With one round to go
Marawi native cops PH 1st gold in Asean chess championship
MANILA - AL-BASHER 'Baste' Buto captured the Boys 8 and Under division title in the standard play even if there is still one round to go in the ongoing 18th Asean Age Group Chess Championship being held at the Grand Darul Makmur Hotel in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
His latest victim on Thursday is fellow Filipino Vincent Ruy Dimayuga in Round 7.
With the win, the Cainta, Rizal resident but native to Marawi City, Buto tallied undefeated seven wins in seven outings. His eighth and final round opponent is Mohd Faizal Muhd Harris Halie of Malaysia.
Earlier, Buto defeated Ruslan Pamplona of the Philippines in Round 1, Syed Hashim Azmi Syed Firdaus of Malaysia in Round 2, Wicaksana Muazzam Bilal of Indonesia in Round 3, Kavin Mohan of Malaysia in Round 4, Lai Hong Jun of Malaysia in Round 5, Adnan Habibur Rahman of Malaysia in Round 6 before beating Dimayuga in Round 7.
Buto, a Grade 2 student of Faith Christian School, also won the gold medal during the 13th Asian Schools Chess Championship last July in Liaohe Art Museum in Panjin, China.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) vice president Atty. Cliburn A. Orbe said: "Traditionally mas malakas showing natin sa rapid and blitz than standard event. But they're dominating the standard events now unlike last year."
"Make the country proud," he added.
Mecel Angela Gadut of Candon City and Kaye Lalaine Regidor of Sta. Rosa defeated their respective rivals and shared the lead in the Girls 8 and Under.
Gadut toppled Vissnupriya Prushotman of Malaysia while Regidor trounced Hafiya Imana Zaba of Malaysia. Both Pinays tallied 6.0 points each after Round 7.
Jirah Floravie Cutiyog of General Santos City subdued Mohd Zakiyuddin Nur Fatnin Uz to raised her total 5.0 points, the same output of Afiqah Zahra Salihin of Malaysia, winner over Zainal Abidin Eidil Khadijah of Malaysia.
In the Boys 12 and Under, Michael Concio Jr. of Los Baños, Laguna defeated Mahmood Shah Mukhriez Shah of Malaysia to remain on top with perfect 6.0 points in seven outings.
His Round 7 opponent is compatriot Mark Jay Bacojo of Pasig City, winner over Budhidharma Nayaka of Indonesia to raise his total 5.0 points.
However, Gabriel John Umayan of Davao City yielded to Chandrasekaran Yuvaneshwaarra of Malaysia. Umayan remainst at 4.0 points, the same output of Wesley Jovan Magbanua of Davao City, who brought down Mohd Rodzi Muhd Raziq of Malaysia.
In the Girls 12 and Under, Jerlyn Mae San Diego of Dasmariñas, Cavite subdued Eunice Tang En Shi of Malaysia for her 5.0 points, with Latifah Laysa of Indonesia leading the race with 6.0 points after Round 6.
In the Boys 14 and Under, Daniel Quizon of Dasmariñas, Cavite and Dicky Adiyta of Indonesia shared on top with 5.0 points each. They will face each other in Round 7 for the solo leadership board.
In the Girls 14 and Under, Regina Catherine Quinanola of Cebu nipped compatriot Ruth Joy Vinuya of Ilagan, Isabela after Round 6 to stay on track for the coveted medal. Marlon Bernardino