MANILA, Philippines - UE’s Diego Claro and Vincent Balena of Univ. of San Carlos racked up five straight victories each to seize control halfway through the Visayas leg of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship juniors division at SM City Event Center in Consolacion Cebu Saturday.
Claro, ranked fourth in a maximum field of 150, toppled John Antonio, Stella Celada, Shaira Monsalud, Sherwin Amad and Daniel Minoza to share the lead with the No. 6 Balena, who disposed of Rush Abejo, Joshua Viva, Rowena Padro, Daryin Torres and John Acedo.
Top seed Kyle Sevillano got stalled by a draw in the third round by Francis Balbona while second seed Felix Balbona was held to a standoff by Adelaide Lim in the fourth round to lead the 4.5 pointers.