Cebuano GM Sanchez scores 2nd draw in Cannes chess

CEBUANO woodpusher Grandmaster (GM) Joseph Sanchez scored his second straight draw against Abello Sebastien (2324) of France in the seventh round of the 26th Cannes Chess Festival at the Lerins Island in Cannes, France yesterday.

Sanchez, Cannes winner in 2009 and 2011, raised his total to 4 points on account of two wins, one loss and four draws in seven outings. He shares 16th to  26th places in this tournament which offeres 2,200 euros to the winner.

IM Axel Rombaldoni (2441) of Italy upset GM Alexander Fier (2603) of Brazil to grab the solo lead with 6 points.

Top-seed GM Etienne Bacrot (2704) of France stopped the winning run of GM Krikor Sevag Mekhitarian (2487) of Brazil for 5 points.  /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino