MHAGE Gerriahlou Sebastian beat Jarel Renz Lacambra to continue to lead the way in the girls’ section of the Philippine National Juniors Chess Championships at the PACE center in North Ave., Quezon City over the weekend.
Sebastian, 15, remained perfect with five points, counting her victories over Precious Eve Ferrer, Ma. Elayza Villa, Divine Grace Luna and Lexie Grace Hernandez.
The Far Eastern University standout will have her hands full against closest pursuer Ruelle Canino, a 13-year-old phenom from Cagayan de Oro, when they face each other in the sixth round later Monday.
The prodigious Canino smashed Grace Hernandez to improve to four points, a point off the pace in the event supported by Philippine Sports Commission chief William Ramirez, NCFP president Butch Pichay, Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Chess Movement, Inc. chair Dr. Ariel Potot.
In the premier open division, FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and Adrian Othniel Yulo trounced Khent Darylle Delig and Christian Marcelo Olaybal, respectively, to seize joint leadership with four points each.
Nouri, 15, has the better tiebreak, having beaten Yulo the round before.
Half a point behind with 3.5 points was Ronald Canino, who halved the point with Jarvey Labanda.
