Quizon zooms to title contention

MANILA, Philippines — Daniel Quizon boosted his drive for a Grandmaster title when he pulled off a big win and tied four others on top with two rounds to go in the World Juniors Chess Championships in Gujarat, India.

The Olympiad-bound former World Cup veteran extracted a 63-move victory from a slight edge he sustained in his Sicilian opening encounter with fellow International Master and Russian-born Artiom Stribuk.

Quizon caught up with IM Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan, IM Rudik Makarian, GM Jose Gabriel Cardoso Cardoso of Colombia and GM Mamikon Gharibyan of Armenia, all with seven points apiece.

The Pinoy bet was shooting for another win with the white pieces as he was battling the ninth-seeded Nogerbek in the 10th and penultimate round at press time.

Quizon almost skipped the nine-round meet that gathered the best 20-and-under wood pushers due to fund shortage. But he drew the needed support from Multisys chief executive officer and founder David Almirol Jr.