By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Precious Eve Ferrer downed hometown bet Shaniah Francise Tamayo to remain at the helm after eight rounds in the Queen of the North Chess Championship at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City on Thursday, Dec. 21.
Playing black, the third seeded standout from Lingayen, Pangasinan toppled her fourth-ranked rival in 50 moves of a London System Opening to hike her tally to seven points and tightened her grip of the top spot in this eleven-round Swiss system tournament.
“Mahirap yung posisyon sa una, may pagka-draw-ish. Buti nakuha ko sa tyaga at naipit ko sya para manalo ako,” said Ferrer.
Top seed Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao and Jallen Herzchelle Agra, meanwhile, toppled their respective foes to remain at second with 6.5 points, just half a point behind Ferrer.
Sebastian crushed 15th seed Crishelle Angelica Dequillo of Laoag City in 38 moves of a Modern Defense, while Agra outclassed 16th pick Hazel Claire Ganasao in 23 moves of an English Opening.
Tamayo’s loss on Ferrer slipped her to joint third with 5.5 points along with Rachelle Pascua, who settled for a draw with fellow Bacarra, Ilocos Norte player Kimberly Gumallaoi in 66 moves of a Sicilian Defense.
The tournament offers the lion’s share of P60,000 courtesy of Mayor Michael Marcos Keon and Chairman of 102nd Homecoming UP Vanguard Incorporated (UPVI) Aldiwn Galapon.
