Filipinos show way in Asean chess

Filipino International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia grabbed the solo lead while compatriot Woman International Master Shania Mae Mendoza kept her share of top spot after the seventh round of the Jafpa Asean Chess Championship in Jakarta on Saturday.

Garcia, stalwart of Ateneo de Manila University, drew with Vietnamese Grandmaster Dao Thien Hai and moved in front after countryman GM Darwin Laylo toppled erstwhile co-leader Fide Master Li Tian Yeoh in the 11-round Open division.

Mendoza, standout of Far Eastern U, downed Indonesian WFM Abidah Shanti Nur to keep pace with Vietnamese WGM Thi Mai Hung Nguyen, who toppled Indonesian WFM Dita Karenza in the Women’s division also set for 11 rounds.

The 20-year-old Garcia raised his total to 4.5 points with Dao and three others sharing second with 4.0 points.

Laylo was at 3.5 points in the company of countryman IM Paulo Bersamina. Roy Luarca