By Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Woman Candidate Master Alexandra Sydney Paez of the Philippines remained undefeated after four rounds of action in the FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth 2021 chess championship on Monday, August 2, 2021 virtually held at Tornelo Platform.
The 17 years old Paez, an online Arena International Master, one of the top players of Cabuyao City mayor Atty. Rommel “Mel” Gecolea, downed Woman FIDE Master Viviana Galvan Cipriani of Spain for her fourth straight win to remain of the top spot together with Woman International Master Ngoc Thuy Duong Bach of Vietnam and Woman FIDE Master Aliaksandra Tarasenka of Belarus who totes perfect 4.0 points in the Girls 18 and under.
Paez, a Grade 12 student of Malayan College of Laguna, needed 60 moves of an English Opening to checkmate the Spanish WFM who fell to a group tied at ninth spot.
“It was a very intense match,” said Paez, who beat Shane Visser of South Africa in the first round, Woman FIDE Master Chandratreya Prachiti of India in the second round and Woman FIDE Master Laman Hajiyeva of Azerbaijan in the third round.
“I hope to do well in this prestigious FIDE online event,” She added.
Phil Martin Casiguran of Caloocan City and National Master Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Constantino Reyes of Santa Rita, Pampanga toppled their respective rivals to remain in contention in the Open 10 and under.
Casiguran subdued Jon Bocos Delgado of Spain in 41 moves of a King’s Indian defense while Reyes whose stint here is being supported by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice-Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda checkmated Antoni Radzimski of Poland in 42 moves of French defense.
Casiguran was tied at tenth spot with 3.5 points while Reyes joints 19th spot with 3.0 points.