Paragua remains in joint lead in Vietnam Chess Cup
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 22 Mar 2013
Filipino Grandmaster Mark Paragua split the point with Chinese International Master Wei Yi to create a four-way tie for first place in the fifth round of the 3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Paragua, who beat IM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam in the fourth round, gain a share of the lead along with Wei and GM Zhou Jianchao of China and top seed GM Le Quang Liem (ELO 2709) of Vietnam who totes 4.5 points in five outings. Le bested countryman IM Zeng Chongsheng while Zhou upset second seed GM Ferenc Berkes (ELO 2702) of Hungrary.
"Maganda nilalaro ni (GM) Mark (Paragua) at makikita mo mayroon siyang naitalang Rating Performance na 2766 matapos ang Round 5. Ang Elo rating ni Mark ay 2539 at naniniwala ako kaya niya muling mag 2600 Elo rating points," said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
In the sixth round, Paragua takes on Le on Board 1 and Wei tangles wit Zhou on Board 2.
GMs Oliver Barbosa, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo of the Philippines defeated their respective rivals to notch 4.0 points and were tied at 5th to 11th places. Barbosa edged compatriot FM Haridas Pascua; Gomez subdued FM Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam while Laylo WIM Ni Shiqun of China.
Pascua remains at 3.0 points, the same output of GM Richard Bitoon, IM Oliver Dimakiling and NM Stewart Manaog. GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and FM Paulo Bersamina tallied 2.5 points, NM Nelson Villanueva scored 2.0 points and Jimson Bitoon notch 1.5 points. A total of $30,000 cash prize awaits to the winners with the champion getting the lion share of $10,000.
The Filipino woodpushers Vietnam campaign are supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr., Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, Grass Roots Development Program Head and Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-
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