Lagula, Oberio show way in Shell NCR chess

McDominique Lagula of Far Eastern University and Aglipay Oberio of La Salle swept their first five matches to share the lead in the juniors division of the 22nd Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship NCR Leg at SM Megamall’s Event Center over the weekend.

In kiddies’ play, Dale Bernardo, Julius Gonzales and Jerick Marino shared the lead, also with a perfect 5 points apiece.

Lagula, ranked eighth in a field of 150, beat Lawrean Fulcher, Mira Mirano, Ynna Canape, Roy Coronel and Jerich Cajeras while the No. 7 Oberio downed Raul Sol Cruz Jr., Eric Margarito, Lynn Reyes, Romy Morado and Kyz Llantada to pace the 20-and-under division.

Lagula and Oberio were disputing the lead at presstime of the 9-round Swiss event.

Earlier, Pilipinas Shell social investment manager Jackie Ampil and Fide Master Joseph Turqueza, a six-time grand finalist, made the ceremonial moves firing off the two-day event, the first of a six-stage nationwide circuit.

The top-finishing girl entry joins the top two placers in the juniors and the kiddies classes in the grand finals set Oct. 11 and 12.

The top-seeded Gonzales from Holy Angel U, No. 2 Bernardo from La Salle Green Hills and the unranked Marino paced the 14-and-under class with 5 points with four rounds left.