by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Chester Neil Reyes (Elo 1837) of the Philippines scored two more victories to grab the solo lead in the on-going FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth online chess championship Open 16 and under virtually held at Tornelo Platform.
The 89th seed Reyes, the pride of Rodriguez, Rizal province shocked 4th seed International Master (IM) Denis Lazavik (Elo 2440) of Belarus in 47 moves of a King’s Indian defense in Thursday’s seventh round and checkmated 13th seed FIDE Master (FM) Rohith Krishna S (Elo 2304) of India in 45 moves of King’s Indian defense in Friday’s eight round to stay unbeaten.
With the win, Reyes tallied 7.5 points on seven wins and one draw with 2 rounds to go.
Another Filipino entry 106th seed Jeremy Marticio (Elo 1693), meantime defeated 38th seed CM Eldiar Orozbaev (Elo 2128) of Kyrgyzstan in 48 moves of a Giuco Piano Opening and checkmated 42nd seed Taira Tyler Tanaka (Elo 2099) of Canada in 37 moves of a Caro-Kann defense to post his fifth straight wins in as many rounds. The Cabuyao City, Laguna bet Marticio raise his total 6 points on six wins and two loses.
Reyes is playing under the guidance of Coach Richard Villaseran, founder of King’s Gambit Chess School, where Reyes trains from time to time while Marticio whose stint here is being supported by Cabuyao City Mayor Mel Gecolea, Cabuyao City Sports Director Jerome Paul Lualhati, Bayanihan sa Cabuyao Executive Director Michael Aranzanso and Cabuyao Chess Committee Chairman & President of Philippine Executive Chess Association Dr. Fred Paez.
Reyes and Marticio, both eyeing to finish in the top 10 to join early qualifiers Lexie Grace Hernandez of Angeles City, Pampanga (Girls 16 and under), Jersey Marticio of Cabuyao City, Laguna (Girls 14 and under), April Joy Claros of Angeles City, Pampanga (Girls 14 and under) and Wayne Diaz Ruiz of Santa Rosa City, Laguna (Open 14 and under) in the Last 16 Knock Out Stage.
The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by President/Chairman Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr., is supporting the campaign of the Filipino woodpushers as part of its continuing program to train and develop outstanding young players