Michael Concio, Jr. and Mohamad Ervan Share Lead in Zone 3.3 Zonal

Seventeen-year-old IM Michael Concio, Jr. of the Philippines (above left) and Indonesian IM Mohamad Ervan (above right), 29, defeated their respective opponents to share the lead with 5 points each after six rounds of the Southeast Asian Zone 3.3 Zonal Hybrid Chess Championship on Tornelo.

Concio, on the black side of a Ruy Lopez Game, defended accurately against IM Azarya Jodi Setyaki of Indonesia who sacrificed the exchange on move 22 for a strong kingside attack. Concio forced an exchange of Queens and in the ensuing endgame forced resignation on the 55^th move.

Ervan crushed the Petroff defense of 14-year-old Jagadeesh Siddharth of Singapore. Gaining a protected passed pawn in the center, the Indonesian transposed to a King and pawn endgame to win in 50 moves.

(From foreground) GM Darwin Laylo, WIM Kylene Joy Mordido, IM Michael Concio Jr. and IM Daniel Quizon at the star-studded Dasmarinas Chess Academy put up by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. and national coach FM Roel Abelgas

Erstwhile co-leader IM Daniel Quizon of the Philippines luckily escaped with a draw against IM Winshand Cuhendi of Indonesia. Playing white in a Queen’s Pawn opening, the Indonesian sacrificed a Knight for two pawns on the 18^th move to create a passed c-pawn. Cuhendi missed a pawn promotion on the 40^th move (see diagram below 40.c8=Q! Qxc8 41.Rd8!), played instead 40.Qe5+ and settled for a draw a move later.

Quizon, Cuhendi and three others follow with 4-1/2 points each, namely GM Novendra Priasmoro and IM Theolifus Taher Yoseph of Indonesia and IM Tin Jingyao of Singapore.

Priasmoro beat compatriot Ali Muhammad Lutfi by smothered mate in 34 moves.

Taher won against compatriot GM Susanto Megaranto who resigned on the 22^nd move after a mouse slip of Rc8 instead of Rd8, losing a Bishop. Tornelo has an option called “Move Confirmation” which players may choose to prevent mouse slip but it means two clicks per move. Actually, regulations allow for games between players in the same venue to be played over-the-board if they choose, but the Indonesians preferred to play on Tornelo.

IM Tin Jingyao beat Merben Roque of the Philippines with the exchange up in a Rook and Knight endgame to force resignation in 41 moves.\

The Cebu, Philippines lost hotel internet connection in round 6 due to an unforeseen construction work outside the hotel. They were prepared with mobile data and continued playing. See the online news coverage from Cebu.

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