San Diego paces Asean chess with 4th win

MANILA, Philippines - Marie Antoinette San Diego notched her fourth straight victory to remain on top in the girls’ 12-and-under division in the ASEAN age group standard chess championships in Tarakan, Indonesia yesterday.

San Diego, bronze medalist in the Asian Youth in Subic last month, stunned seventh seed Vindy Chandra of Indonesia to stay half-a-point clear of WFM Dita Karenza of Indonesia in the nine-round tournament.

San Diego, from Dasmariñas, Cavite, earlier toppled Manun Novitasari of Indonesia, Sabrina Asman of Malaysia and Hazimi Nuryamsina of Indonesia to lead the Philippines’ campaign in the annual tournament featuring the leading and rising players in the region.

Reigning national junior champion Mari Joseph Turqueza outclassed Randha Haidm of Indonesia and Lennon Hart Salgados crushed Lim Zhuo Reni of Malaysia to stay in the hunt in the centerpiece boys’ 20-and-under class while Jedara Docena, Mary Israel Palero and Rowelyn Acedo hurdled their respective rivals in the girls’ 20-and-under category.

In the boys’ 16 under, Dave Patrick Dulay lost to FM Pham Hoa Nam of Vietnam, Dominique Lagula yielded to Vu Quang Quyen of Vietnam and Kline Surposa fell to Kaegar Linaksono of Indonesia.

Girls’ 16 under campaigners Jean Karen Enriquez demolished Nada Nadiah of Indonesia and Janelle Mae Frayna overpowered Via Lastiningtyas of Indonesia to improve to three points.

Meanwhile, the Filipinos won eight golds, seven silvers and eight bronzes in the blitz side of the tournament.

Dennis Gutierrez III swept the nine-round tournament to clinch the gold in the boys’ 8-and-under. The other gold medal winners were Julius Gonzales (10-and-under), Daryl Unix Samantila (12-and-under), Dominique Lagula (16-and-under) and Mira Mirano (girls 14-and-under).