SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental — The race for the Challenger’s title in the 7th ASEAN Individual Chess Championships has tightened, with Kevin Arquero of Pasay City, Lorenzo Aaron Cantela of Cavite City and Kevin Mirano of Kalibo, Aklan, sharing the lead with two rounds remaining.
The three players each have six points after a series of overnight lead changes in the nine-round tournament, which offers cash prizes and an outright National Master title to the winner.
Arquero, who stopped Davao City’s Irwin Aton after the latter upset erstwhile leader Mirano, faced Cantela in a crucial eighth-round showdown on Sunday morning, November 8, at the AMORAP Adventure Park here.
Cantela, a former Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws standout in the UAAP, had remained unbeaten through the first four rounds before falling to the surging Mirano. The Challenger’s division drew 94 participants from across the country.
Mirano, meanwhile, bounced back from his defeat to Arquero with a victory over Gladimir Chester Romero to regain a share of the lead. Cantela also stayed in contention after defeating John Curt Valencia in the seventh round.
Final rounds set up tight battle
With the title still up for grabs, Mirano faced Marquis Angelo Mallorca, who had 5.5 points, on board two.
Aton, playing black, took on fellow 5.5-pointer Jun Mark Baldesimo on board three, with both matches expected to have a bearing on the final standings.
A group of 12 players remained within striking distance at five points, including veteran FIDE Master Rosendo Bandal Jr., Nazario Ubanan, Sebastian Marbas, Allen Mirano, Alberto Rivera Jr., Romero, Mardonio Fuentes, Arena International Master Lord Yofiel Young, Ralz Jaweh Devibar and Valencia.
The closely contested Challenger’s division has kept the title race open as players battle for the championship, prize money and the coveted National Master title.
