Garcia keeps lead despite draw with Indonesian

MANILA, Philippines - International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia kept his hold of the solo lead despite settling for a draw in Monday’s Round 9 of the Japfa Asean Chess Championship in Indonesia.

Garcia, a standout from Ateneo, agreed to a standoff with Indonesian Yoseph Theolifus Taher as he hiked his total to a leading six points on three wins and six draws.

The 20-year-old Garcia maintained a half-point lead against his closest rival, Vietnamese Fide Master Nguyen Anh Khoi (5.5), going to the last two rounds of the tourney.

IM Paulo Bersamina also halved the point with Indon GM Susanto Megaranto to improve to five markers and occupy fifth spot. GM Darwin Laylo likewise had a draw with ninth-round opponent Vietnamese GM Dao Thien Hai to up his tally to four points for 10th place.

In the distaff side, Woman IM Janelle Mae Frayna got the full point against Indon WFM Dita Karenza to stay in the hunt. Frayna of Far Eastern U trailed pacesetting Vietnamese WGM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung (8) by one point.

Erstwhile co-leader WFM Shania Me Mendoza drew with Indon Amanda Suci Fitriyani to remain at No. 3 with 6.5 markers.

WIM Bernadette Galas triumphed over Malaysian WFM Nur Najiha Azman Hiram to hike her card to five points and seventh in the standings.