Paragua, 2 others share 4th rd lead in Bangkok

GRANDMASTER Mark Paragua continued his fiery showing Wednesday even as two other players managed to keep pace after four rounds of the Bangkok Chess Club 2013 at the Dusit Thani Pattaya in Pattaya, Thailand.

The eighth-seed Paragua defeated No.19 seed GM Czebe Attila of Hungrary to post his fourth straight win in as many rounds, the same output of No.10 seed GM Zhao Zong-Yuan of Australia, winner over 41st seed FM Hamed Nouri and No.24 IM Roy Saptarshi of India, who downed 6th seed GM Lu Shanglei of China.

Grandmasters John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo also defeated their respective rivals to score 3.5 points and share fourth to 14th place along with compatriots GMs Oliver Barbosa and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr.

The 13rg seed Gomez blasted No.44 seed GM Rantanen Yrjo A. of Finland; 17th seed Laylo crushed No.56 Muke of China; 12th seed Antonio split the point with No.3 seed GM Jan Gustafsson of Germany while tge 5th seed Barbosa halved the point with No.18 seed IM Wang Chen of China.

In the fifth round, Paragua goes up against Saptarshi on board one while Zhao battles Gustafsson on board two.

“Inaasahan natin mas matinding bakbakan ang laban sa mga susunod na rounds,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

The Filipinos’ Thailand chess campaign is supported by NCFP Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee. /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino