Win over India keeps chessers in chase

AL AIN, United Arab Emirates – Tagaytay-RP made sure there would be no repeat of the fourth-round debacle against host Al Ain Chess Club (United Arab Emirates) in the Asian Club Cup.

GMs Mark Paragua and Darwin Laylo provided the all-important victories as Tagaytay-RP edged Club India, 2.5-1.5, in their fifth-round encounter to stay in contention for the title and the $20,000 top prize at the Al Ain Chess Center.

Paragua, still looking for a breakthough win following a so-so performance in the year about to end, crushed IM P. Karthkeyan on board three.

Laylo, a member of the RP team to the 38th World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany last month, trounced IM Mokal Prathamesh.

Laylo, whose sisters Michelle and Maureen work in nearby Dubai and Abu Dhabi, also redeemed himself from an earlier loss to Chinese GM Li Chao.

The twin victories by Paragua and Laylo were more than enough to cushion the impact of the upset loss of GM John Paul Gomez at the hands of IM Deep Sengupta on board two.

GM Wesley So settled for a draw with IM R. R. Laxman at the top board.

The Filipinos’ fourth win against one loss in the seven-round, 30-team tournament placed them on a share of second-sixth places with eight points based on the matchpoint style scoring system.

Next up for the Filipinos is Club Intchess (Singapore).

The Singapore-based team, led by Vietnamese GM Bui Vinh and Filipino IM Julio Catalino Sadorra, whipped Rah Aham (Iran), 3-1, in the fifth round.