Turqueza stays at helm; Acedo shares girls lead

MANILA, Philippines - Mari Joseph Turqueza drew with Kevin Mirano to remain on top in the boys’ side while Rowelyn Acedo pulled off a big win to tie Janelle Mae Frayna in the girls side of the Phoenix Petroleum-National Juniors chess championships at the NCCC Mall in Davao City yesterday.

Turqueza, who swept his first six assignments, settled for a split this time as he failed to shake off Mirano. He, however, kept the lead with 6.5 points after seven rounds.

The 18-year-old BS Psychology student of San Sebastian College, who also ruled the 20-under tilt last week, remains a full point ahead of top seed Sheider Nebato and defending champion Paulo Bersamina, and four others.

Turqueza meets Nebato in a crucial eighth-round showdown between two of the tournament’s top three players.

Nebato also drew with Richelieu Salcedo for 5.5 points.

The winner will represent the country to the World Juniors scheduled Aug. 1-16 in New Delhi, India.

Bersamina, the youngest player to win the national junior championship at 12 last year, overpowered Vince Angelo Medina.

The other 5.5 pointers are Giovanni Mejia, Paul Robert Evangelista, Salcedo and Mirano.

In girls play, Acedo pulled the rug from under top seed Jedara Docena to tie Frayna with six points with only two rounds left.

Frayna was held to a draw by sixth seed Mikee Charlene Suede.

Acedo and Frayna are now one point ahead of Chery Ann Mejia, Jessa Marie Balbona, Ynna Sophia Canape, Angelina Mortos and Suede.