Paragua joins crowded leaderboard

Filipino Grandmaster Mark Paragua drew with Chinese International Master Wei Yi in yesterday’s fifth round to create a four-way tie for first place in the 3rd HD Bank Cup International Open Chess Tournament 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Paragua, who beat IM Nguyen Doc Hoa of Vietnam in the fourth round to gain a share of the lead along with Wei and GM Zhou Jianchao of China and top seed GM Le Quang Liem (ELO 2709) of Vietnam, now has 4.5 points in five outings. Le bested countryman IM Zeng Chongsheng while Zhou upset second seed GM Ferenc Berkes (ELO 2702) of Hungrary.

“ Maganda nilalaro ni (GM) Mark (Paragua) at makikita mo mayron siyang naitalang Rating Performance na 2766 matapos ang Round 5. Ang Elo rating ni Mark ay 2539 at naniniwala ako kaya niya muling mag 2600,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.

In the sixth round, Paragua takes on Le on Board 1 and Wei battles Zhou on Board 2.

Meanwhile, GMs Oliver Barbosa, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo of the Philippines defeated their respective rivals to notch 4.0 points good for 5th to 11th places.

Barbosa edged compatriot FM Haridas Pascua, Gomez subdued FM Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam while Laylo WIM Ni Shiqun of China.

Pascua remains at 3.0 points, the same output of GM Richard Bitoon, IM Oliver Dimakiling and NM Stewart Manaog. GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and FM Paulo Bersamina tallied 2.5 points, NM Nelson Villanueva scored 2.0 points and Jimson Bitoon notched 1.5 points.

A total of $30,000 cash awaits the winners with the champion getting the lion’s share of $10,000.