By MARK REY MONTEJO
International Master (IM) Daniel Quizon drew with IM Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan in the 10th and penultimate round and dropped into joint second in the 2024 FIDE World Junior Chess Championships at the Radisson Gift City in Gujarat, India Wednesday night, June 12.
The 20-year-old Quizon and Nogerbek agreed to a draw after 33 pushes of Sicilian Defense to slightly improve to 7.5 points in the two-week long tournament.
Quizon is tied by Serbia’s Luka Budisavljevic, Kazakhstan’s Nogerbek and GM Emin Ohanyan – just half-a-point behind Armenian GM Mamikon Gharibyan.
Gharibyan beat IM Rudik Makarian of Russia in 79 moves of Bogo-Indian defense to earn the top spot.
The pride of Dasmariñas Cavite native must overcome Ohanyan and hopes that other 7.5 pointers and Gharibyan falter in the deciding rount to a have better chance to win the event.
If he does win, Quizon, who already achieved 3 GM norms, would clinch a Grandmaster status.
Currently carrying 2448 FIDE ratings, Quizon needs to surpass or reach 2500 to earn the coveted honor.
He is also looking to become first Filipino world junior champion in the event.
