Quiñanola, Gonzales fight for bronze

Cebuana chess players Regina Catherine Quiñanola and Alphecca Gonzales compete for the bronze medal in the Girls U12 division of the Asean Age Group Chess Championships held in Malaysia.

As of press time, Quiñanola and Gonzales were the legitimate contenders for a medal finish in the Standard competition as both players collected 4.5 points each after seven of the scheduled eight rounds of competition.

Quiñanola, Gonzales and Blanche Ellyz Bongato of Stella Maris Academy of Davao City were competing for third place of the 15-players field competition with 4.5 points entering the final round yesterday.

Quiñanola who played for the University of San Carlos-Basic Education had four wins a draw and two losses. Gonzales who studies at Rosemont Hills Montessori College in Danao City also had four wins, a draw and two loses going to the final Round 8.

Both were in a must-win situations in the final round against Sze Lok Sum of Singapore and Diajeng Theresa Singgih of Indonesia respectively to make a podium finish.

Bringing home a silver and a bronze is not a remote possibility as the current second placer En Xin Esther Tang of Malaysia was only half a point ahead. Tang played compatriot Jannatul Atikah Muhd in the final round where a loss could pull her down from the top three finish.

The other Cebu players however were struggling to make the top three.

Krisen Yochabel Marie Sanchez who won her first three assignments struggled on here next four assignment and dropped to fifth place with 4.5 points in her credit in the Girls U12 category.

Her chance to bring home a medal laid on her game against En Shi Eunic Tang of Malaysia and two other Malaysians.