Valenzuela catches chess leaders

MANILA, Philippines - Valenzuela City struck in the lower boards to stun Tagaytay City and Quezon City and force a four-way tie for the lead after six rounds in the National Inter-Cities and Municipalities chess team championship at the Metro Town Mall in Tarlac City yesterday.

With GM Mark Paragua holding his ground against fellow GMs Darwin Laylo and Rogelio Antonio, Jr., Valenzuela City leaned on victories by Vic Neil Villanueva and Silverio Abasolo to topple top seed Tagaytay City, 3.5-.5, in the fifth round and erstwhile solo leader Quezon City, 3-1, in the sixth.

Villanueva outplayed Allan Macala (Tagaytay) and Gary Legaspi (QC) while Abasolo upended Rhoel Abelgas (Tagaytay) and Ilann Perez (QC) to lead the team to twin victories in the five-day competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with the Tarlac City government.

With Ivan Gil Biag also beating Raymond Salcedo, Valenzuela nearly swept Tagaytay as Laylo prevented the shutout with a draw against Paragua.

Paragua drew with Antonio and Biag halved the point with Jerry Areque to ensure Valenzuela’s back-to-back victories.