by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Chester Neil Reyes (Elo 1837) shocked fourth seed IM Denis Lazavik (Elo 2440) of Belarus in 47 moves of a King’s Indian defense to improve his total to 6.5 points out of 7 rounds in the ongoing FIDE Online Rapid World Cup Cadets & Youth online chess championship Open 16 and under virtually held at Tornelo Platform late Thursday.
With the win, Reyes, the pride of Rodriguez, Rizal province remains on top along with FIDE Master Rohith Krishna S (Elo 2304) of India who brought down Ruben Fernandez Lopez (Elo 2213) of Spain in 57 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening.
Another Filipino entry Jeremy Marticio (Elo 1693) defeated CM Eldiar Orozbaev (Elo 2128) of Kyrgyzstan in 48 moves of a Giuco Piano Opening to post his fourth straight win in as many rounds. The Cabuyao City, Laguna bet Marticio raised his total to 5 points.
Reyes is playing under the guidance of Coach Richard Villlaseran, 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 Knockout 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.
FIDE Master Rohith Krishna S (Elo 2304) of India will slug it out with Chester Neil Reyes (Elo 1837) for the solo leadership board in Friday’s eight round while Taira Tyler Tanaka (Elo 2099) of Canada versus Jeremy Marticio (Elo 1693).