Lagula, Guya pace Shell chess

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed McDominique Lagula and No. 4 Ali Guya swept their first five games to forge a share of the lead in the boys’ juniors division while Michelle Yaon took charge in the girls’ side with four points in the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships – Northern Luzon leg at Brickstone Mall in Tuguegarao City last Saturday.

Lagula, from Far Eastern U, hurdled Donald Baret, Robert Parayo, Janleigh Aguete, Charles Abuzo and Kevin Labog, while Guya, playing out of Adamson, outclassed Bladeneer Cacatian, Ruel Mateo, Christian Geron, Mark Asejo and Gil Ruaya to pace the field with five points heading to the last four rounds of the nine-round Swiss system event serving as the second leg of the five-stage nationwide circuit sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

National U’ Norvin Gravillo posted four wins and a draw to stay within striking distance with 4 1/2 points while seven players, including Kevin Labog, Arnold Castillo, Rey Sebolino, Asejo, Geron, Aguete and Abuzo, shared fourth place with four points.

Yaon, on the other hand, downed Melanie Binarao, Encar Pernites, Biancaflor Geron and Quinna Soler to seize the solo lead in the girls side with four points, half-a-point ahead of Highzzy Manaloto, Joribene Bonifacio and Hiezel Coraje.