MANILA, Philippines - Top seed John Ray Batucan and No. 2 Allan Pason braced for a title duel as they swept their first five matches to share the lead with Diego Claro in the 22nd Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships-Southern Mindanao leg at SM City in Davao over the weekend.
Batucan, a mainstay of Cor Jesu College, trampled Jane Guevarra, Eugene Ambor, Ardyin Hijastro, Andre Jorgio and Joerlz Gimony while Pason, a University of Cebu stalwart, toppled Rey Harada, Gerry Bagtas Jr., Tahseen Saludsong, Michael Gastala and Gerard Acedo.
Not to be outdone, the fourth-ranked Claro, also a University of Cebu bet, bested Macloyd Acedo, Twinkle Abellana, Grace Tabudlong, Baltazar Rafales Jr. and Alberto Diolola Jr. to force a three-way tie for the lead heading to the last four rounds of the nine-round Swiss system tournament sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.
But No. 6 Kenneth Tabada of Jose Maria College, No. 9 Exiquila Apao of University of Mindanao and 60th-ranked Raymund Vistal, also of Cor Jesu College, stood right behind the troika with 4.5 points while 17 others, including No. 5 Dhona Yngayo of UM, No. 7 Gerard Acedo of Bukidnon State U and Diololo pooled four points each, guaranteeing a wide-open battle for top honors in the boys’ juniors crown of the event backed by Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Diesel, Shell Fuel Oils, Shell V Power Nitro and Shell Rimula, as well as by Unilever and SM Supermalls and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Shell Sasa terminal manager Annadelyn Estoque and kiddie participant Vince Lucky Delalamon made the ceremonial moves in the opener of the two-day tournament also graced by Pilipinas Shell district manager Mark Anthony Gayon.