Chess Tilt

by Marlon Bernardino

National University bet Jean Karen Enriquez grabbed the solo lead in the 2013 Semi-Finals National Chess Championships following an impressive victory over erstwhile undefeated  Janena Marie Regencia at the Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School, P. Tuazon Blvd. Cubao, Quezon City.

The tournament second seed raised her total to 3.0 points in three rounds after 49 pushes of their Birds encounter.

 Enriquez, the reigning 2013 POC-PSC Philippine National Games double gold medal winner earlier beat Venice Vicente and Nikki Erica Yngayo, respectively.

Regencia, meantime dropped into a huge group of chasers with 2.0 points alongside top seed Gladys Hazelle Romero, Nikki Erica Yngayo, Ynna Sophia Canape, Arvie Lozano, Krizza Lyn Abasolo and Lucelle Bermundo.

Romero and Canape halved the point after 59 moves of Budapest Opening; Lozano and Shania Mae Mendoza split the point after 61 moves of Modern defense; Yngayo defeated Hiezel Coraje after 37 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense; Abasolo toppled Quinna Louise Soler after 30 moves of Slav defense; and Bermundo outclassed Villamae Cabrera after 43 moves of Modern defense.

In the men's side, No.1 seed International Master Rolando Nolte beat Rodolfo Panopio after 56 moves of Sicilian defense to scored 2.5 points and gain a share of lead with International Master elect Roderick Nava and Fide Master Haridas Pascua along with 12 others. Nava drew with NM Ronald Llavanes after 41 moves of Center Counter game while Pascua split the point with Emmanuel Emperado after 31 moves of Modern defense. 

The 9-round FIDE rated tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by it's Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite 7th district rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. is supported by  Bayan Muna party list rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, DepEd ASEC Tonisito Umali, DepEd NCR Regional Director Dr. Luz, S. Almeda, Ponciano Bernardo Elementary School  principal Linaflor E. Cabildo, Asst. Chief P.E. School Sports Dr. Jocelyn V. Marcial, Director IV Dr. Luz S. Almeda and OIC office of the Asst. Regional Director Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales in coordination with  the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).