Datu, Suede pace 16-U competitions

MANILA, Philippines – National Master Alcon John Datu and Akiko Sharmaine Suede pulled off similar impressive victories to assume the solo lead in the boys’ and girls’ 16-under categories of the 2009 National Age-Group chess championships in Kalibo, Aklan.

Datu trounced eighth-seed Jerich Cajeras on Tuesday to extend his winning streak to five games and take a one-point lead over top seed NM Haridas Pascua and third seed Lennon Hart Salgados.

Pascua subdued Don Agustin Divinagracia, while Salgados whipped Jan Nigel Galan to remain within striking distance with four points apiece in the tournament held at the Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

Joey Albert Florendo shocked Franz Robert Grafil to move up to fourth place with 3.5 points.

Over at the girls’ division, Suede created the biggest reversal so far when she toppled Dresden Olympiad veteran Cheradee Camacho to grab the solo lead with 3.5 points.

Christy Lamiel Bernales trounced Adelaide Joie Lim and Mikee Charlene Suede overwhelmed Nikki Erica Yngayo to join Camacho with three points.

In the centerpiece 18 -U play, Patrick Erle Florendo and Jedara Docena bounced back into contention with a pair of impressive victories in their respective categories.

Florendo outclassed Nigel Valenzuela to gain a share of the lead with Scheider Nebato and Mari Joseph Turqueza with four points in five rounds.

Nebato and Turqueza agreed to a draw in their top-board encounter as did second seed John
Ranel Morazo and third seed Joel Pimentel.

Docena outclassed Ma. Josella Uy to forge a two-way tie for the lead with 3.5 points with Mira Jose, who halved the point with Jessa Marie Balbona.

Christine Marie Cabrales downed Mary Grace Bustamante to join Balbona with three points. –GMANews.TV

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar