Quizon falls, Asian junior chess bid in peril

MANILA, Philippines – Daniel Quizon lost a roller-coaster game Friday, July 5, and fell 1.5 points behind leader Nguyen Anh Khoi of Vietnam with 3 rounds left at the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Solo, Indonesia.

Kaumandur Raghunandan of India finally ended Quizon’s stand after 73 moves of a Sicilian Dragon. This gave the 14-year-old Quizon 4 points, the same as compatriots John Marvin Miciano and national junior champion Jeth Morado plus two others in a tie from 5th to 9th places after the sixth round.

At second with 5 points was Sagita Catur Adi of Indonesia. Gholami Orimi Mahdi of Iran, who drew Anh Khoi, has 4.5 points with Raghunandan.

“He got tired,” said Dasmariñas coach Roel Abelgas of Quizon in a Facebook private message. Saturday is rest day before action resumes on Sunday.

Abelgas said Quizon lost a pawn, but regained the advantage only to squander it. The Indian went into a Queen and Bishop ending, two pawns up and turned back Quizon’s attempts to draw by perpetual check.

Miciano, the 2018 Asian Youth champion, beat Constantius Pratama of Indonesia while Morado trounced Nguyen Dang Hong Phuc. 

Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano drew with Mausyach Suri Kermas Ade Kruna of Indonesia for 2.5 points.

Kylen Joy Mordido, the Asian Junior rapid champion, escaped a bad position to force a draw against Ummi Fisabilliah of Indonesia. Mordido had 3.5 points like national junior girls titlist Vic Glysen Derotas, who beat Gracelia Paramesthi Samekto of Indonesia.

Samantha Glo Revita lost to veteran Karenza Dita of Indonesia to remain at 2.5, the same points held by Jerlyn San Diego, who lost to C. Lakshmi of India.  – Rappler.com