Evangelista seizes piece of Asian chess lead

MANILA, Philippines - Paul Robert Evangelista posted back-to-back victories over seeded players to join compatriot Jan Emmanuel Garcia in the early lead in the Asian Youth Chess Championships at the Subic Bay Traveler’s Hotel in Subic yesterday.

Evangelista, a mainstay of UAAP champion FEU, upset No. 6 Mhamal Amurag of India and No. 8 Ali Valizadeh of Iran to match Garcia’s romp over fellow Filipino Dominique Lagula and Alisher Begmuratov of Uzbekistan in the boys’ 16-and-under division.

Haridas Pascua also shone for the hosts as he defeated Zhao Zhouqiao of China in the boys’ 18 under category.

Pascua, seeded sixth in the 20-player field, lost to compatriot Prince Mark Aquino in the first round.

Lagula also bounced back from a first round loss by downing Choi Hangsuk of Korea.

Jerad Docena, meanwhile, toppled Giovanni Mejia to keep his hopes alive in the boys’ 14 under class while Raul Sol Cruz Jr. halved the point with Park Hyu Min of Korea.

Olympiad veteran Cheradee Chardine Camacho defeated Sachini Ranasinghe of Sri Lanka and drew with Minoo Asgarizadeh of Iran to remain in contention in the girls’ 18 under category.

Mikee Charlene Suede outclassed Adele Lau Chuey Theng of Malaysia in another 18 under encounter.

Cristine Joyce Laz, however, fell to Rucha Pujari, while Jan Jodilyn Fronda bowed to Altan Ulzii Enkhtuul of Mongolia.

In the girls 16-under group, Janelle Mae Frayna drew with Aida Ghaffarian of Iran but Jean Karen Enriquez lost to P. Nandhidhaa of India.